Story Behind The Song
Mostly true story about my neer-do-well Uncle who spent a lot of time in prison, or homeless. A charismatic, but self destructive alcoholic.
Song Description
Ralph was a fellow that made you smile to see him come, and made you smile again to see him go.
| Song Length |
3:15 |
Genre |
Country - Americana, Country - Alternative |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Jovial, In High Spirits |
Subject |
Dysfunctional Relations, Laugh, Smile |
| Similar Artists |
Johnny Cash, John Prine |
Language |
English |
Lyrics
Uncle Ralph
D G
V1: He broke bad from the beginning, cheating life but never winning.
D A7
He weren't much for math, but always thought, the odds were on his side.
D G
He would often lose his way, far from home he would stray,
D A7 D
He was betting on that fatted calf when he took his final ride.
Chorus: He'd show up when he was busted, he'd show up when he was flush.
G A7
Then he'd crash on your old sofa, and he wouldn't even blush.
D G
Make you smile to see him coming, make you smile to see him go.
D A7 D
Now he's just a faded memory like last week's picture show.
D G
V2 He was skinny as a rail, they don't feed you much in jail,
D A7
But he knew all the tricks to keep you safe in your average barroom brawl.
D G
The other cheek he never turned, yet some how he never learned,
D A7 D
Those that take the easy way, they pay the highest toll.
Chorus:
D G
Bridge: The folks Ralph hurt are dead and gone, but his legend lingers on.
D A7 D
And just like Uncle Ralph, some will never blame themselves.
D G
V3 Just a black sheep in the making, who bad luck had overtaken.
D A7
A saint to some, but more than that, a sinner to us all.
D G
He would cheat and he would steal, give a damn about how you feel.
D A7 D
Then he'd turn around, stand by you with your back against the wall.
D G D
Chorus: