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Roger Miller — King of The Road
Album: The Best of Roger Miller
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 553









Released: 1965
Length: 2:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Trailer for sale or rent
Rooms to let fifty cents
No phone no pool no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah but, two hours of pushing broom
Buys a eight by twelve four bit room
I'm a man of means by no means
King of the road

Third bocxcar 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 the children and all of their names
And every handout in every town
And every lock that ain't locked when no one's around
I sing trailers for sale or rent...

Rooms to let fifty cents
No phone no pool no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah but, two hours of pushing broom
Buys a 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 fifty cents
No phone no pool no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah but, two hours of pushing broom
Comments (116)add comment
How do all these old songs sound so “present” and crystal clear? Recording techniques must have been awesome back then.
Posted 2 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Wow, me too, miss my dad
 casey1024 wrote:
Can't hear this without thinking of my Dad.  A hobo at heart.  That is meant in the kindest possible light.  How I miss him.
 

Posted 3 years ago by bdomm    [ Reply ]
8-->9

Wish I'd known you cyanaera...

   
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
BarrettBonden wrote:
When I was 16 years old my oldest brother (18 years my senior) used to play this after he came back home from hard times. He was 30 something and had let his apartment get away from him. I think now apartment could be used as a metaphor for life as well. I used to snort derisively in that particularly self-righteous 16 year old way but privately listen to the end of the song before going on to the 5th spinning of Led Zeppelin. He has always liked the old mainstream country, blue grass and old time music like the majority of my siblings and I followed suit after going to music festivals and staying up late to listen to the real shows. I guess I have always found this song rather cool.  Now at 52 I sit in this apartment getting away from me and smile rather derisively at my earlier self. Such is the circle of life.

Bean

 
{#Clap} {#Notworthy}
 Cynaera wrote:

True story: My best friend and I learned this song, and we used to sit on my window sill (which required climbing out the bedroom window) and sing it for the neighborhood kids. They LOVED it, so we learned "Dang Me," King of the Road," and "You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd."  I still remember the words to most of those songs! {#Embarassed}

  
{#Dancingbanana}

You were a sweet pistol of a woman, Cynaera...
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Can't hear this without thinking of my Dad.  A hobo at heart.  That is meant in the kindest possible light.  How I miss him.
Posted 9 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
 melsmith60 wrote:
A classic. Rated too high on RP though.

 
That's unpossible for a "classic."
Posted 9 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]

What a genius !  And that voice........... brilliant

 


Posted 9 years ago by howton52    [ Reply ]
"I'm a man of means, by no means."

What brilliant songwriting. 
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
anyone else used to sing this at Scout camp?
 
No, but one time .....at band camp...all of us were......
Posted 9 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
When I was 16 years old my oldest brother (18 years my senior) used to play this after he came back home from hard times. He was 30 something and had let his apartment get away from him. I think now apartment could be used as a metaphor for life as well. I used to snort derisively in that particularly self-righteous 16 year old way but privately listen to the end of the song before going on to the 5th spinning of Led Zeppelin. He has always liked the old mainstream country, blue grass and old time music like the majority of my siblings and I followed suit after going to music festivals and staying up late to listen to the real shows. I guess I have always found this song rather cool.  Now at 52 I sit in this apartment getting away from me and smile rather derisively at my earlier self. Such is the circle of life.

Bean
Posted 9 years ago by BarrettBonden    [ Reply ]
This will always remind me of Super Dave Osborne playing this atop a semi truck just before smashing into a tunnel. {#Roflol}
 
Posted 10 years ago by SynapseRider    [ Reply ]
It's most excellent because it reminds me of my grandfathers, dad and uncles.  They all seemed to like this song.
Posted 10 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 melsmith60 wrote:
A classic. Rated too high on RP though.

 
Just gave it a 9.
Posted 10 years ago by pbrownyyc    [ Reply ]
anyone else used to sing this at Scout camp?
Posted 10 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
A classic. Rated too high on RP though.
Posted 10 years ago by melsmith60    [ Reply ]
Oh ! Have we got a theme, here ? Bill, are you trying to tell us something ? OK, I'll buy a t-shirt soon. Promised.
Posted 10 years ago by MusiqueMusique    [ Reply ]
that song is so good all he has to do is sing it again
 
Posted 10 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
Man, quick trip back to childhood! What a blast! This song always makes me happy.  Thanks, Bill!
Posted 10 years ago by rich95969    [ Reply ]
This song waltzes into my head occasionally, and I sing what I know; whistle the rest.

Nice to hear it on RP along with the other spectrum broadening in the past few years.  Thanks Bill. Great job!!
Posted 11 years ago by maximinimalist    [ Reply ]
Remember this well on the radio as a kid....
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 wlpendley wrote:
Great pop hit, but how about playing some of Roger Miller's more obscure genius songs?  I'm thinking of "The Last Word In Lonesome Is Me", "A World So Full of Love", "I've Been a Long Time Leaving" or even "LIttle Green Apples"...
 
Start uploading :)
Posted 11 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Great pop hit, but how about playing some of Roger Miller's more obscure genius songs?  I'm thinking of "The Last Word In Lonesome Is Me", "A World So Full of Love", "I've Been a Long Time Leaving" or even "LIttle Green Apples"...
Posted 11 years ago by wlpendley    [ Reply ]
 Shesdifferent wrote:
Thanks Bill for adding this to the playlist. Brings back so many memories when I was a kid, my mom use to play this on the jukebox in the bar that we owned. Always fun to hear.
 

Jukeboxes & childhood, I too remember those days. :)
Posted 11 years ago by olesonb    [ Reply ]
This song has seen better days.
Posted 11 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill for adding this to the playlist. Brings back so many memories when I was a kid, my mom use to play this on the jukebox in the bar that we owned. Always fun to hear.
Posted 11 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
I don't know why I'm surprised to hear this on RP.  Nothing I hear on this station should surprise me.  Thanks, Bill!
Posted 11 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello, followed by The Beatles, followed by Greg Brown, followed by Roger Miller.
My god I love this station! Thank you Bill.
Posted 11 years ago by khunshawn    [ Reply ]
I never tire of listening to this song.  Roger lived close by in Santa Fe.
Posted 11 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
I remember my dad or someone brought home some 45's that my brother and I used to play on a little turntable.  This was one of them, and it got played a lot.   I must have been 6 or 7.  My dad always seemed to like this one.
Posted 11 years ago by Cyclehawk    [ Reply ]
Always good to hear !!!!
Posted 11 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
This song is timeless
Posted 11 years ago by sdgserv    [ Reply ]
Everyone in the hotel room above loves this tune.....so good for the ears
Posted 11 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
One of my Dad's favorite songs.

He would be surprised it's being played on my favorite rock radio station
Posted 11 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 Antigone wrote:


Love this.
 
Still love it. I love his voice and the lyrics and, heck you haters ... it's short for god's sake!
Posted 11 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Love it
Posted 11 years ago by rage    [ Reply ]
Had to turn it off. 1965, living with my step-father. I'm surprised it brought the memories back so viscerally. No.
Posted 12 years ago by Anax    [ Reply ]
Burnt into my memories too Bill. There's a tavern where I grew up in Michigan called the 'Tally Ho', which was one of my Dad's old hangouts. Every time i hear this song I can picture the place and this song playing on the jukebox.
 
Posted 12 years ago by stewbintn    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:
Jazz Country.  I think it's the only song in that genre!

I remembered every single word as I sang along.  Memories of being 7 years old, listening to my Grandma jokingly singing "Sailors for trail or rent".  *smiles to self* 

 
 
I remembered every single word as I sang along.  Memories of being 6 years old.

Posted 12 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
Jazz Country.  I think it's the only song in that genre!

I remembered every single word as I sang along.  Memories of being 7 years old, listening to my Grandma jokingly singing "Sailors for trail or rent".  *smiles to self* 

 
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
When I was a kid my Mom used to play the crap out of this on the 'ol record grinder. For some reason I still like it anyways..
 
It still works for some reason.  It's a good song, no matter how much I've heard it in my youth.  It may have a personal connection for me because my dad drove car carriers.

Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

(Just don't ever play American Pie, OK?)
 
Only once per year, on the day in question.  
Posted 12 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
My father used to sing along with this when it came on the AM radio in his '66 Impala hardtop coupe. I will always love this song.

Posted 12 years ago by Ears_of_Stone    [ Reply ]

Truly a classic folk song.


Posted 12 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
 HoneyBearKelly wrote:
Why, dear God?
Why?
 
Why not?

Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Bill, I grew up listening to "King of the Road" too (born 1955) but having just heard it on RP, I'm struck how it makes me think of an old school GOP.  Freaky reference I know but while many of friends' parents were embracing this (and other shit like Up With People), my parents (I'm one of 12) thought the Beatles, the Stones, the Doors, Janis Joplin for example, were far more interesting & hip.  Thank goodness for that!
Posted 12 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Thanx Bill.  You need never feel the need to justify/explain Roger Miller - it was a TRANSPLENDENT choice.  Say hi to Rebecca.
Posted 12 years ago by ukooku    [ Reply ]
love singing along with this one!
Posted 12 years ago by sheetsy    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


And eng-a-land swings like a pendulum do.
 
True story: My best friend and I learned this song, and we used to sit on my window sill (which required climbing out the bedroom window) and sing it for the neighborhood kids. They LOVED it, so we learned "Dang Me," King of the Road," and "You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd."  I still remember the words to most of those songs! {#Embarassed}
Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 LaurieinTucson wrote:
Bill G, you don't banter enough. But when you do, it is always worth listening to. You could banter a lot more, and I would not mind.
 
Right there with you, LaurieinTucson!  {#High-five}
Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
When I was maybe 7 or 8, I begged my Aunt Charlotte in Coffeyville to show me how to play this on the piano when I was there visiting for a week or so one summer — and bless her heart, she did, and showed me just how much it rocked, and how the lyrics were way over my head but enjoyable to learn and say nonetheless...but she didn't stop there — she blew my little mind with Maple Leaf Rag, and man, I realized then and there that this new world of MUSIC was by far the Better Kingdom on this Earth...

 
I also very much dig comments like this.

Posted 12 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Bill G, you don't banter enough. But when you do, it is always worth listening to. You could banter a lot more, and I would not mind.
Posted 12 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
When I was maybe 7 or 8, I begged my Aunt Charlotte in Coffeyville to show me how to play this on the piano when I was there visiting for a week or so one summer — and bless her heart, she did, and showed me just how much it rocked, and how the lyrics were way over my head but enjoyable to learn and say nonetheless...but she didn't stop there — she blew my little mind with Maple Leaf Rag, and man, I realized then and there that this new world of MUSIC was by far the Better Kingdom on this Earth...

Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
it always makes me think of Pulp Fiction

Posted 12 years ago by stackarukk    [ Reply ]
I can't hear a Roger Miller song without thinking of him on the Muppet Show. Priceless.
Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Right on, Bill... I, too, "waited" through this like you. But NOW....

(Just don't ever play American Pie, OK?)
Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
a "wait through" tune...well stated Bill
Posted 12 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
When I was a kid my Mom used to play the crap out of this on the 'ol record grinder. For some reason I still like it anyways..
Posted 12 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Roger's a legend, what can I say?
Posted 12 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
sweet!
Posted 12 years ago by gormeister    [ Reply ]
OMG...I know the words to this song like it was second nature. My mom use to play this at our bar on the jukebox when I was in elementary school. Love it...even though I'm not a country fan. Roger Miller had his place.... {#Clap}

Posted 12 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]


Love this.
Posted 12 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
So Cool. Fond memories of singing along to this one.
Posted 12 years ago by blkstd    [ Reply ]
Yeah... I knew all of the words by the time I was 10.  Hey, my grandpa was an actual "Hobo" during the depression, so I felt that I had a grasp on the song.

Thanks for playing this.  There's a reason that so many people have covered it over the years.   
Posted 12 years ago by gregormiz    [ Reply ]
{#Cheesygrin}
Posted 12 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
This song is just epic.  Thanks, Bill!
Posted 13 years ago by cavetroll    [ Reply ]
One of my favorites.  Roger lived just outside of my hometown, Santa Fe.
Posted 13 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
It's like finding a gem in the attic.  Dust off the vinyl & play.  Memories come flooding back.  {#Bounce}

Thanks Bill!!

Posted 13 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
 handyrae wrote:
Because it's so much fun. That's my answer at least.
 
That's all the answer you need.

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
I remember this delightful song.  It hinted at life beyond suburbia.
 

Reminds me of driving the '58 Bel Air up through Oklahoma and Kansas to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Iowa.

Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:
didn't he do Dang Me?  and that song about an upset tummy?
 
'Dang Me', 'Chug-a-Lug', 'Do-Wacka-Do', plus 'You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd' and many other insightful ditties.

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 HoneyBearKelly wrote:
Why, dear God?
Why?
 
Because it's so much fun. That's my answer at least.

Posted 13 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:
didn't he do Dang Me?  and that song about an upset tummy?
 
And, you cain't roller skate thru a buffalo herd...

Posted 13 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:
didn't he do Dang Me?  and that song about an upset tummy?
 

And eng-a-land swings like a pendulum do.
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Why, dear God?
Why?
Posted 13 years ago by HoneyBearKelly    [ Reply ]
Awesome line delivery. Comparable with the greats like Sinatra. This is simply a wonderful combination of song and voice.
Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
7 —> 8
Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
One of my mom's favorites. Perfect timing, Bill...bless you

RIP Mom 2010 
Posted 13 years ago by btilrn    [ Reply ]
Now why can't there be "rooms to let for 50 cents" these days?  Heck, I'd settle for a room for $500...
Posted 13 years ago by gratefulgator    [ Reply ]
{#Cowboy}
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
didn't he do Dang Me?  and that song about an upset tummy?
Posted 13 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
excellent follow-up to Greg Brown's "Just a Bum"
Posted 13 years ago by idahoTux    [ Reply ]
Nowhere but RP!!!!!!!  Mom had this album....reminds me of her.....are you 'up there' listening, Mom?
Posted 13 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]

Really want to hear "King of the Road", been listing to you for years, and had a conversation about this song today, if you could play it would be great!


Posted 13 years ago by rockinsparky    [ Reply ]
I remember an old skydiving friend singing his own version of this as "King of the Air" about the joys of skydiving and in particular the old days when it was just getting started.
Posted 13 years ago by iankath    [ Reply ]

You'll laugh friends, but AND THIS song too, I also heard for the first time in the performance of Boney M


Posted 13 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
Rooms to let ... 50 cents ...

more Roger !
Posted 13 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
Great song!{#Cheers}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Giggity!
Posted 13 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 df1489 wrote:
Singin' right along....mmmmmm
 
Singin' AND snappin' here in good ol' Virginny.

Posted 13 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
MORE MORE MORE Roger Miller!
Posted 13 years ago by RobRyan    [ Reply ]
I remember this delightful song.  It hinted at life beyond suburbia.
Posted 13 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Fun, but I prefer the drunk-off-their-asses version from REM on "Dead Letter Office."
Posted 13 years ago by CatFitz    [ Reply ]
Childhood.  Parties that my parents hosted.  Everyone sang.  Dad played guitar or banjo - everyone knew how to harmonize.  God, what I would give for one of those days to relive.  Thanks Mom & Dad for warmth and fun that reaches me 45 years in the future. xo
Posted 13 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Love this song - once I hear it I'll sing it all day.
Posted 13 years ago by markander33    [ Reply ]
As a kid, when grand-ma would take us visitin' kin folks around Memphis and north Mississippi., I would always entertain myself by listening to records while the adults "visited".  I was always happy to find a Roger Miller album among the typical collection of Elvis albums.  Do-wack-a-do, Cain't Roller Skate, England Swings....   great memories.

Posted 13 years ago by GawgaBoy    [ Reply ]
Time has no impact on good music.  It works and will work long after most of us are gone.
Posted 13 years ago by Bad_Art    [ Reply ]
I can still remember this song the first time I heard it, in the summer,ice cream truck going by Mom on the front porch, I was 4. Wow memories from a song there is a synapse left.
Posted 13 years ago by gregpw    [ Reply ]
Singin' right along....mmmmmm
Posted 13 years ago by df1489    [ Reply ]
 spicytomato wrote:
My father and I loved listening to this song together.  He used to smoke "stogies" too.
 
This was one of *my* dad's favorite songs, too. He had a sad life, but when he sang he transformed into a happy guy. This song will forever hold a very special place in my heart, and in my iTunes library. I miss my dad, and this song will always bring a lump to my throat. :( But it's a "good" lump. :)

Posted 13 years ago by choffman2001    [ Reply ]
Now you have no excuse. Destroy that awful Proclaimers" version that you've been playing recently.
Posted 14 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]

Roger Miller - "Invitation to the Blues" Live (1989)

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Roger Miller - "Me And Bobby McGee" (1969)

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Someone please upload Do Wacka Do.
Posted 14 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
My late father used to play this all the time, especially when i would blast my Beatles and Stones music as a youngin.  great music never goes out of style!
Posted 14 years ago by BLADERUNNER    [ Reply ]
Interesting that I've never heard the artist's name before but I definitely know the song!  
Posted 14 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
My father and I loved listening to this song together.  He used to smoke "stogies" too.
Posted 14 years ago by spicytomato    [ Reply ]
This is amazing!  I believe he used to live close to my hometown, Santa Fe.
Posted 14 years ago by jimbaca    [ Reply ]
10
Posted 14 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Good memories from long, long ago.
Posted 14 years ago by Ears_of_Stone    [ Reply ]
I've lived this...
Posted 14 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Brilliant!
Posted 14 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
A true classic.
Posted 14 years ago by laramieu    [ Reply ]
One of my late father's favorite songs.
Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
Enjoy!
Posted 17 years ago by baddog8it    [ Reply ]