Uncle Walter

Ben Folds Five

About Uncle Walter

"Uncle Walter" is a song from Ben Folds Five's 1995 self-titled debut album. It was written by lead singer Ben Folds.


Year:
1995
3:51
131 

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Your Uncle Walter's going on and on
'Bout everything he's seen and done
The voice of 50 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
Cigarettes and a six pack, he just got back
Now the spit's flying everywhere

Hey, hey, hey, hey (Your Uncle Walter's going on and on)
You're back so late (Where did you go that you were gone so long)
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 1 reclining chair
Headed north on the Arabian Sea
Now he's back to tell us what
He and his oldest boy Blair
They're getting rich with their mail order scheme

Oh, oh (Your Uncle Walter's going on and on)
We're so glad you're home (Where did you go that you were gone so long)
How could you leave me here so long with Uncle Walter

Your Uncle Walter told me
Everything he'd do if he was president
Oh what a perfect world
This world would be
If he was 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 50 minute lecture
Tobacco juice rolling down his chin

Hey, hey, hey, hey (Your Uncle Walter's going on and on)
You're back so late (Where did you go that you were gone so long)
How could you leave me here so long with Uncle Walter

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Ben Folds Five

Ben Folds Five is an alternative rock trio formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The group comprises Ben Folds (lead vocals, piano, keyboards, melodica, principal songwriting), Robert Sledge (bass, contrabass, synthesizer, backing vocals), and Darren Jessee (drums, percussion, backing vocals, songwriter, and co-writer for some songs). The group achieved mainstream success in the alternative, indie and pop music scenes. The band is best known for the hit single "Brick" from their 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen, which gained airplay on many mainstream radio stations. During their seven years together, the band released three proper studio records, one retrospective album of B-sides and outtakes, and eight singles. They also contributed to a number o… more »

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Written by: BEN FOLDS

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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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 Details
This song is part of the band's debut studio album, 'Ben Folds Five,' which was released in August 1995.
Lyrics and Theme
The 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 Style
The 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 Reception
Like 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 Impact
Ben 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 Meaning
The 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 Career
After 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 Album
Ben 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 Theme
The 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 Inclusion
This 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 Style
Ben 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 Dynamics
Unlike 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 Interpretation
The 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 Process
Like 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 Single
Despite 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.
Inspiration
Ben 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 Performances
Ben 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.

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