“England Swings (Like a Pendulum Do)” is a 1965 country music song written and performed by Roger Miller….of which the single was Miller’s eleventh hit on the US country chart where it peaked at # 3….and on the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at # 8….as it was Miller’s second # 1 on the Easy Listening chart…. whereas, Petula Clark from the Colour My World album and Pat Boone both released cover versions in 1967.
The title refers to Swinging London, a popular term for the progressive youth-centric cultural scene in London at the time….however, the lyrics do not convey any of this progressiveness….but mostly relate to stereotypical notions of traditional Britain….with references to “bobbies on bicycles”, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. The song also provides the structure for Miller’s later song “Oo De Lally (Robin Hood and Little John)” for the film Robin Hood.
As seen in this video herewith….Roger Miller sings “England Swings (Like A Pendulum Do)” live on stage at Austin City Limits in 1983.
