The Day I Jumped From Uncle Harvey's Plane

Roger Miller · Other Songs - Roger Miller

Me 'n' Oliver 'n' Virgil was in the drugstore killing time



When my eyes fell upon this magazine



And I got to reading this article on sky-diving and parachuting



And it said jumping out of air-planes was the thing



Now being raised down on a farm and always ready for adventure



I knew that I could figure out a way



I said 'Well Delmer Gill's got a parachute and Uncle

Harvey's got an air-plane�



So I said 'Call the boys together, today's the day�



Well I found out too late what Uncle Harvey called an air-plane



Was nothing but an engine and a wing



And I could feel my fear a-rising as Delmer packed the parachute



'Cos he kept telling me I was doing the right thing



Ron McLoughlin shook my hand as JD strapped me in the harness



And Tildon brought a jug and passed it around



I took one look at that parachute and that whisky and that air-plane



And I turned that bottle up and drank it down



Well I was drunker'n Cooter Jones when they poured me in the plane



The engine coughed and headed for the clouds



But I was sober as a judge by the time they opened up the door



And I've never known my heart to beat so loud



I said, 'Harvey, I can't do it� as he kicked me out the door



And I wrapped my hands around the landing gear



And I was holding on real good 'til Harvey stepped down on my fingers



And Virgil said he heard me scream from way down there



Well I thanked God and Delmer Gill when my parachute finally opened



I said 'Well, hell there ain't no use in being afraid�



And I went crashing through the hen house,

scattering chickens and breaking eggs



And I kissed the ground and fainted dead away



Now friends I've done some fighting, and I've been shot at once or twice



And I've durn near been run over by a train



But I don't think I remember being any more afraid



Than the day I jumped from Uncle Harvey's plane

About The Day I Jumped From Uncle Harvey's Plane

Roger Miller's "The Day I Jumped From Uncle Harvey's Plane" stands as a quintessential example of his signature blend of country storytelling and theatrical flair. Released during the height of his career, the track exemplifies Miller's ability to craft whimsical narratives that often subverted expectations, a hallmark of his discography. The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics contrast sharply with the absurd premise of the title, reflecting the lighthearted, family-friendly appeal that defined Miller's public persona. As a staple of his catalog, the recording showcases his distinctive vocal style, characterized by a warm, baritone tone and an infectious sense of humor. While the specific album placement varies in historical records, the song remains a cherished piece of his body of work, frequently performed at concerts and recorded on various compilations. It captures the spirit of 1960s country pop, where Miller successfully merged traditional storytelling with modern musical arrangements, leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.