“Strange Design,” in the live Phish rotation since its debut on May 16, 1995, is credited to the songwriting team of Tom Marshall and Trey Anastasio, but was primarily written by Anastasio. At a solo performance on February 16, 2010, he explained the song’s origin:
I wrote this song, um, and um, ab...
[Verse 1]
I needed
Less restraint before
I needed
To hit the lights and close the door
I'm fine, I'm fine, 'cause I'm...
[Chorus]
Dripping in this strange design
None is yours and far less mine
Hold the wheel, read the sign
Keep the tires off the line
Just relax you're doing fine
Swimming in this real thing
I call life, but can I bring
A few companions on this ride?
[Verse 2]
I'm feeling
My heart's not beating anymore
I'm feeling
It's all right this happened once before
I'm fine, I'm fine, 'cause I'm...
[Chorus]
Dripping in this strange design
None is yours and far less mine
Hold the wheel, read the sign
Keep the tires off the line
Just relax you're doing fine
Swimming in this real thing
I call life, but can I bring
A few companions on this ride?
Dripping in this strange design
None is yours and far less mine
Hold the wheel, read the sign
Keep the tires off the line
Just relax you're doing fine
Swimming in this real thing
I call life, but can I bring
A few companions on this ride?
Strange Design was written by Trey Anastasio & Tom Marshall.
Strange Design was produced by Steve Lillywhite.