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The hypnotic song "Beauty of a Broken Heart" was written by Phish's Chairman of the Boards after the break-up that thankfully turned out to be the band's second hiatus. Lyrically, "Beauty of a Broken Heart" is one of of the more pensive, revealing (and rocking) tunes from Page's eponymous 2007 solo album. Whether it's exploring the dissolution of his band or other longtime relationships, the song explores notions of immense, sometimes painful transitions. The lyrics seem to reflect Page at his most vulnerable and offers insight into the healing power of music – for those who hear it as well as write it. “BOABH” was also in heavy rotation during Page’s solo performances in 2007 and made a lone appearance during a “Porter Batiste Stoltz featuring Page McConnell” gig at Lupo’s in Providence on 9/25/08.

Watch Beauty of a Broken Heart on YouTube "Beauty of a Broken Heart" – 8/2/09, Morrison, CO

While the song was penned by Page, the rest of the band adds their own divine and secret ingredients to render it a Phish tune from start to finish. Along with it's thought-provoking lyrics, "Beauty of a Broken Heart" contains an indelible, soaring guitar riff, an instantly hook-y chorus and piano refrains that almost harken back to another time (dare I say, Hoist-era Phish).

Upon their mighty return to the interplanetary, most extraordinary craft (aka the 'Hampton Spaceship'), Phish debuted "Beauty of a Broken Heart" on 3/7/09 and it immediately showed up on 'best new song' lists across the interwebs. “BOABH” was in modest rotation throughout 2009, including versions at Red Rocks on 8/2/09, Merriweather on 8/15/09, and Miami on 12/28/09. After a two-year, 91-show absence it returned to the stage on 6/7/12 Worcester and has remained a rare treat since with one or two performances each year (see 7/27/13 at The Gorge or 7/25/14 Charlotte). 

Watch Beauty of a Broken Heart on YouTube "Beauty of a Broken Heart" – 6/7/12 Worcester, MA

(McConnell)
© Keyed Music, Inc. (BMI)

A sad refrain as tears depart
A word remains that I can start
To map the borders of my heart
And change the channels that I chart

I’m not complete but feel the heat
As pavement seals me to the street
Immobilized I realized
Misjudged the situation’s size

Though seasons change and seeds may start
The beauty of a broken heart
Cannot be seen but in full view
The colors can come back to you

A love supreme, an ancient art
A finely tuned piano part
That plays its notes from stop to start
And hinges on a broken heart

Though seasons change and seeds may start
The beauty of a broken heart
Cannot be seen but in full view
The colors can come back to you

Effortlessly gliding down the spiral headed toward the ground
Of radiance arriving much too soon
Humbly acknowledging the thoughts inside increase my slide
The grade is what propels me to my room

Though seasons change and seeds may start
The beauty of a broken heart
Cannot be seen but in full view
The colors can come back to you