The true meaning to that song: It was written when the Erie Canal was being made. “Buffalo Gals” were, let’s say, business women in the red light district of Buffalo, NY.
The song predates “It’s a Wonderful Life” by 100 years + (1844). The movie probably is Arlo’s source, but like Da’Dad, I spent time looking for it’s origin, so want to share my knowledge. It was written & performed by a minstrel show entertainer.
I learned the song from my grandmother. She said her father, who was a soldier in the Civil War, had taught it to her and had told her of its popularity during the war. (He was in the Confederate army, so apparently its popularity was already nation-wide by then.) Anyway, in the words of Van the Man, “It’s a marvelous night for a moondance!” (And for eclipse-watching, out West!)
Ahuehuete over 3 years ago
He must have just watched It’s Wonderful Life
thomas_matkey over 3 years ago
You’re treading on thin ice, Arlo.
aKG1 over 3 years ago
Is Janis actually a Biloxi Gal?
nosirrom over 3 years ago
Arlo has Janis, he doesn’t need any other gals.
abucksworth Premium Member over 3 years ago
The way this loving couple is portrayed is so joyous, it makes me happy.
James Wolfenstein over 3 years ago
I think the real issue here is that she’s not from Buffalo. Or that she’s no longer a gal…
Aladar30 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Awwww. That’s so romantic ♡.
flagmichael over 3 years ago
Must be too early for our own Buflogal (sp?) to come out.
Schrodinger's Dog over 3 years ago
small tidbit: the “gals” the song was referring to were “dance hall girls” and prostitutes, not necessarily wholesome young women. :-/
Michael G. over 3 years ago
“Realist”. Good to see he’s found a nicer word for “lecher”. >;-D
Tyge over 3 years ago
Ya dance with who brung ya!
Barbara Rivera over 3 years ago
I love Arlo!!
rhodesmk Premium Member over 3 years ago
Who heard Jimmy Stewart’s voice singing as you read this comic? :-)
ScullyUFO over 3 years ago
I’m certain this has something to do with the lunar eclipse.
Thomas Overbeck Premium Member over 3 years ago
First buffalo gal going round the outside…
soapy1976 over 3 years ago
Arlo may be a realist, but he just proved he is still a fantasyist.
joeatwork212 over 3 years ago
The true meaning to that song: It was written when the Erie Canal was being made. “Buffalo Gals” were, let’s say, business women in the red light district of Buffalo, NY.
MuddyUSA Premium Member over 3 years ago
Arlo still hasn’t learned when to shut up?
formathe over 3 years ago
Having spent some serious time partying in Buffalo back in the bad old days, you really do want to avoid those gals.
Cincoflex over 3 years ago
Is a Buffalo gal a gal from Buffalo?
christelisbetty over 3 years ago
The song predates “It’s a Wonderful Life” by 100 years + (1844). The movie probably is Arlo’s source, but like Da’Dad, I spent time looking for it’s origin, so want to share my knowledge. It was written & performed by a minstrel show entertainer.
T Smith over 3 years ago
You don’t like “Buffalo Gal?”
How about “Rochester Dames?”
“Schenectady Chick?”
bobbyferrel over 3 years ago
I notice she’s leading.
timbob2313 Premium Member over 3 years ago
That is a real oldie
seismic-2 Premium Member over 3 years ago
I learned the song from my grandmother. She said her father, who was a soldier in the Civil War, had taught it to her and had told her of its popularity during the war. (He was in the Confederate army, so apparently its popularity was already nation-wide by then.) Anyway, in the words of Van the Man, “It’s a marvelous night for a moondance!” (And for eclipse-watching, out West!)
Thinkingblade over 3 years ago
I’m really looking forward to summer, because, shockingly, my wife loves it when I sing to her and dance with her in the moonlight on the deck.
paranormal over 3 years ago
You just called her a Buffalo…
cuzinron47 over 3 years ago
Well, there was only one gal around at the time.
BJIllistrated Premium Member over 3 years ago
I would have given anything to have a husband who loved to dance as much as I did. Janis is a lucky lady anyway you look at it IMHO.
Spiffy over 3 years ago
Is Arlo a buffcanthrope?
Alias1600 over 3 years ago
Cool that he drew this comic for the night of the lunar eclipse.
Darryl Heine over 3 years ago
Isn’t “Buffalo Gals” even heard in the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
alexius23 over 3 years ago
The song goes back to the early 1800’s
alexius23 over 3 years ago
Sheer lunacy & sheer fun