Simple
The Phish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause we've got a band
And we've got cymbals in the band
We've got it simple
Cause we've got a band
And we've got cymbals in the band
What is a band without cymbals?
We've got a saxophone
Cause we've got a band
And we've got a saxophone in the band
We've got a saxophone
Cause we've got a band
And we've got saxophone in the band
What is a band without saxophone
Ooh ooh saxophone is grand
Cymbals and saxophones
Saxophones and cymbals (2x)
We've got Be-bop
Cause we've got a band
And we play Be-bop in the band
We've got skyscrapers
And it seems a pretty tune
Every band needs skyscrapers too
What is a band without skyscrapers
Ooh ooh skyscrapers is grand
Sim-Bop & Be-Bophone
Sky-Balls & Sax-Scraper
The Phish’s song “Simple” is essentially an ode to the beauty and importance of music. The repetitive first two stanzas about having a band and cymbals, and later a saxophone, are emphasizing the significance of each instrument and the role they play in creating the band’s unique sound. In many ways, it’s a simple song about the power of music to unite people and bring joy to our lives.
The inclusion of the term “Be-bop” offers a nod to a specific genre of jazz music, which is noteworthy considering Phish’s music often blends different genres into their sound. “Skyscrapers” is also an interesting choice of word thrown into the mix since it’s not an instrument, but in the context of music, it could represent the soaring and expansive feeling that comes with listening to music that resonates with us. Overall, “Simple” is a playful and upbeat reminder that music is an essential component in our lives, and it's something we should cherish and celebrate.
Line by Line Meaning
We've got it simple
Our lives are uncomplicated
Cause we've got a band
Because we have a musical ensemble
And we've got cymbals in the band
We also have a percussion instrument called cymbals in the ensemble
What is a band without cymbals?
The absence of cymbals in a band is incomplete
Ooh ooh cymbals are grand
Cymbals are magnificent and essential in a band
We've got a saxophone
We also have a wind instrument called saxophone in the band
And we've got saxophone in the band
One of the instruments we have in the ensemble is saxophone
What is a band without saxophone
An incomplete musical group without the presence of saxophone
Ooh ooh saxophone is grand
Saxophone is magnificent and essential in a band
Cymbals and saxophones
The two instruments we currently have in our group
Saxophones and cymbals
Another way of referring to the two instruments we have in our ensemble
We've got Be-bop
We also have a jazz style called Be-bop in our group's repertoire
And we play Be-bop in the band
We perform songs in the Be-bop jazz style with our ensemble
We've got skyscrapers
We metaphorically have tall buildings or aspirations
And it seems a pretty tune
It appears as if our aspirations sound desirable
Every band needs skyscrapers too
Just like building tall structures, having grand aspirations is also essential in a musical group
Ooh ooh skyscrapers is grand
Achieving grand aspirations is magnificent
Sim-Bop & Be-Bophone
A playful and nonsensical reference to the jazz styles and instruments of the band
Sky-Balls & Sax-Scraper
Another playful and nonsensical reference to the jazz styles and instruments of the band
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: MIKE GORDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cglukes
The simple egg sandwich!!! This song legit scared me a bit being there (shrooms) I totally didn't expect something so dark and deep. Loved it, loved every second of this musical journey of a concert...my first phish show ever!
@rankinginsight1976
Wow, well sounds like you did it right lol. Glad you enjoyed it
@lawrence6258
Yes. Page's Sandwich's have gotten very tasty indeed.
@TheHSIHP
Rad. my first was 1994
@cglukes
Yeah I'm ready to spend unnecessary amounts of money to see them every year from here on out
@thomasbedell4770
Seems like a best reaction to a first show. 👍✌️
@Krombopulos_B
While at this show, my wife turns and says, "bet it won't be as good as the deer creek simple." 20 minutes later she turns and gives me this look and we both knew she'd spoken too soon. Phish always brings the heat for simple!
@jesslloydjansen
Were you at deer creek 2021 for simple? Blaze on Wilson simple was epic. Sunday was super fun.
@Krombopulos_B
@@jesslloydjansen indeed I was! N1 was one of my favorite shows of all time. The energy that night was amazing.
@HeyZeusBelden
Heh, phish nerd!