The band is known for musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres, and a rigorous touring schedule that draws a famously dedicated fan base. Their music blends elements of a wide variety of genres, including funk, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, folk, country, jazz, blues, bluegrass, and pop. Phish were part of a movement of improvisational rock groups, inspired by the Grateful Dead and colloquially known as "jam bands", which gained considerable popularity as touring concert acts in the 1990s.
After 15 years of performing together, Phish went on hiatus in 2000. They resumed touring in December 2002, but disbanded in 2004 after a farewell performance at their Coventry Festival in Vermont. They reunited in March 2009 for a series of three consecutive concerts played in the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia, and have since resumed performing regularly.
Although the group received little radio play or MTV exposure, Phish developed a large following by word of mouth during the 1990s, particularly through fan-record tapes of their concerts, which circulated for free online with the band's permission. While often compared to the Grateful Dead, Phish finds their roots in styles such as jazz, funk and alternative rock as opposed to the Dead, who were more influenced by folk, country and blues.
Each Phish concert is different in terms of the songs included and the order in which they appeared, and (for many songs) in the way in which they were performed. Also unique to Phish are their large summer festivals which draw upwards of 70K people to remote areas in Maine and New York State as well as close to 100K for their epic Millennium Show in the Everglades of South Florida.
Along with Bob Dylan and The Beatles, Phish were one of the first bands to have an Internet newsgroup - rec.music.phish - launched in 1991.
In regards to Phish, Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed "Given their sense of community, their ambition and their challenging, generous performances, Phish have become the most important band of the Nineties."
Driver
Phish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Starts me up and stops me and puts me into bed
He opens up my mouth when it's time for me to talk
Fires up my legs when he wants me to walk
Keeps my eyes open most of the day
Adds to my memory the things that people say
When he makes decisions I don't have to wait
But sometimes it seems he's got to much on his plate
That looks a little ragged where he drug me through the dirt
I'm moving through this life and I'm thinking about the next
And hoping when I get there I'll be better dressed
Keeps my eyes open for most of the day
Adds to my memory the things that people say
When he makes decisions I don't have to wait
I'll tell you about the driver who lives inside my head
The lyrics of "Driver," a song by Phish, describe a person's internal monologue, represented as a driver, who controls their actions and thoughts. The driver starts them up and puts them to bed, opens their mouth to speak, fires up their legs to walk, and helps them remember what people say. The driver's decision-making process is quick, but sometimes, it seems like the driver takes on too much, causing the singer to wake up dressed in a ragged shirt. As the singer moves through life, they reflect on their thoughts and actions, hoping that when they get to the next phase of life, they will be better prepared.
The song's lyrics can be interpreted in various ways, with some believing that the driver is a metaphor for the brain or subconscious, while others think it represents a higher power or a person's destiny. The song's melodies and rhythms add to its introspective nature, making it a reflective tune that listeners can relate to. The overall message of "Driver" is that one's thoughts and actions shape their future and that being mindful of them can lead to a better outcome.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll tell you about the driver who lives inside my head
The singer is referring to an inner voice that guides them in their decisions and actions.
Starts me up and stops me and puts me into bed
The inner voice controls the singer's actions and movements throughout the day, including when to rest.
He opens up my mouth when it's time for me to talk
The inner voice prompts the singer when it is appropriate to speak or share their thoughts.
Fires up my legs when he wants me to walk
The inner voice urges the artist to move and take action in certain situations.
Keeps my eyes open most of the day
The inner voice helps the artist stay alert and attentive to their surroundings.
Adds to my memory the things that people say
The inner voice helps the singer remember important conversations or information shared with them.
When he makes decisions I don't have to wait
The inner voice helps the singer make decisions quickly and confidently without hesitation.
But sometimes it seems he's got too much on his plate
The inner voice can become overwhelmed with responsibilities, causing the artist to feel exhausted or stressed.
Like this morning when I woke up and he dressed me in this shirt
The inner voice can influence the artist's choices, such as what to wear, even if it's not always the best option.
That looks a little ragged where he drug me through the dirt
The artist may not always agree with the inner voice's decisions or actions, which can lead to negative consequences.
I'm moving through this life and I'm thinking about the next
The singer is contemplating their future and the decisions they will need to make with the guidance of their inner voice.
And hoping when I get there I'll be better dressed
The artist wishes to make more optimal decisions with the help of their inner voice, including what to wear.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind