LIZ PHAIR - Uncle Alvarez

There's a portrait of Uncle Alvarez
Hangin' in the hall
Nobody wants to look at it
But Uncle Alvarez sees us all

Oh, oh, oh, imaginary accomplishments
Hey, hey, hey, you visionary guy
You might even shake the hands of Presidents
Better send a postcard and keep the family quiet

He's not really a part Cherokee Indian
He didn't fight in the Civil War
He's just Eugene Isaac Alvarez
We feel sorry for the wall

Oh, oh, oh, imaginary accomplishments
Hey, hey, hey, you visionary guy
You might even shake the hands of Presidents
You're gonna make 'em sorry when you die

And it's a long way down
You're hoping for a heart attack
Runnin' around
Investing in this and that
And your beautiful wife keeps your life on a shelf for you
Safe in the bedroom
Where there's no dust or mildew
And it's hard to believe you were once a beautiful dancer

Better just to shake it off
As you write your resume
Don't think of Uncle Alvarez
And the price he had to pay

Oh, oh, oh, imaginary accomplishments
Hey, hey, hey, you visionary guy
You might even shake the hands of Presidents
You're gonna make 'em sorry when you die

Oh, oh, oh, imaginary accomplishments
Hey, hey, hey, you visionary guy
You might even shake the hands of Presidents
Better send some money to the alma mater