Gumbo

Phish

About Gumbo

"Gumbo" is a song by the American band Phish. It is a funk/jazz song written around 1990 by Phish guitarist and lead vocalist Trey Anastasio and drummer Jon Fishman. It is the third track from their 1995 live album A Live One and was released as their ninth promotional single by Elektra Records in 1995. Like "Split Open and Melt," "Gumbo" started out as a strong tune but one that had a destiny that didn't lie solely in its composition. A mix of acid jazz and loose funk attended with three-part harmonies and silly lyrics, it had all the ingredients for greatness. The first several versions clearly lacked something, which seemed to be fulfilled with the addition of horns – five times on the Giant Country Horn tour in 1991 and twice with the West Coast return of the horns (in 1994). The (12/2/94) version appears on A Live One (from which it was the second single released) as well as the European compilation, Stash. 


Year:
1995
5:15
78 
#1

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There's a mouse starin' out of the window
His car is trapped in the snow
He's planning a family vacation
But he just can't go
Around the next corner's a red bird
His feathers are trapped in a sling
He's passed by some gunslinging parrot
Who's jealous he ain't got no grin

There ain't no time to stash the gumbo
Or rattle around in a cage
The sacrificed child's made bubbles
And spittle is everywhere enraged
In a hot sand or in a my feet
They're blistered and caked with debris
Chez rolez is guarding the tote board
While Angry piddles with glee

There's a fool writing notes out on sandpaper
He's sending them off to himself
He gets them a couple days later
Who put them along his top shelf
If you get tired of shavings
And carve up a good hunk of wood
Remembering to check on the sausage
He's got cooking somewhere look good

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Phish

Phish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, exploration of music across genres, and adoring fan base. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 (with the current line up solidifying in 1985), the band's four members—Trey Anastasio (guitars, lead vocals), Mike Gordon (bass, vocals), Jon Fishman (drums, percussion, vocals), and Page McConnell (keyboards, vocals)—performed together for over 20 years before breaking up in August 2004. They reunited March 2009 for Phish in Hampton, a series of three consecutive concerts played in the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia, and have since resumed performing regularly. more »

3 fans

Written by: ERNEST ANASTASIO, JONATHAN FISHMAN

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band Formation
Phish, the band that wrote and performs "Gumbo", was formed at the University of Vermont in 1983.
Album Appearance
The song "Gumbo" appears on Phish's 1994 release, "Hoist". The album was the band's fifth studio album.
Lyrical Interpretation
"Gumbo" is a whimsical tune filled with quirky lyrics, true to Phish's reputation for blending elements of humor and surrealism into their music.
Musical Diversity
"Gumbo" characterizes the band's diverse musical style, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, funk, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, folk, country, and bluegrass into this single song.
Live Performances
"Gumbo" has become popular among fans during live performances. Over the years, it has evolved with various improvisational moments, demonstrating the dynamic nature of Phish's performance style.
Songwriting Credits
"Gumbo" was composed by Phish members and main songwriters, Trey Anastasio and Jon Fishman.
Return of the Song
After a hiatus that began in 2000, "Gumbo" was brought back during the 2003 summer tour and has been regularly included in the band's setlists since.
Cover Version
"Gumbo" has been covered by several other artists, including most notably, the Jazz Mandolin Project led by Phish's own mandolin player, Jamie Masefield.
Connection to the Fans
The lyrics of "Gumbo" include the line "Listening for that secret song," which many fans interpret as a nod to the connection that Phish cultivates between their music and their listeners.
Radio Play
Despite its popularity among Phish's dedicated fanbase, "Gumbo" has not received much radio play compared to some of the band's other songs.
Studio Recording vs Live Performance
While the studio version of "Gumbo" on "Hoist" is just over three minutes long, the song often stretches to over ten minutes in live performances due to extended improvisational sections.

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