Meaning of "Buffalo Ballet" by The Walkabouts

"Buffalo Ballet" by The Walkabouts portrays the repetitive cycle of growth, destruction, and decay in a town like Abilene. The imagery of cattle roaming and people sleeping in the midday sun symbolizes a sense of peacefulness and simplicity that was disrupted by the arrival of progress in the form of tracks being laid across the plain. The song reflects on how the town's innocence and tranquility were gradually replaced by industrialization, conflicts with soldiers, and the allure of gold leading to the corruption and downfall of the people. The repeated line "Sleeping in the midday sun" serves as a powerful metaphor for the people's ignorance or passivity in the face of these changes, ultimately resulting in their demise. Overall, the lyrics explore the themes of progress, greed, destruction, and the inevitable consequences of societal change.