As a record collector, I went out and hunted down a lot of my favorites but obviously came nowhere near getting them all. Here are some of the favorites that I didn’t own at the time.
“England Swings” is a classic country-pop song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Roger Miller. Released in 1965, the song quickly became one of Miller’s signature hits and is celebrated for its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and upbeat, swinging rhythm. The song’s lyrics playfully depict the cultural exchange and influence between the United States and England during the swinging 1960s.
The lyrics of “England Swings” are characterized by witty wordplay and clever observations. Miller humorously narrates his experiences of English life, referencing iconic British symbols such as the changing weather, the Queen’s Guard, and the River Thames.
The chorus captures the essence of the song, with Miller singing, “England swings like a pendulum do, bobbies on bicycles two by two, Westminster Abbey, the tower of Big Ben, the rosy red cheeks of the little children.” The catchy and memorable lyrics contributed significantly to the song’s success. Upon its release, “England Swings” climbed the charts and achieved commercial success.
It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, showcasing its widespread popularity. The song’s infectious melody and Miller’s charismatic delivery contributed to its crossover appeal, making it accessible to audiences beyond the country music genre. It was number 3 on the Country chart, and number 1 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks.
The success of “England Swings” solidified Roger Miller’s status as a versatile and talented artist. His unique blend of country, folk, and pop elements, coupled with his distinctive songwriting style, set him apart in the music industry.
The song remains a classic example of the crossover success that some country artists achieved during the 1960s, reaching audiences beyond the traditional country music fanbase. Petula Clark (from the Colour My World album) and Pat Boone both released cover versions in 1967. The song was covered by The Wiggles and Keith Urban on the Australian version of the album Let’s Eat, released in 2010.
England Swings written by Roger Miller
England swings like a pendulum do
Bobbies on bicycles, two by two
Westminster Abbey, the tower of Big Ben
The rosy-red cheeks of the little children
Now, if you huff and puff and you finally save enough
Money you can take your family on a trip across the sea
Take a tip before you take your trip, let me tell you where to go
Go to Engeland, oh
England swings like a pendulum do
Bobbies on bicycles, two by two
Westminster Abbey, the tower of Big Ben
The rosy-red cheeks of the little children
Mama's old pajamas and your papa's mustache
Falling out the window sill, frolic in the grass
Tryin' to mock the way they talk fun but all in vain
Gaping at the dapper men with derby hats and canes
England swings like a pendulum do
Bobbies on bicycles, two by two
Westminster Abbey, the tower of Big Ben
The rosy-red cheeks of the little children
England swings like a pendulum do
Bobbies on bicycles, two by two
Westminster Abbey, the tower of Big Ben
The rosy-red cheeks of the little children
Further Reading
Sources
- Song Meanings “England Swings” https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858506375/
- Wikipedia “England Swings” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_Swings
- Whitburn, Joel. “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits.” Billboard Books, 2009.
- Discogs “England Swings” https://www.discogs.com/master/223111-Roger-Miller-England-Swings
