He was just a working man
Simple rules and simple plans
Fancy words he didn’t understand
He loved with his heart
He worked with his hands
Liberals dream of equal rights
Conservatives live in a world gone by
Socialists preach of a promised land
But old uncle son, was an ordinary man
Bless you uncle son
They won’t forget you, when the revolution comes
Unionists tell you when to strike
Generals tell you when to fight
Preachers tell you wrong from right
They’ll feed you when you’re born
And use you all your life
Bless you uncle son
They won’t forget you when the revolution comes
Simple rules and simple plans
Fancy words he didn’t understand
He loved with his heart
He worked with his hands
Conservatives live in a world gone by
Socialists preach of a promised land
But old uncle son, was an ordinary man
They won’t forget you, when the revolution comes
Generals tell you when to fight
Preachers tell you wrong from right
They’ll feed you when you’re born
And use you all your life
They won’t forget you when the revolution comes
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This is just another example of Ray Davies' brilliance as a songwriter. This is one of my favorite Kinks songs. I actually put the lyrics in my collection of favorite quotes. The song is absolutely timeless and in the current polarized, utterly frustrating political environment in the U.S. it provides a welcome relief. There are many ordinary, hard-working, honorable people out there that are often used (sometimes abused) for a politcal system's own benefit. But these people and their modest lives are really the ones who should be honored and put on a pedestal. Typical Ray, critical of society and life, but always noting the silver linings. There is a small group of people out there who are aware and understand the Kinks and all their incredible songs. The mainstream media and general population will never get it. Those of us in the know can treasure our little secret. I like it better that way.
The small group of people is not so small as you might think. But I get your point. The Kinks (Ray's lyrics) are beyond what most people can appreciate. So they never get our little secret :)
The small group of people is not so small as you might think. But I get your point. The Kinks (Ray's lyrics) are beyond what most people can appreciate. So they never get our little secret :)
Why “Uncle Son”? Does anyone know Ray’s reasons for using that term?
Also, even though 6 years has passed since the last comment, I greatly identified with the post and the first reply. I pulled out Muswell Hillbillies to cheer myself up after a tough blow. Thought nostalgia would help (it did).
I had forgotten about Uncle Son. I could not believe how relevant it was to 2018 America.
God bless the village green!
@Tina Veritas - Just my thought, but I think 'Uncle Son' is us. All of us are Uncle Son.
@Tina Veritas - Just my thought, but I think 'Uncle Son' is us. All of us are Uncle Son.
@Tina Veritas Ray had an uncle, I believe on his mom's side, named Sonny, Son for short. If I remember correctly, he was really radical, waiting for the revolution of the people. The song is a tribute to his uncle.
@Tina Veritas Ray had an uncle, I believe on his mom's side, named Sonny, Son for short. If I remember correctly, he was really radical, waiting for the revolution of the people. The song is a tribute to his uncle.