Chalk Dust Torture

Phish

About Chalk Dust Torture

"Chalk Dust Torture" is a 1992 song by the American band Phish. It is the thirteenth track from their 1992 album A Picture of Nectar and was also released as their first promotional single by Elektra Records. The song is a riff-based, fast-paced rock song written by Phish guitarist and lead vocalist Trey Anastasio and lyricist Tom Marshall. The studio recording features a lowered pitch effect on Anastasio's lead vocal.


Year:
2011
9:16
101 
#1

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Come stumble my mirth beaten worker
I'm Jezmund the family berzerker
I'm bought for the price of a flagon of rice
The wind buffs the cabin
You speak of your life
Or more willingly Locust the Lurker

Confuse what you can of the ending
And revise your despise so impending
'Cause I soak on the wrath
That you didn't quite mask
I'm getting it clearly through alternate paths
Or mixed in with the signal you're sending

But who can unlearn all the facts that I've learned
As I sat in their chairs and my synapses burned
And the torture of chalk dust collects on my tongue
Thoughts follow my vision and dance in the sun
All my vasoconstrictors they come slowly undone
Can't I live while I'm young?

But no peace for Jezmund tonight
I plug the distress tube up tight
And watch what I say as it flutters away
And all this emotion is kept harmless at bay
Not to educate somebody's fright

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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 »

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Written by: ERNEST ANASTASIO, TOM MARSHALL

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin and Creators
"Chalk Dust Torture" is a song by Phish, an American rock band known for their improvisational style. It was written by the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Trey Anastasio, and lyricist Tom Marshall.
Album Appearance
The song first appeared on Phish's third studio album, "A Picture of Nectar", released in February 1992.
Live Performances
"Chalk Dust Torture" has become a staple of Phish's live performances. It was debuted live at The Front in Burlington, Vermont on March 6, 1991, and has been played over 250 times since then.
Song Theme
The lyrics of "Chalk Dust Torture," like many Phish songs, do not follow a conventional story or theme; they are open to interpretation. Some fans suggest that the lines reference feelings of frustration and the desire for freedom.
Music Composition
The song is famous for its energetic rock sound, led by Anastasio's impressive guitar work. It is commonly utilized as a launchpad for improvisation during live performances, often featuring extensive solos.
Song Popularity
"Chalk Dust Torture" is considered one of the most popular Phish songs among fans, particularly for its role in live concerts. The song's popularity has made it a frequent choice for both introductory and closing performances.
Famous Performances
One of the most iconic performances of "Chalk Dust Torture" was on July 13, 2014, at Randall’s Island in New York City where they turned it into a 26-minute long jam, showcasing the band's improvisational prowess.
Studio Recording
The track was recorded in the summer of 1991 at White Crow Studios in Burlington, Vermont, alongside other tracks for "A Picture of Nectar" album.
Album Recognition
"A Picture of Nectar", the album featuring "Chalk Dust Torture", was recognized as the Album of the Year in the 1992 Jammy Awards, a ceremony honoring improvisational music.
Official Music Video
Although there is no official music video for "Chalk Dust Torture," numerous fan-recorded concert videos of the song are available online, reflecting the band's significant concert presence.

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