Uncle Pen - Live Lyrics
Ricky Skaggs
Lyrics
Oh, the people would come from far away,
To dance all night to the break of day.
When the caller would holler: "Do Si Do",
They knew Uncle Pen was ready to go.
Late in the evening, about sundown,
High on the hill, an' above the town,
Uncle Pen played the fiddle, Lord, how it rang,
You could hear it talk, you could hear it sing!
Instrumental break.
Well, he played an old tune they called the "Soldier's Joy",
And he played the one they called the "Boston Boy".
Greatest of all was the "Jennie Lynn",
To me, that's where the fiddlin' begins.
Late in the evening, about sundown,
High on the hill, an' above the town,
Uncle Pen played the fiddle, Lord, how it rang,
You could hear it talk, you could hear it sing!
--- Instrumental ---
I'll never forget that mournful day
When old Uncle Pen was called away,
He hung up his fiddle and he hung up his bow,
And he knew it was time for him to go.
Late in the evening, about sundown,
High on the hill, an' above the town,
Uncle Pen played the fiddle, Lord, how it rang,
You could hear it talk, you could hear it sing!
--- Instrumental ---
Late in the evening, about sundown,
High on the hill, an' above the town,
Uncle Pen played the fiddle, Lord, how it rang,
You could hear it talk, you could hear it sing!...
Song & Lyrics Facts
Ricky Skaggs' version of the Bill Monroe classic "Uncle Pen" was released on his 1982 album Highways & Heartaches. The song was written by Bill Monroe and features Ricky Skaggs on vocals, guitar, mandolin and fiddle, with support from Tony Rice on guitar and Jerry Douglas on Dobro.
The upbeat bluegrass tune features traditional lyrics about a beloved uncle who is remembered fondly for his musical talents. The live version of the track gives an authentic feel to the performance, capturing the energy of a bluegrass show. Released in 1982, "Uncle Pen" remains one of Ricky Skaggs' most popular songs to this day. Lyrics to the song can be found online.