My Uncle
The Flying Burrito Brothers Lyrics
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With trembling hands I read the questionnaire
It asked me lots of things about my mama and poppa
Now that ain't what I call exactly fair
So I'm headed for the nearest foreign border
Vancouver may be just my kind of town
'Cause they don't need the kind of law and order
That tends to keep a good man underground
A sad old soldier once told me a story
About a battlefield that he was on
He said a man should never fight for glory
He must know what is right and what is wrong
So I'm headed for the nearest foreign border
Vancouver may be just my kind of town
'Cause they don't need the kind of law and order
That tends to keep a good man underground
Oh yeah
Now I don't know how much I owe my uncle
But I suspect it's more than I can pay
He's asking me to sign a three year contract
I guess I'll catch the first bus out today
So I'm headed for the nearest foreign border
Vancouver may be just my kind of town
'Cause they don't need the kind of law and order
That tends to keep a good man underground
That tends to keep a good man underground
The Flying Burrito Brothers' song My Uncle is a commentary on the Vietnam War and the draft that young men were subject to. The lyrics depict the fear and uncertainty of receiving a letter from the draft board requesting personal information about one's family, and the decision to flee to Canada in order to avoid military service. The singer of the song is a pacifist who believes that fighting for glory is misguided and that a man must know the difference between right and wrong. He feels that the draft is unfair and wants to escape to a place where he can live without the oppressive law and order that keeps a good man underground.
The song is a reflection of the turbulent social and political climate of the 1960s and early 1970s. It captures the sense of disillusionment and fear that many young people felt during this time, as they faced the possibility of being sent to fight in a war that they did not believe in. The Flying Burrito Brothers were known for blending country and rock music, and this song is a prime example of their unique sound and lyricism.
Line by Line Meaning
A letter came today from my draft board
I received a letter today from my draft board
With trembling hands I read the questionnaire
I was nervous when I read the questionnaire
It asked me lots of things about my mama and poppa
The questionnaire asked many questions about my parents
Now that ain't what I call exactly fair
That doesn't seem fair to me
So I'm headed for the nearest foreign border
I am going to leave the country
Vancouver may be just my kind of town
I think Vancouver would be a good place for me
'Cause they don't need the kind of law and order
The city doesn't require strict rules
That tends to keep a good man underground
Rules that keep someone from living their life freely
A sad old soldier once told me a story
An old veteran told me a story
About a battlefield that he was on
He described a battle he fought in
He said a man should never fight for glory
He advised that fighting for honor is not worthwhile
He must know what is right and what is wrong
It's important to understand what is good and bad
Now I don't know how much I owe my uncle
I don't know how much I owe my uncle
But I suspect it's more than I can pay
I think I owe him more money than I can afford
He's asking me to sign a three year contract
My uncle wants me to commit to a three-year agreement
I guess I'll catch the first bus out today
I plan to leave as soon as possible
That tends to keep a good man underground
Rules that keep someone from living their life freely
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER HILLMAN, GRAM PARSONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind