Wombat
Phish (studio) Lyrics
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Had to have that
Your wombat
Had that
Had to have that
Had to have that
Your wombat
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
Your wombat
You had that
Your wombat
You had that
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
It's kinda like the theme from the "Fish" TV show
You know, with Abe Vigoda
The "Fish" TV show
You know, with Abe Vigoda
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Bring it forward or leave it behind)
Little red wagon took a big jump
(Cuddly but deadly)
Felt like it was caught in a centrifuge
(Herbivorous, crepuscular)
Never did tumble over the side of the hill
(Discovered by a man named Wilson)
Flying down to Baton Rouge
Spit out the seeds
Gnaw on the pulp
Suck on the juice
And simmer the rinds
(Herbivorous, crepuscular)
Look at everything
You had to have
Bring it forward (Bring it forward or leave it behind)
Or leave it behind
Cuddly, but muscular
Herbivorous, crepuscular
He's cuddly, but muscular
Herbivorous, crepuscular
He's cuddly, but muscular
The lyrics of "Wombat" by Phish may appear to be entirely nonsensical at first glance, but with careful analysis, the meaning behind them becomes clear. The song repeatedly references a "wombat" that the singer "had to have," implying that this wombat has some kind of significance or value to them. The lyrics also suggest that moving forward requires leaving things behind, though the wombat is something that the singer feels compelled to bring with them.
The final lines of the song provide a clue as to what the wombat could represent: "cuddly but muscular, herbivorous, crepuscular." These adjectives all describe actual wombat characteristics, but they could also be interpreted as a metaphor for something else. The wombat may represent an aspect of the singer's personality or identity that they feel they need to hold onto as they progress forward in life. It could also symbolize a particular memory or experience that they are reluctant to let go of.
Interestingly, the song also makes reference to the 1970s television show "Fish" starring Abe Vigoda, and the lyrics "bring it forward or leave it behind" could be interpreted as a nod to the show's iconic theme song. Overall, "Wombat" is a quirky and cryptic song that encourages listeners to contemplate what they need to hold onto as they move forward in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Had to have that
Desperate need or craving for something
Had to have that
Insatiable desire to possess something
Your wombat
The object of desire that you had to have
Had that
Successfully acquired the object of desire
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
Don't forget what you have acquired and carry it forward with you
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
To move forward, you must give up your attachments, even the ones you love
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
Understanding the necessity to let go of what you cherish
It's kinda like the theme from the "Fish" TV show
An analogy to explain how attachments hold you back from moving forward
You know, with Abe Vigoda
A famous actor known for the "Fish" TV show
Bring it forward or leave it behind
The two choices: carry forward or let go
Little red wagon took a big jump
A great leap forward to a new adventure
(Cuddly but deadly)
An oxymoron to describe the unexpected danger
Felt like it was caught in a centrifuge
The sensation of being dizzy and disoriented
(Herbivorous, crepuscular)
The description of a wombat's eating habits and activity
Never did tumble over the side of the hill
Managed to survive the dangerous leap
(Discovered by a man named Wilson)
An obscure reference to illustrate the unpredictability of life
Flying down to Baton Rouge
Traveling to a new destination
Spit out the seeds
Discard what's unimportant
Gnaw on the pulp
Find nourishment in what's essential
Suck on the juice
Enjoy the sweet remaining moments
And simmer the rinds
Appreciate the memories and lessons learned
Look at everything
Reflect on all you've acquired
You had to have
You desperately desired
He's cuddly, but muscular
A description of the wombat that reveals its deceptive strength
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Forrest George
Had to have that
Had to have that
Your wombat
Had that
Had to have that
Had to have that
Your wombat
Had that
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
Your wombat
You had that
Your wombat
You had that
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Know you've got to leave it behind)
It's kinda like the theme from the "Fish" TV show
You know, with Abe Vigoda
The "Fish" TV show
You know, with Abe Vigoda
You gotta take it with you when you're going forward
If you're moving on you've got to leave it behind
(Bring it forward or leave it behind)
Little red wagon took a big jump
(Cuddly but deadly)
Felt like it was caught in a centrifuge
(Herbivorous, crepuscular)
Never did tumble over the side of the hill
(Discovered by a man named Wilson)
Flying down to Baton Rouge
Spit out the seeds
Gnaw on the pulp
Suck on the juice
And simmer the rinds
(Herbivorous, crepuscular)
Look at everything
You had to have
Bring it forward (Bring it forward or leave it behind)
Or leave it behind
Cuddly, but muscular
Herbivorous, crepuscular
He's cuddly, but muscular
Herbivorous, crepuscular
He's cuddly, but muscular
spd13062
That is so fucking classic....Abe Vigoda onstage, with a cane! Obvious the guys love playing this song, and I love hearing it. Smiles all around...
TH
mike and trey keeping those kicks and the groove going. ...next level showmanship
DroptheBase89
This just gets better the more I watch it.
Dnrothx
Page McConnell always amazes.
telemarkgurl
love love the new stuff. thank you for making it a PHANTASTIC halloween. No other band compares to the riduculously amazing music you put out there for us. Happy 30 years. Been along as "linderama/linderama65/lndalwrnc" for 24 years strong. Love the funky, the rocknroll, the ditties, and the ballads. I want at least all 12 and yarmouth and halfway on the new album. thanks too for reminding me "fish" was still alive! Abe Vigoda is cuddly! and muskular!
c00lmike
This is easily one of my favorite phish songs in 15 years New album is going to be good
krhoa01
Pure joy on all of their faces. So excited I was there for this show!
Josh Young
Looks like Abe was loving being a “star” again for a brief moment. That was joy on his face!
Mike Boulevard
Couldn't stop listening to the whole set! It was soo good!
Frankie Barton
nice work Phish. well done.