About The Song
In the realm of country music, there are songs that tell stories of love and loss, of heartache and hard times, of the beauty of the natural world and the struggles of everyday life. And then there are songs that capture a spirit, an essence, a way of being that resonates with listeners on a deeper level. “King of the Road” by Roger Miller is one of those songs.
Released in 1964, “King of the Road” quickly became a country music classic, topping the charts and earning Miller five Grammy Awards. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Miller’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who lives life on his own terms, traveling from place to place, beholden to no one. He’s a “man of means by no means,” but he’s rich in freedom and contentment. His possessions are simple: a “rubber-band stretched between two steel posts” for a bed, a “homemade icebox” for a refrigerator, and a “guitar” for entertainment.
The song’s narrator is not without his troubles. He admits to being “tired of beating my brains out working for the man” and “havin’ to get up so early in the morning.” But he wouldn’t trade his life for anything. He’s “king of the road,” and he’s happy with his lot.
“King of the Road” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an anthem for the free-spirited. It’s a celebration of the simple life, of living off the grid, of being your own boss. It’s a reminder that true happiness doesn’t come from material possessions or societal status; it comes from within.
Miller’s delivery of the song is as laid-back and easygoing as the lifestyle he’s singing about. His voice is warm and inviting, and his lyrics are full of humor and wit. He makes “King of the Road” sound effortless, but there’s a lot of craft and artistry behind the song’s simplicity.
“King of the Road” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It’s a song that celebrates freedom, independence, and the simple pleasures in life. It’s a reminder that true happiness can be found in the most unexpected places. So next time you’re feeling down, put on “King of the Road” and let Roger Miller take you on a journey down the open road. You might just find yourself feeling a little more like the “king” of your own life.
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Lyric
Trailer’s for sale or rentRooms to let, 50 centsNo phone, no pool, no petsI ain’t got no cigarettesAh, but, two hours of pushin’ broomBuys an eight by twelve four-bit roomI’m a man of means by no meansKing of the roadThird boxcar, midnight trainDestination Bangor, MaineOld, worn out suit and shoesI don’t pay no union duesI smoke old stogies I have foundShort, but not too big aroundI’m a man of means by no meansKing of the roadI know every engineer on every trainAll of their children, and all of their namesAnd every handout in every townEvery lock that ain’t locked, when no one’s aroundI sing, trailers for sale or rentRooms to let, 50 centsNo phone, no pool, no petsI ain’t got no cigarettesAh, but, two hours of pushin’ broomBuys an eight by twelve four-bit roomI’m a man of means by no meansKing of the roadTrailers for sale or rentRooms to let, 50 centsNo phone, no pool, no petsI ain’t got no cigarettesAh, but, two hours of pushin’ broom buys…