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.
Invisible
Trey Anastasio Lyrics
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I tried to tell you all we had was a
Wrapped up scene like I knew that it would
It all seems thin but it sure feels good
?Cause it?s the best I?ve seen
When you fall down good
Sink in the water
This time, what are you waiting for?
Is it your time to walk away?
Because the law?s unseen, levels all good
The hurdles all down like another time would
?Cause it?s the best I?ve seen
What a fall down should
Sink in the water
But you?re walkin? on wood
Last time seen, walkin? on wood
Downstream drifting like a long time should
But now we?re invisible so all that's good
The law?s unseen, levels all good
Downstream drifting like a long time should
But now we?re invisible so all that's good
Next time and I could wait forever
Old times because I thought I?d never
Wrap that scene like I knew that I should
It all seemed thin but it sure felt good
?Cause it?s the best I?ve seen
When you fall down good
Sink in the water
But you?re walkin? on wood, walkin? on wood
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible so all that's good
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible so all that's good
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible so all that's good
Last time, walkin? on wood
Now we?re invisible
Last time, walkin? on wood
The lyrics of Trey Anastasio's song "Invisible" present a sense of illusion and distortion as they reflect upon a past relationship while juxtaposing it with a present situation. They convey the singer's understanding that their past relationship was not authentic but merely a disguise, a "wrapped up scene." Despite this knowledge, the singer admits that it still feels good because they are "walking on wood," meaning that they are floating on something solid and seemingly impenetrable, similar to denial or fantasy.
However, the song becomes more complex in the second verse, as the singer seems to address their former partner directly, asking them what they are waiting for and whether it is their time to walk away. The idea of the law being "unseen" and the "hurdles all down" implies that there are no consequences or obstacles in leaving, suggesting that the relationship is unsustainable. In the chorus, the singer acknowledges that falling down is part of the experience, but they are still "walking on wood," refusing to face the reality of the situation.
The final verse expresses the hope that the singer and their former partner will eventually find each other again, but this time they will be able to establish a genuine connection, without the veil of illusion that was present in the past.
Overall, "Invisible" is a song about the complexities of human relationships and the illusion of permanence. It suggests that, even when we know our relationships are not entirely authentic, we can still derive pleasure from them and may find it difficult to let go.
Line by Line Meaning
Last time when you were waiting for me
During our previous meeting, when you were patiently waiting for me
I tried to tell you all we had was a
I attempted to explain to you that our relationship was nothing more than a shallow and fleeting experience
Wrapped up scene like I knew that it would
Our relationship was flawlessly packaged in a way that I predicted from the beginning
It all seems thin but it sure feels good
Even though our relationship lacks depth, it gives us pleasure and happiness
'Cause it's the best I've seen
This is the most outstanding relationship I've ever had
When you fall down good
Even though things may go wrong, our relationship is refreshing and has great potential
Sink in the water
Even if we come across difficulties, our relationship has the ability to overcome them and stay afloat
But you're walkin' on wood
We're able to remain afloat despite the odds and still feel solid in our relationship
This time, what are you waiting for?
In our current encounter, what is holding you back from moving forward in our relationship?
Is it your time to walk away?
Perhaps it's the right moment for you to leave this relationship
Because the law's unseen, levels all good
There's no tension or conflict in our relationship currently
The hurdles all down like another time would
Any obstacles that may have existed in the past have been resolved or dissolved
Last time seen, walkin' on wood
During our last encounter, we were in a good place in our relationship
Downstream drifting like a long time should
Our relationship feels like it's been going on for a long time, and it's continueing to move forward
But now we're invisible so all that's good
Although people may not be able to see our relationship, it's still successful and flourishing
Next time and I could wait forever
I'm willing to wait indefinitely for our next encounter or opportunity to interact
Old times because I thought I'd never
I've been reminiscing about the past because I never believed that our relationship would become this important to me
Wrap that scene like I knew that I should
I'm ready to package our relationship in a way that I believe is necessary and most meaningful
It all seemed thin but it sure felt good
Our relationship may not be very substantial, but it's still enjoyable and gratifying
Now we're invisible
Our relationship may not be apparent, but it still exists and is strong
Walking on wood
We're still able to remain buoyant and successful in our relationship
Contributed by Caleb W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.