The name "Uncle Deadly" is a reference to the Muppet by the same name, who is also known as the "Phantom of The Muppet Show". Always uncomfortable with having named named his first solo project after himself, Zahl decided to try a different approach for his next project. A friend of Zahl suggested that he choose a name from his favorite TV show from his childhood; Zahl's favorite show being "The Muppet Show". Fascinated by the duality of the name of the character "Uncle Deadly", Zahl named his new band after the character. He opted for his new project to have more of a theatrical aspect, in which he was to play a character based partly on himself, similar to the "band aliases" of Kaizers Orchestra.
Songs for the then-unnamed project were likely written sometime between the dissolution of Zahl and the founding of the new band. The recording sessions for Uncle Deadly's first album were held sporadically between July and October of 2009 in Morten Abel's Elektroland Studio in Stavanger, Norway. Zahl, Abel, Fjordheim all acted as producers, with Zahl's Kaizers Orchestra bandmate and friend Janove Ottesen producing one track and Fjordheim producing another on his own. Inge Riska, with some assistance from Fjordheim, acted as the album's audio mixer.
Uncle Deadly's first single, "Sneakin' Up", was released digitally in January 2010. Their first live performance as a group was on the Norwegian talk show Senkveld med Thomas og Harald on 29 January 2010, where they performed their second single, "Be Careful What You Wish For". In preparation for the release of the band's first album, Monkey Do, shot and directed the album's electronic press kit. Monkey Do was released in Norway on 1 February 2010, in a limited print of 2,000 copies. It debuted at the #8 spot in the Norwegian Top 40 album charts. During spring of 2009, the group embarked on a small tour of Norway, during which they also performed songs released under the Zahl name.
The Game
Uncle Deadly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to put on that saddle
Get on that horseback
And just ride
Sometimes a rudder
just makes it harder
If you got a boat, right
Cause it's all in the game brother
It's all in the game
Won't you come out and play
If you're asking my advice that's
What I'd say
Leave your worries
and trust the current
Cause it was a sailor
In a previous life
And if you were a warrior
and not such a worrier
You'd grab your guns and
Get your heart in that trench
So is this real or a mirage
All I can say is: courage, mon brave
courage!
And sure life is sacred
But sometimes you need danger
You need to run with scissors
In your hands
And if you're pushing buttons
And pulling levers
To make things happen
Then they will
The lyrics of Uncle Deadly's song, The Game, reflect the idea of taking risks and letting go of control. The first stanza talks about getting on a horseback and just riding, without worrying about the rudder that could make it harder. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for life, where sometimes we should take risks and trust the flow of things, rather than trying to control everything. The chorus emphasizes that it's all part of the game, and encourages the listener to come out and play. The second stanza suggests that letting go of worries and following the current can lead to great adventures, just like a sailor in a previous life. The third stanza reinforces the idea of being brave, grabbing your guns and heart, and getting in that trench, which could represent facing challenges with determination and courage. The song ends with the idea that, although life is sacred, sometimes we need danger and we need to take risks to make things happen.
Overall, The Game encourages its audience to embrace risks and uncertainties, and to trust the flow of events, even if it means going against their natural instinct of control and safety. It's a motivational call to be courageous, adventurous, and playful, to accept that everything is part of a bigger game of life.
Line by Line Meaning
It takes some courage
Starting something new requires bravery and confidence.
to put on that saddle
To take the first step towards a new challenge or task.
Get on that horseback
Fully immerse yourself in the experience and go for it.
And just ride
Push through the fear and uncertainty, trusting that everything will work out in the end.
Sometimes a rudder
Trying to control every aspect of a situation can make it more difficult.
just makes it harder
Giving up control and letting the situation unfold naturally can be more effective.
If you got a boat, right
If you have the foundation and tools in place, don't overcomplicate things.
Just let it go
Release the need for control and allow things to unfold organically.
Cause it's all in the game brother
Life is full of challenges and unexpected twists and turns.
It's all in the game
Success and failure are both part of the journey, so embrace them both.
Won't you come out and play
Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things.
If you're asking my advice that's
As someone with experience, I recommend this approach.
What I'd say
My suggested course of action.
Leave your worries
Don't let anxiety or fear hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest.
and trust the current
Have confidence in yourself and in the natural flow of life.
Cause it was a sailor
Trust that you have the experience and knowledge to navigate through new waters.
In a previous life
This knowledge has been gained through past experiences.
And if you were a warrior
Approach new situations with strength and determination.
and not such a worrier
Don't let anxiety or doubt weaken your resolve.
You'd grab your guns and
Approach the situation head-on and unapologetically.
Get your heart in that trench
Commit fully to the task at hand and don't back down.
So is this real or a mirage
Questioning the reality of the situation.
All I can say is: courage, mon brave
No matter the reality, courage is still required.
courage!
Emphasizing the importance of bravery and determination in the face of uncertainty and challenge.
And sure life is sacred
Acknowledging the value of life and its fragility.
But sometimes you need danger
Risk-taking and challenges are an important part of personal growth and development.
You need to run with scissors
Sometimes, embracing risk and danger can lead to unexpected rewards.
In your hands
Acknowledge your own agency and ability to create your own path.
And if you're pushing buttons
If you're taking action and making things happen.
And pulling levers
Making intentional decisions to shape the outcome.
To make things happen
The ability to influence one's own path and create opportunities.
Then they will
Proactivity creates opportunities and opens doors.
Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.