Uncle Walter
Ben Folds
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Your Uncle Walter's going on and on 'bout everything he's seen and done The voice of fifty years experience He's drunk watching the television You know he's been around the world Last night he flew to Baghdad In his magical armchair With cigarettes and six pack Yeah, he just got back The spit's flying everywhere Hey hey hey hey [Chorus:] Your Uncle Walter's going on and on (oh you're back so late) Where did you go that you were gone so long? And how could you leave me here So long with Uncle Walter? Your Uncle Walter saw Who fired the shots He drove his chair in the cavalcade He's flown from South Africa to Countries where they beat themselves On the backs with chains There was a fleet of battleships And one reclining chair Headed north on the Arabian sea Now he's back to tell us how He and his oldest boy Blair They're getting rich on A mail order scheme oh oh [Chorus] Your Uncle Walter told me Everything he'd do if he were president Now what a perfect world This world would be If he were president now But he's not! And he sees the children smoking pot He knows that in a moment they'll be Shooting up heroin Teardrops in his armchair A fifty minute lecture Tobacco juice rolling down his chin [Chorus]
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
2 fans
Written by: BEN FOLDS
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Songwriter and Artist"Uncle Walter" is a song written and performed by Ben Folds. He is an American musician and songwriter best known for his band, Ben Folds Five, which was active from 1993 to 2000.
|
Release DetailsThis song is part of the band's debut studio album, 'Ben Folds Five,' which was released in August 1995.
|
Lyrics and ThemeThe song's lyrics describe a person's "Uncle Walter" who has a tendency for storytelling. The track's lyrics are inspired by Ben Folds' personal life, painting a picture of an uncle who provides his own spin on world events and hypothetical situations.
|
Musical StyleThe song fits within the band's unique musical style, which combines rock with piano pop. It makes use of vivid lyrics, a strong piano-led melody, and elements of jazz and punk rock.
|
Critical ReceptionLike much of Ben Folds Five's work, "Uncle Walter" received praise for its distinctive musical style and Folds' storytelling lyrics. However, it's not one of the band's more well-known songs, unlike "Brick" or "Army."
|
Live Performances"Uncle Walter" is occasionally included in Ben Folds' live performances, despite not being one of the band's biggest hits. These performances typically showcase Folds' piano and vocal talents.
|
Band Formation and ImpactBen Folds formed the band in 1993, together with Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee. Despite breaking up in 2000, the band reformed for several reunion tours, indicating their ongoing influence and the continued popularity of their music.
|
Song MeaningThe song's lyrics contain a certain level of social commentary. Uncle Walter's exaggerated storytelling symbolizes those who twist reality for their own comfort or entertainment.
|
Disbandment and Solo CareerAfter Ben Folds Five disbanded in 2000, Ben Folds pursued a successful solo career during which he continued to play songs from the band's catalog, including "Uncle Walter."
|
Reunion AlbumBen Folds Five reunited in 2011 to record a new album. Though "Uncle Walter" was not included on this album, it symbolizes the strength of their original work, which continues to resonate with fans today.
|
Song Structure"Uncle Walter" is characterized by its upbeat tempo and unconventional structure, which is typical of Ben Folds Five's music. It doesn't follow the traditional verse-chorus composition of most pop songs.
|
Song ThemeThe theme of the song revolves around an eccentric character named Uncle Walter, highlighting a narrative style that is common in Ben Folds' storytelling in his lyrics.
|
Album InclusionThis song is off the band's self-titled album, "Ben Folds Five," which was released in 1995. The album is their debut and introduced their distinctive power pop and piano rock sound.
|
Musical StyleBen Folds is known for his adept piano skills that combine jazz and rock influences. "Uncle Walter" presents these stylistic elements with Folds' intricate piano work woven throughout the track.
|
Band DynamicsUnlike many alternative rock bands of the time, Ben Folds Five only had three members, with Ben Folds on piano and vocals, Robert Sledge on bass, and Darren Jessee on drums. However, the distinctive piano-led instrumentation can be heard in "Uncle Walter."
|
Lyrics InterpretationThe lyrics lay out some rambling, possibly delusional claims from the character, Uncle Walter, which has led some fans to speculate that the song could be about mental illness or old age.
|
Unique Recording ProcessLike many tracks on the debut album, "Uncle Walter" was recorded at Wave Castle, NC, over the course of three weeks, a somewhat unconventional schedule as many bands take much longer to make their albums.
|
Not a SingleDespite its popular status among fans, "Uncle Walter" was not released as a single off the album. This could arguably showcase the band's non-mainstream approach to their music.
|
InspirationBen Folds has cited singer-songwriter and pianist Randy Newman as a key influence, whose storytelling elements can be seen in the narrative of "Uncle Walter."
|
Live PerformancesBen Folds often tweaks the musical arrangements when he performs songs live. Therefore, a live version of "Uncle Walter" may sound a bit different from the studio recording.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Uncle Walter Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/650846/Ben+Folds/Uncle+Walter>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Uncle Walter Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In