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."
Sabotage
Phish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I can't stand rocking when I'm in here
'Cause your crystal bal ain't so crystal clear
While you sit back and wonder why
I got this fucking thorn in my side
Oh my god, it's a mirage
I'm tellin' y'all it's sabotage
So-so-so, listen up 'cause you can't say nothin'
I'd shut you out with a push of my button
But I'm out and I'm gone
I'll tell you, I keep it on
'Cause what you see you might not get
And we can bet so don't you get souped yet
You're scheming on a thing that's a mirage
I'm trying to tell you now it's sabotage
Whaa!
Listen all of y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all of y'all, it's a sabotage
Listen all of y'all, it's a sabotage
I can't stand it I know you planned it
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place
Because I feel disgrace because you're all over my face
-Takes and switch up my channel
I'm buddy rich when I fly off the handle
What could it be, it's a mirage?
You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage
Phish's song "Sabotage" is a cover of the hit song by the Beastie Boys, originally released in 1994. The lyrics of the song seem to describe frustration and anger towards someone who is constantly planning and scheming to bring the singer down. The singer sets out to reveal the truth and set things straight, much like the infamous Watergate scandal of the 1970s.
The song opens with "I can't stand it, I know you planned it, I'ma set it straight, this Watergate". Here, the singer is acknowledging that they are aware of the other person's plans to sabotage them, but they are determined to reveal the truth and take control of the situation. They go on to describe the frustration they feel when the other person's intentions are not clear, saying "your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear". The repetition of "it's a mirage" suggests that the singer feels like they are being misled or deceived.
Later in the song, the singer acknowledges that they have the power to shut the other person out, but they choose not to. Instead, they keep their focus on the truth and refuse to be drawn into the other person's scheming. The chorus repeats the phrase "Listen all y'all, it's a sabotage" to drive home the message that the singer is not going to let themselves be brought down by others' manipulations.
Overall, "Sabotage" is a song that reflects feelings of frustration and anger towards those who seek to undermine our efforts. It encourages us to stay focused on the truth and not be swayed by the misleading intentions of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't stand it I know you planned it
I am aware of your scheme and I am displeased.
I'mma set it straight, this Watergate
I will put an end to your deceitful plans, similar to the Watergate scandal in American politics.
I can't stand rocking when I'm in here
I cannot tolerate being in this situation.
'Cause your crystal ball ain't so crystal clear
Your predictions and plans are unreliable and unclear, despite your confidence.
While you sit back and wonder why
Although you are the cause of my distress, you are oblivious to it.
I got this fucking thorn in my side
Your actions have caused me great discomfort and pain.
Oh my god, it's a mirage
This thing that you are scheming and pursuing is not real, but a distorted illusion.
I'm tellin' y'all it's sabotage
I am warning you that your plan will fail and cause chaos and harm.
So-so-so, listen up 'cause you can't say nothin'
Pay attention to what I am saying, even if you disagree with it.
I'd shut you out with a push of my button
I have the power to silence you and block your influence.
But I'm out and I'm gone
I am leaving this situation and will not be involved any longer.
I'll tell you, I keep it on
I will not back down and will continue to fight against your plan.
'Cause what you see you might not get
The outcome of your plan may not be what you expect or want.
And we can bet so don't you get souped yet
Don't get too excited or overconfident about your scheme because it may fail.
You're scheming on a thing that's a mirage
You are planning and pursuing something that is not real, but a distorted illusion.
I'm trying to tell you now it's sabotage
I am warning you that your plan will fail and cause chaos and harm.
Whaa!
An exclamation of frustration or annoyance.
Listen all of y'all, it's a sabotage
I am telling everyone that this plan will fail and cause chaos and harm.
I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place
I cannot tolerate being in this situation.
Because I feel disgrace because you're all over my face
I feel humiliated and embarrassed because of your constant presence and influence.
-Takes and switch up my channel
I will change and divert my attention away from your scheme.
I'm buddy rich when I fly off the handle
I will become extremely angry and agitated, similar to the musician Buddy Rich.
What could it be, it's a mirage?
What is the cause of this situation? It is likely a distorted illusion.
You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage
You are planning and pursuing something that will fail and cause chaos and harm.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Horovitz, Adam Nathaniel Yauch, Michael Louis Diamond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
EJFitz
A tribute to Adam Yauch (MCA),.....cool version by one of the best bands.
Adam Hume
Love the Beastie Boys. Not really a Phish fan, but I like Phish’s cover of Sabotage a lot!
Verty
Maybe you should get some taste.
Chris Little
This was the encore of a show in which both sets consisted only of songs whose name begins with the letter "S." 26 songs. Here's the crazy part though....there are 62 other "S" Phish-played songs that they didn't play. Catalog.
bocephus18
Awesome!
Flight of the Bumblebee
The entire song is one chord.
Ben Mulkerin
NAILED IT! GGs!!!!!!
Jackie D
sweet
noah phence
SO SO SO SO SO !
Peter
Only these guys