Up on the Hill

"Up on the Hill"
Song by Ween
from the album GodWeenSatan: The Oneness
Released	November 16, 1990
Recorded	c. 1989
Length	1:56
Label	Twin/Tone Records
GodWeenSatan: The Oneness track listing
"Never Squeal" (9) "Up on the Hill" (10) "Wayne's Pet Youngin'" (11)

"Up on the Hill" is a song by Ween from the 1990 album GodWeenSatan: The Oneness.

Appearances

• Unknown 1988 tape (demo)
• Focus (demo, 1989)
• GodWeenSatan: The Oneness (1990)
• GodWeenSatan: Live (live, 2016)

Song Details

Recording and Composition

"Up on the Hill" is notable for being one of the few times Ween has shifted genres mid-song, the first half being a cappella gospel and the second half being psychobilly. The song is in the key of E minor throughout.

The lead vocals are by Gene Ween and the rhythmic accompanying vocals may be by Dean Ween, who performs them live.^? Like most of the songs on GodWeenSatan, the drums are played by Dean Ween and the bass is played by Andrew Weiss.

Alternate Versions

An early recording appears on the unknown 1988 tape.

Live Performances

Played live as early as 1989, the song has remained at least an occasional inclusion in live sets over the years. A 9/14/2001 recording from a special anniversary concert can be heard on the album GodWeenSatan: Live. In addition, Gene Ween has played the song a couple of times at solo acoustic shows.

Lyrics

Official lyrics, handwritten by Dean Ween, were printed in the GodWeenSatan liner notes:

Up on th' hill, down by the river
By the ocean, across the field
By the word of the Boognish
Lordy Lordy Lord, I'm comin' home

When I was younger, my mama told me
"Gener, I wanna smell it"
Then she smelled it, it was smelly

In a dream, said he was comin'
Boognish was risin' up from the mist
He held the scepter of wealth and power
He said, "By God, I've come to take you home"

Song Themes

Band Members Named in the Song, Boognish, Sung by Dean Ween, Sung by Gene Ween