Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey Lyrics
[Verse 1]
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert
We're so sorry if we caused you any pain
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert
But there's no one left at home
And I believe I'm gonna rain
[Instrumental Bridge]
[Verse 2]
We're so sorry, but we haven't heard a thing all day
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert
But if anything should happen
We'll be sure to give a ring
[Instrumental Bridge]
[Verse 3]
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert
But we haven't done a bloody thing all day
We're so sorry, Uncle Albert
But the kettle's on the boil
And we're so easily called away
[Chorus]
Hands across the water (Water)
Heads across the sky
Hands across the water (Water)
Heads across the sky
[Verse 1]
Admiral Halsey notified me
He had to have a berth or he couldn't get to sea
I had another look and I had a cup of tea
And a butter pie (A butter pie?)
(The butter wouldn't melt, so I put it in the pie, alright?)
[Chorus]
Hands across the water (Water)
Heads across the sky
Hands across the water (Water)
Heads across the sky
[Bridge]
Live a little, be a gypsy, get around (Get around)
Get your feet up off the ground
Live a little, get around
Live a little, be a gypsy, get around (Get around)
Get your feet up off the ground
Live a little, get around
[Chorus]
Hands across the water (Water)
Heads across the sky
Hands across the water (Water)
Heads across the sky
About
“Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” was the second single released from Paul & Linda McCartney’s 1971 album Ram.
It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 September of 1971, displacing The Bee Gees‘ “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. It kept the #1 position for only one week, replaced by Donny Osmond’s “Go Away Little Girl” It was the first US #1 hit of Paul’s post-Beatles career.
The song has a unique medley-like song structure, consisting of three unrelated melodies tied together by the chorus. McCartney would repeat the use of this song structure on the 1974 hit “Band On The Run”.
McCartney said “Uncle Albert” was based on his uncle. “He’s someone I recall fondly, and when the song was coming it was like a nostalgia thing.” McCartney also said, “As for Admiral Halsey, he’s one of yours, an American admiral”, referring to Admiral William “Bull” Halsey.
However, some suggest that this song is rich in symbolism about Pearl Harbor.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
McCartney said,
[“Uncle Albert” was based on his uncle.] “He’s someone I recall fondly, and when the song was coming it was like a nostalgia thing.” McCartney also said, “As for Admiral Halsey, he’s one of yours, an American admiral”, referring to Admiral William “Bull” Halsey.
- 2.3 Legs
- 3.Ram On
- 4.Dear Boy
- 5.Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey
- 6.Smile Away
- 9.Eat at Home
- 10.Long Haired Lady
- 11.Ram On (Reprise)