Embarking on a Musical Journey with Roger Miller’s “King of the Road”
Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Roger Miller’s iconic song, “King of the Road.” Penned by the talented country singer and released in November 1964, this timeless masterpiece paints a vivid picture of the daily life of a carefree hobo. Despite his meager means, he joyfully embraces his freedom, humorously and cynically declaring himself the undisputed “king of the road.” This catchy tune marked Miller’s fifth single for Smash Records and catapulted him to new heights of fame.
The enchanting melody of “King of the Road” transcended genre boundaries, making its mark on various music charts. It swiftly soared to the top spot on the US Country chart, while also claiming the No. 4 position on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100. Its charm extended beyond these accolades, as it secured the No. 1 spot on the Easy Listening surveys and even conquered the UK Singles Chart and Norway’s music scene.
Miller vividly recalled the inspiration behind this beloved anthem. As he cruised down the open road, his eyes were drawn to a sign adorning the side of a weathered barn, boldly proclaiming, “Trailers for sale or rent.” These simple words etched themselves into his mind and became the unforgettable opening line of the song, setting the stage for a captivating musical journey.
The legacy of “King of the Road” stretches beyond Roger Miller’s rendition. Acclaimed alternative rock band R.E.M. ventured into uncharted territory, delivering their unique cover of the song. However, guitarist Peter Buck playfully confessed that their rendition, while imbued with a shambolic, drunken charm, may have strayed a bit too far from the original. Buck humorously remarked, “If there was any justice in the world, Roger Miller should be able to sue for what we did to this song.”
The infectious appeal of “King of the Road” didn’t stop there. English entertainer Billy Howard seized the opportunity to infuse the song with his comedic flair, creating a playful rendition titled “King of the Cops.” This lighthearted version resonated with audiences and became a chart-topping sensation in the UK in 1976, further solidifying the song’s enduring popularity.
Recognizing its brilliance, the prestigious Grammy Awards showered Roger Miller with well-deserved accolades. At the 8th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony in 1966, “King of the Road” secured a staggering five Grammy Awards. Miller’s exceptional talent and artistry were acknowledged in categories such as Best Contemporary (R&R) Single, Best Contemporary (R&R) Vocal Performance – Male, Best Country & Western Single, Best Country & Western Vocal Performance – Male, and Best Country & Western Song. Additionally, his album “The Return Of Roger Miller” clinched a Grammy for Best Country & Western Album, cementing his status as a true musical luminary.
Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” remains an everlasting gem in the realm of music. Its whimsical storytelling, infectious melody, and clever wordplay continue to captivate listeners across generations. Join the journey and experience the magic of this timeless classic that has etched its rightful place in the annals of music history.
Album: The Return of Roger Miller
Artist: Roger Miller
Genre: Country
Awards: Grammy Award for Best Country Song
Lyrics
Trailer’s for sale or rent
Rooms to let, 50 cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes
Ah, but, two hours of pushin’ broom
Buys an eight by twelve four-bit room
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road
Third boxcar, midnight train
Destination Bangor, Maine
Old, worn out suit and shoes
I don’t pay no union dues
I smoke old stogies I have found
Short, but not too big around
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road
I know every engineer on every train
All of their children, and all of their names
And every handout in every town
Every lock that ain’t locked, when no one’s around
I sing, trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let, 50 cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes
Ah, but, two hours of pushin’ broom
Buys an eight by twelve four-bit room
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road
Trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let, 50 cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes
Ah, but, two hours of pushin’ broom buys…
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