About the song
“(And You Had a) Do-Wacka-Do” is a playful and cleverly written song by the renowned American country artist Roger Miller. Released in 1965, the song is a prime example of Miller’s unique ability to blend humor with music, creating a light-hearted tune that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Though it wasn’t as massive a hit as some of his other songs, “Do-Wacka-Do” has endured as one of Miller’s most memorable and inventive lyrical creations.
The song was recorded in October 1964 and showcases Miller’s signature style—witty, upbeat, and infused with a touch of whimsy. The expression “do-wacka-do” is thought to be a humorous way of saying “do-like-I-do,” reflecting the song’s central theme of envy and playful longing. The lyrics are crafted as if the singer is writing a letter to a friend or perhaps a former friend, who seems to be enjoying all the good fortune that the singer wishes he had. Lines like “I hear tell you’re doing well, good things have come to you…” convey a sense of light-hearted jealousy, while the repeated refrain “I wish I had your good luck charm, and you had a do-wacka-do, wacka-do, wacka-do, wacka-do, wacka-do” adds a catchy and humorous twist to the message.
What makes “Do-Wacka-Do” particularly engaging is its tone. Rather than expressing envy in a bitter or resentful way, Miller approaches the emotion with a sense of fun and humor. The song’s jaunty rhythm and playful lyrics make it easy to sing along to, while also conveying a deeper, more relatable message about the human tendency to compare oneself to others and wish for what they have.
Roger Miller was known for his ability to infuse his songs with a sense of humor that was both clever and accessible, and “Do-Wacka-Do” is a perfect example of this talent. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Miller’s skill as a songwriter and his unique voice in the country music genre. Even today, “Do-Wacka-Do” remains a delightful piece of music that brings a smile to the faces of those who listen, reminding us all to take life a little less seriously and find joy in the simpler things.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Roger Miller or just discovering his music, “(And You Had a) Do-Wacka-Do” is a song that captures the essence of his creative spirit—a blend of wit, charm, and a deep understanding of the human condition, all wrapped up in a catchy tune that sticks with you long after the music has stopped.
Video
Lyrics
I hear tell you’re doin’ well
Good thing have come to you
I wish I had your happiness
And you had a do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka-do
They tell me you’re runnin’ free
Your days are never blue
I wish I had your good-luck charm
And you had a do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka-do
Yeah, I see you’re goin’ down the street in your big Cadillac
You got girls in the front, you got girls in the back
Yeah, way in back, you got money in a sack
Both hands on the wheel and your shoulders rared back
Root-doot-doot-doot-doot, do-wah
I hear tell you’re doin’ well
Good things have come to you
I wish I had your happiness
And you had a do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka-do
Yeah, I see you’re goin’ down the street in your big Cadillac
You got girls in the front, you got girls in the back
Yeah, way in back, you got money in a sack
Both hands on the wheel and your shoulders rared back
Root-doot-doot-doot-doot, do-wah
I hear tell you’re doin’ well
Good things have come to you
I wish I had your good-luck charm
And you had a do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka, do-wacka-do