Robert Hunter

Uncle John's Band
Lyrics By: Robert Hunter
Music By: Jerry Garcia
Well the first days are the hardest days, don't you worry any more
'Cause when life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door
Think this through with me, let me know your mind
Wo-oh, what I want to know is, are you kind?


It's a buck dancer's choice my friend, better take my advice
You know all the rules by now, and the fire from the ice
Will you come with me, won't you come with me?
Wo-oh, what I want to know, will you come with me?


God damn, well I declare, have you seen the like?
Their walls are built of cannon balls
Their motto is "don't" tread on me"


Come hear Uncle John's Band, playing to the tide
Come with me or go alone
He's come to take his children home


It's the same story the crow told me, it's the only one he knows
Like the morning sun you come and like the wind you go
Ain't no time to hate, barely time to wait
Wo-oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?


I live in a silver mine and I call it beggar's tomb
I got me a violin and I beg you call the tune
Anybody's choice, I can hear your voice
Wo-oh, what I want to know, how does the song go?


Come hear Uncle John's Band, by the river side
Got some things to talk about
Here beside the rising tide