Phish.net

During one of their first writing sessions after the 2004 "breakup," Trey gave lyricist Tom Marshall some books he had recently read, including The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. In Tolle's book the protagonist comes to the life-altering realization that he and his mind are separate entities, an epiphany that brought him great happiness. Though Tom was was not overly impressed by the book (saying "It didn't really make sense"), he was sufficiently intrigued by the concept that he used it as the basis for a song: "Light."

Lyrically “Light” seems to mesh Tolle's concept of the separateness of mind and being with references to someone emerging from a dark period in their life they would like to leave behind. Possibly a reference to Trey’s struggles with substance abuse, the lyrics poignantly balance the optimism of recovery with the uncertainty of a new lifestyle as Trey sings, “I think I’m still me / But how would you know?”

Musically, the debut of “Light” by Trey’s solo band on 8/7/08 was quite tentative, as both Trey and his band mates seemed unfamiliar with the song. “Light” made its Phish debut on 5/31/09 at Fenway Park rising out of “Tweezer.” While the Fenway version was well played, Phish seemed similarly unsure of what to do with the song, resulting in a concise reading. The next version on 6/14/09 at Bonnaroo was a more stretched out affair, but was ultimately outshone by the 500-watt performance on 8/7/09 at the Gorge. Providing one of the highlights of what many consider to be the best show of the 2009 summer tour, the jam out of “Light” developed into an airy, bouncy, almost “Hood”-like jam, compelling the band to add additional vocal accompaniment in the form of several "Ooohs" before segueing into “Taste.” Three months later, "Light" would receive its most prominent set placement to date, appearing in the middle of a "Mike's" > "2001" > "Light" > "Slave" sandwich that closed out the final set of Festival 8. Though the Festival 8 version itself drew mixed reviews (owing mainly to the space jam it spawned), few could dispute that the visual beauty of its burble accompaniment.

Watch Light on YouTube "Light" 11/1/09 Indio, CA

After being played sporadically in the first half of 2009, "Light" made five appearances on the 13 show 2009 Fall Tour (including four appearances in the coveted early, second set position), and quickly became one of Phish's most reliable improvisational vehicles. While 11/29/09, 12/2/09 and 12/5/09 all feature strong renditions, the 12/2/09 version from Madison Square Garden shines the brightest.  

Watch Light on YouTube "Light" 12/2/09 New York, NY (Part 1)

Watch Light on YouTube "Light" 12/2/09 New York, NY (Part 2)

"Light" continued to shine brightly in 2010. All five versions from the early summer tour were well-played with 6/22/10 (absolutely thrilling before being cut off prematurely by "46 Days") and 7/1/10 (featuring a rare return to the lyrics) topping the list. Both were overshadowed, though, by the 8/7/10 "Light" which included a jam that would have been completely at home in a mid-'90s version of "Bowie." Fall 2010 versions tended towards sparser, more percussive journeys (see 10/19/10 and 10/26/10). The 10/26/10 version, in particular (from a show that contains an embarrassment of riches), stands out as the most interesting of the bunch. Though 2011 was, oddly, a comparatively unadventurous year for "Light," the 8/9/11 version that emerged from the depths of nearby Lake Tahoe is a true monster and should not be missed. Both 7/3/11 and 8/15/11 also contain a few twists and turns and are worth seeking out.  

Watch Light on Vimeo "Light" 8/9/11 Stateline, NV

After a relatively dim 2011, “Light” is shining much brighter in 2012. The renditions from 6/16/12 and 6/23/12 are not only among the best the band has played, but among the best jams from what many consider one of Phish’s strongest tours of the 3.0 era. The 6/16/12 version from Bader Field weaves in and out of “Manteca” and is infused with “Crosseyed and Painless” quotes before building to a glorious peak. The 6/23/12 Star Lake version featured a jam that ran the gamut from themes that recalled the SBIX “Storage Jam” to bouncy, melodic playing. As the band continues to feature "Light" as the improvisational centerpiece of so many shows, one can't help but think a 1.21 gigawatt performance is lurking around the corner.

Finally, any discussion of “Light” would be incomplete without mentioning the studio version that many consider to be the highlight of Joy, featuring Mike channeling John Entwistle, in providing some meaty, beaty, big and bouncy bass runs.

Watch Light on Vimeo ”Light” 6/16/12 Atlantic City, NJ

(Anastasio/Marshall)
© Who Is She? Music, BMI

I can see the light between me and my mind
I can feel memories fall behind
And the light is growing brighter now
And the light is growing brighter now

I see the future is less and less there
And the past has vanished in the air
And I'm left in the now with a wondrous glo
I think I’m still me
But how would you know?

It takes a few moments of whirling around
Before your feet finally leave the ground
And fending off fears and hearing the call
And finally waiting for nothing at all
And the light is growing brighter now
And the light is growing brighter now

Obstacles are stepping-stones
That guide us to our goals
Fences are filters
That purify our souls