"Buffalo Gals" is a traditional song that dates back to the 1800s, where it was often played at minstrel shows. The "Buffalo" refers to the city of Buffalo, New York, but the lyrics were altered to fit the place where the song was performed. McLaren changed the refrain from "Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight" to "Buffalo gals, around the outside."
McLaren was the manager of The Sex Pistols and Bow Wow Wow, leading them to the forefront of the British punk scene. Ever the opportunist, when McLaren heard rap music emerging from the US, he capitalized on the opportunity and released this song, which featured McLaren calling lyrics in a Square Dance style.
This was credited to "Malcolm McLaren And The World's Famous Supreme Team." It was the first of several UK hits for McLaren, who also charted with "Soweto," "Double Dutch" and an adaptation of "Madam Butterfly."
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