Burn That Bridge

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History

“Burn That Bridge” is another collaboration between Trey and Amanda Green to hit Phish’s repertoire in 2010 (joining “Summer of ‘89” and “My Problem Right There”) Trey and Green worked together writing songs for the musical, Hands on a Hard Body, a stage adaptation of a 1997 documentary about two dozen people who have to endure standing with one hand on a brand new truck the longest, in order to ultimately win it as a prize.

Green is an accomplished Broadway songwriter, having written for stage adaptations of Nick Hornby’s novel and John Cusack’s film High Fidelity and Bring It On, the popular cheerleading teen flick starring Kirsten Dunst (c’mon, admit it... you watch it when it’s on cable).

”Burn That Bridge” – 10/7/10 Austin, TX (Soundcheck)

While the songs lyrics were written by Green, the underlying emotion echoes many of the Joy-era songs debuted by Phish. Trey’s music has bopping, bluesy, country vibe that emotes the carefree nature of Green’s lyrics, a free-spirited notion of trying to focus on a glass half full. Similar to “Kill Devil Falls,” the lyrics tell a tale of ignoring consequence for a gain in the now, while acknowledging a potential to pay a price in the future. 

The song first appeared with Trey’s “Classic TAB” at the Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores, AL on 5/16/10. As for Phish, “Burn That Bridge” began appearing in soundchecks with the very first show of 2010 at Toyota Park (6/11/10). In fact, with the number of times it was heard in this capacity without being played in an actual show (6/13, 6/19, 8/5, 8/15, 8/17, and 10/7) it may have seemed that this song was never intended for a Phish audience to hear. Finally on 12/31/10 “Burn That Bridge” made its Phish debut at Madison Square Garden. Trey and Green have more songs in their arsenal so it will be interesting to see if more find their way to the Phish stage.

”Burn That Bridge” – 12/31/10, New York, NY

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