Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey Lyrics

Lyric discussion by mycology101 

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.