You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd...

...but you can be happy if you've a mind to it.

Y'all remember that old time hit by Roger Miller, right? If I could figure out this dag gum technology, I would've had it playin' on this here site. Contrary to unpopular belief, 'ol Rog was quite the philosopher:

Ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd
Ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd
Ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

Ya can't take a shower in a parakeet cage
Ya can't take a shower in a parakeet cage
Ya can't take a shower in a parakeet cage
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

All ya gotta do is put your mind to it
Knuckle down, buckle down, do it, do it, do it

Well, ya can't go a-swimmin' in a baseball pool
Ya can't go swimmin' in a baseball pool
Ya can't go swimmin' in a baseball pool
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

Ya can't change film with a kid on your back
Ya can't change film with a kid on your back
Ya can't change film with a kid on your back
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

Ya can't drive around with a tiger in your car
Ya can't drive around with a tiger in your car
Ya can't drive around with a tiger in your car
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

All ya gotta do is put your mind to it
Knuckle down, buckle down do it, do it, do it

Well, ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd
Ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd
Ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

Ya can't go fishin' in a watermelon patch
Ya can't go fishin' in a watermelon patch
Ya can't go fishin' in a watermelon patch
But you can be happy if you've a mind to

This song led to a great discussion with my students about Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning. Although Frankl was in the most destitute, liberty-stripped situation imaginable (a nazi concentration camp), he maintained that he possessed the last of all remaining human freedoms: the power to choose one's attitude in any circumstance. I felt enlightened by the conversation but was left to wonder, "What if I can't carry a joey (baby kangaroo) in my fanny pack?"

I'll have to put my mind to it.