The song “England Swings (Like a Pendulum Do),” which was written and performed by Roger Miller, shows his immense sense of humor. The song portrays traditional England and not the swinging scene at all. Miller whistles and sings about bobbies on bicycles, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and little children. Not mentioned here are the sex, drugs, and rock n roll of London’s hipsters. “England Swings” went to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks, #3 on the Hot Country Singles, and #8 on the Hot 100. In the U.K., the song rose to #13.

Roger Miller was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1936. He is probably best known for his country/pop hits “King of the Road,” “Dang Me,” “Chug-a-Lug,” “Husband and Wives,” and “Little Green Apples,” to name a few. Miller died at the age of 56 of lung cancer in 1992.

Here are the lyrics to “England Swings (Like a Pendulum Do)” 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
Up to 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 England, 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”

For another song by Roger Miller: “King of the Road.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “England Swings (Like a Pendulum Do)” by Roger Miller.