Uncle John's Band

by Grateful Dead
Loading song
Fetching song
1
Play in Kid Mode

Other arrangements of Uncle John's Band

Pick a learning view.

Lyrics

Well, the (G)first days are the hard est days; don’t you (C)wor ry an y (G)more.

’Cause when (Gsus)life (G)looks like Eas y Street, there is (C)dan ger at your (G)door.

(Am)Think this through with me;

(C)Let me know your mind.

(C)Whoa, oh, what (D)I want to know

is are you (G)kind?

me?

It’s a (G)buck danc er’s choice hard my friend; bet ter (C)take ry my a (G)dvice.

’Cause You (Gsus)know (G)all the rules by now and the (C)fire ger from the (G)ice.

(Am)Will you come with me?

(C)Won’t you come with me?

(C)Whoa, oh, what (D)I want to know:

will you come (G)with me?

It’s a

God damn, well, I de clare,

(Am)have you (G)seen (Am)the (D)like?

Their (C)walls are built of can non balls; their (G)mot to is: “Don’t tread on me.”

(G)Come hear Un cle John’s (C)Band (Am)play ing (G)to the (D)tide.

(C)Come with me or go a lone, he’s (G)come to (D)take his (C)chil dren (D6)home.

It’s the same sto ry the crow told me, it’s the (C)on ly one he (G)knows.

Like the morn ing a sun you come and I (C)like the wind you (G)go.

(Am)Ain’t no time to hate,

(C)bare ly time to wait.

(C)Whoa, oh, what (D)I (G)want to know:

where (D)does the (G)time go?

the I live in a sil ver mine and I (C)call it Beg gar’s (G)Tomb.

I the got me a vi o lin and I (C)beg you call the (G)tune.

(Am)An y bod y’s choice,

(C)I can hear your voice.

(C)Whoa, oh, what (D)I (G)want to know:

how (D)does the (G)song go?

(G)Come Come hear Un cle John’s (C)Band (Am)by the (G)riv er (D)side.

(C)Got on some things to talk a bout he’s (G)here be (D)side the (C)ris ing (D6)tide.

(G)Come Come hear Un cle John’s (C)Band (Am)play ing (G)to the (D)tide.

(C)Come on a long or go a lone, he’s (G)come to (D)take his (C)chil ing (D6)tide.

dren home.

(C)Whoa, oh, what I want to know:

how does the (G)song go?

Come hear Un cle John’s (C)Band (Am)by the (G)riv (C5)er (D)side.

(C)Got some things to talk a bout

(C)here be side the ris ing tide.

Come hear Un cle John’s Band (Am)play ing (G)to (C5)the (D)tide.

(C)Come on a long or go a lone, he’s (G)come to (D)take his (C)chil dren (D)home.

Da da da da da da,

Da da da da da da,

da da da da da (Dsus2)da.

Uncle John's Band — Simple Sheet Music

2 people have learned this song

"Uncle John's Band" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of G, 112 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Uncle John's Band

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Uncle John's Band"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "Uncle John's Band" by Grateful Dead played in?
Uncle John's Band is arranged in the key of G on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Uncle John's Band"?
The arrangement plays at 112 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Uncle John's Band" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Uncle John's Band"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Uncle John's Band"?
"Uncle John's Band" was originally performed by Grateful Dead. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Uncle John's Band"?
This arrangement uses 10 chords: Am, C, Cpow, D, D6, Dm7, Dsus2, Em, +2 more.
What other songs by Grateful Dead can I play here?
Try "THE MUSIC NEVER STOPPED", "SUGAR MAGNOLIA", "BOX OF RAIN". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Uncle John's Band". Key of G, 112 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.

More songs you might like