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The Phishbill for the 10/31/13 Wingsuit set promised "twelve brand new, never-before-heard songs" that would likely end up on the planned album. And while 99% of fans in attendance probably thought that's precisely what they heard, hardcore TAB fans knew better. Unlike the other eleven Wingsuit songs, “Winterqueen” actually made its debut over two years earlier as a TAB song on 10/1/11. Given the "one and done" nature of the performance, it's possible Trey forgot he had played it prior to the Wingsuit rendition (or perhaps he just figured it was “new enough” to 99% of the audience). 

Lyrically, the song sounds like it could be a companion song to "Frost" (and in fact was written at the same writing session in 2011). It tells the story – sketches, really – of two pairs of characters who act as foils for the other. The Winterqueen sits on land, wishing she controlled the sky, while the Summerqueen lives in the air, wishing she lived below. Similarly, the Prince of Silence speaks without his words being heard, while the Prince of Music is able to produce sound without playing a note. The latter sketch of "the Prince of Music on guitar" can be seen to recall Trey's oft-repeated belief that he is really a conduit for the music that is already exists in the cosmos. 

Watch Winterqueen on YouTube ”Winterqueen” 7/3/14 Saratoga Springs, NY

Though the song’s TAB similarities caused many to question whether it would be included on the final album, “Winterqueen” was among the nine Wingsuit tracks included on Fuego (along with “Halfway to the Moon”). On an album where nearly every song benefits from the studio treatment, perhaps none benefits more than “Winterqueen.” Featuring an utterly unique guitar tone from Trey and augmented by a Don Hart-arranged horn section, live versions of “Winterqueen” will be hard pressed to match the beauty Bob Ezrin and Phish achieved in the studio.

Though not a ballad per se, many thought “Winterqueen” would assume the typical ballad slot at Phish shows, appearing after favored jamming songs and destined to be ridiculed by a certain type of fan, who has no patience for “butterflies and bees” and “princes of music” after “Tweezer” or “Disease.” Instead, the song has shown up early and late in both sets, and even as an encore (on 10/27/14). More importantly, “Winterqueen” can almost always be counted upon to deliver impassioned playing from Trey. Inspired versions can be found from 7/9/14 (Philly), 7/25/14 (Charlotte), 7/22/15 (Bend), and 1/14/17 (Mexico).

(Anastasio/Marshall)
© Seven Below Inc. (BMI)

The winter queen looks up and sighs:
I wish that I controlled the skies
For up above is where to stand
To rule those who walk on the land

The summer queen flies by and sees
Her realm of butterflies and bees
And said, I wish I lived below
Instead I sail where breezes blow

And the rain came down
It tried to seep
into the ground
But water deep

Pecked and poked
And sodden soil
Already soaked
Began to roil

The prince of silence walks below
Inside a cave of ice and snow
He says "I wonder why?" but words
Are locked in glaciers never heard

The prince of music on guitar
Neglects to play a single bar
But music trapped inside his head
Resounds and fills the space instead

The winter queen looks up and sighs...