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Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey Lyrics

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

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

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

Hand across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Hand across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
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 butter pie
(the butter wouldn't melt so i put it in the pie)

Hand across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Hand across the water (water)
Heads across the sky

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

Hand across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Hand across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Ooo------------Ooo-------------
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Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

I LOVE this song, brilliant! in every way!

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

The song is great. I have no clue what it means. Thats why I came here. Good melody, the lyrics are just great because it makes no sense. Taking a shot in the dark, but maybe his Uncle wasn't happy he joined the navy, but he thought it would be a good thing for him. Navy guys get stationed around like gypsies. idk. Still makes no sense. Oh well, lets dance.

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

I remember reading an article (possibly in Uncut magazine) that said that Uncle Albert was a reference the iconic character Albert Tatlock from the British TV series Coronation Street. As I understand it, Tatlock (who was usually referred to as ‘Uncle Albert’ by the other characters) was a First World War veteran who extolled the merits of hard work, honesty and moral responsibility on the younger generation. With that in mind, I always thought this song was McCartney’s way of apologising to his parents’ and grandparents’ generations for the folly and empty rhetoric of his own, particularly silly stunts like the Lennon/Ono bed-in.

Don't know why McCartney didn't care for Adm. Halsey, if it weren't for men like Halsey McCartney would be speaking German. McCartney should of backed off on the drugs a long time ago.

@WaistbandCowboy Not so sure if it was an apology or a 'bleak' commentary on the contrast of a generation who accomplished so much to the next generation that was easily occupied with doing nothing at all (except possibly getting their heads in the sky). As for your other 'reply' ... this was not-at-all a slight of Mr. Halsey but yet another admission that the 'heads' would not even be able to get from the table for such an urgent task as to to create a docking slip for a foreign war ship that obliged itself to come and take it's...

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

To me this song is about two dual personalities, one old school and the other new, and Paul is making some kind of social commentary on the changing times. I picture Uncle Albert sitting by the fireside telling boring war stories to a younger relative (Admiral Hasley notified me...etc). Albert conquered the seas during his prime (hands across the water) and perhaps he expects the same drive and ambition from modern youth. Modern youth however lacks this type of drive (sorry we haven't done a thing all day) but excels as PSYCHONAUTS! I'll probably be lambasted for making yet another drug connection in a Mccartney song, but you can't deny the meaning of "heads across the sky". This is the new battle and modern youth wants to conquer their minds and live a little while doing it. So I guess the ultimate meaning of this song is that some kid doesn't want to sit around listening to his Uncle, so he makes excuses (it may rain, or the kettles on)to go home and get high (get your feet up off the ground). See! It all makes perfect sense! Heads vs. Hands.

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

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."[4] McCartney also said, "As for Admiral Halsey, he's one of yours, an American admiral", referring to Admiral William "Bull" Halsey.[4]

Song Meaning

@lolguy23 That is right Admiral Halsey and he refers to when Halsey couldn't take his aircraft carrier to sea during the battle of Midway because he had to be in the hospital and take a oatmeal water bath according to the movie "Midway". Such a great song.

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

this song is crazy cuz its almost like 2 songs in one....in my opnion his best after the Bealtes...better than band on the run

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

Well they make sense in ways.

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

Like another Paul McCartney song, "Band on the Run", this is one of those songs within a song. I like how McCartney uses two totally different melodies and meshes them together in a way that works. Lyrically, this song seems to be all over the place, but it's a great song with one of the catchiest hooks ever written. This tune takes me back to the early 70s every time I listen to it. Definitely not McCartney's best song lyrically, but surely one of his best in terms of song structure and melody.

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

I remember the song when it came out on the radio (I was much much younger). Although the words made little sense, I truly enjoyed it, and really, I never get tired of hearing it. I too an very partial to the song-within-a-song style, like Band on the Run: it hearkens back the Beatles with songs like Carry That Weight/In The End.

Cover art for Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey lyrics by Paul McCartney

these are the basics according to my father who was big into the Beatles...... Uncle Albert= Albert Einstein We're so sorry about nuclear war Admiral Halsey= military agression Be a gypsy get around= leave your homeland we're going to bomb you

That all makes PERFECT sense. Brilliant! Wow... I knew there was a meaning to the lyrics. Thanks for posting that =)

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