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“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).

Watch Burn That Bridge on YouTube ”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.

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

(Anastasio, Green)
© Seven Below Inc (BMI), Green Piece Music (BMI)

Trouble seems to follow me
Like a thoughtless lonely dog
I can't shake it no matter how I run
And you know and I don't
I seen it coming from the sun
There will be lots to say
And hell to pay
Before this day gets done

But I'll bridge when I get to it
Find a fire I can set to it
There's trouble coming but the spark is lit
And I'll burn that bridge when I get to it

Sunlight in your smile
Seen it twinkling through
I've been on this earth awhile
I've never met no one like you.
But Lord knows I'm a sinner
But something tells me you are too
And I'll pay tomorrow for what I pray
We're about to do

But I'll bridge when I get to it
Find a fire I can set to it
The trouble's coming but the spark is lit
And I'll burn that bridge when I get to it

Sometimes you got to break the rules
And throw away the book
Touch the candle at both ends
And leave before you look

I may be a little crazy
And lord knows I'm no great catch
But you survive the gasoline
And I'll survive a match

But I'll bridge when I get to it
I know I shouldn't but the spark is lit
If this is trouble, I don't mind a bit
And I'll burn that bridge when I get to it

Burn that bridge when I get to it
Find a fire I can set to it
The trouble's coming but the spark is lit
And I'll burn that bridge when I get to it

Burn that bridge x8
Burn burn burn that bridge x2