Throughout his career, Anastasio has participated in various projects outside of Phish, furthering his reputation as a multifaceted composer, instrumentalist, and vocalist. He continues to thrill fans with powerful live performances, and is by no means close to being finished.
Burlap Sack and Pumps
Trey Anastasio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burlap Sack and Pumps
Burlap Sack and Pumps
The lyrics of Trey Anastasio's song "Burlap Sack and Pumps" seem to be about a person who feels trapped in their current situation and is desperate to break free. The repeated phrase of "Burlap Sack and Pumps" could represent the contrast of being stuck in an unsophisticated or rough situation while longing for something more elegant and refined.
The verses describe the person's desire to escape this situation and find something new and better, but they also express a sense of resignation, as if they are not quite sure they will ever be able to break free. The line "I've been waiting since the day I was born" suggests that this feeling of being trapped is something that has haunted them since childhood.
The song also features a few lines about love and relationships, which could imply that this feeling of being trapped is connected to the person's romantic life. The line "I hope someday I'll crush you with a kiss" suggests a desire for power over their romantic partner, which could be related to their feeling of powerlessness in other areas of their life.
Overall, "Burlap Sack and Pumps" is a poignant exploration of feeling trapped and confined, and the human desire to break free and find something better.
Line by Line Meaning
Burlap Sack and Pumps
The singer is referring to a rough, utilitarian woman - someone who is effective and efficient, but not necessarily beautiful or refined.
Size six bees in a cluster, honey
The singer is using the metaphor of bees clustering to describe the intense, frenzied energy of a crowd (presumably at a concert).
I think I'm gonna die
The singer is overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment and feels as though they might not survive it.
Hold on boy, your heart is racing
The artist is attempting to reassure themselves or someone else that they can handle the excitement and intensity of the moment.
There's a beauty in the silence of love
The artist is musing on the fact that love can be communicated and felt even in moments of quiet and stillness.
My heart beats like a brushfire
The singer is describing the intensity of their emotions - specifically, how their heartbeat feels like it is rapid and out of control.
All we need is a drummer
The singer is expressing a desire for simplicity and minimalism in their music - they believe that all they need is the basic rhythm provided by a drummer to create something beautiful.
For people who only need a beat
The artist is acknowledging that their music may not be complex or sophisticated enough for some listeners, but believes that there will always be people who are just looking for something they can dance to.
I'm a servant to the beat
The artist is expressing their deep connection to rhythm and music - they feel as though they are subservient to this creative force.
The rhythm is my master, I will never leave
The artist is stating that they will always be devoted to their life's work as a musician - their love for the rhythm and the music is too strong to ever abandon.
The rhythm is my passport to worlds that soar and dive
The singer is describing how their music and the rhythm of it can take them (and others) to emotional and mental heights and depths that they might not have experienced otherwise.
The rhythm is my airline, it takes me where I wanna go
The artist is asserting that their creative force is what allows them to travel through life and find meaning and purpose in what they do.
And I don't need no ticket, I just get on board
The singer is expressing their confidence and certainty that as long as they stay connected to their creative force, they will always find a way to keep moving forward.
Contributed by Daniel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.