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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 almost 4 years ago
He must have just watched It’s Wonderful Life
thomas_matkey almost 4 years ago
You’re treading on thin ice, Arlo.
aKG1 almost 4 years ago
Is Janis actually a Biloxi Gal?
nosirrom almost 4 years ago
Arlo has Janis, he doesn’t need any other gals.
abucksworth Premium Member almost 4 years ago
The way this loving couple is portrayed is so joyous, it makes me happy.
James Wolfenstein almost 4 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 almost 4 years ago
Awwww. That’s so romantic ♡.
flagmichael Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Must be too early for our own Buflogal (sp?) to come out.
Schrodinger's Dog almost 4 years ago
small tidbit: the “gals” the song was referring to were “dance hall girls” and prostitutes, not necessarily wholesome young women. :-/
Michael G. almost 4 years ago
“Realist”. Good to see he’s found a nicer word for “lecher”. >;-D
Tyge almost 4 years ago
Ya dance with who brung ya!
Barbara Rivera almost 4 years ago
I love Arlo!!
rhodesmk Premium Member almost 4 years ago
Who heard Jimmy Stewart’s voice singing as you read this comic? :-)
ScullyUFO almost 4 years ago
I’m certain this has something to do with the lunar eclipse.
Thomas Overbeck Premium Member almost 4 years ago
First buffalo gal going round the outside…
soapy1976 almost 4 years ago
Arlo may be a realist, but he just proved he is still a fantasyist.
joeatwork212 almost 4 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 almost 4 years ago
Arlo still hasn’t learned when to shut up?
formathe almost 4 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 almost 4 years ago
Is a Buffalo gal a gal from Buffalo?
christelisbetty almost 4 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 almost 4 years ago
You don’t like “Buffalo Gal?”
How about “Rochester Dames?”
“Schenectady Chick?”
bobbyferrel almost 4 years ago
I notice she’s leading.
timbob2313 Premium Member almost 4 years ago
That is a real oldie
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 4 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 almost 4 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 almost 4 years ago
You just called her a Buffalo…
cuzinron47 almost 4 years ago
Well, there was only one gal around at the time.
BJIllistrated Premium Member almost 4 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 almost 4 years ago
Is Arlo a buffcanthrope?
Alias1600 almost 4 years ago
Cool that he drew this comic for the night of the lunar eclipse.
Darryl Heine almost 4 years ago
Isn’t “Buffalo Gals” even heard in the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
alexius23 almost 4 years ago
The song goes back to the early 1800’s
alexius23 almost 4 years ago
Sheer lunacy & sheer fun