Sleeping Monkey
Phish · Live Phish Vol. 12: 8/13/96, Deer Creek Music Center, Noblesville, Ind [2002]
In fact it's getting pretty tame
It's just not that great anymore
I guess I'll go outside
And flag a weasel for a ride
And take it on down to the shore
Wallowing in fear
The days and weeks that you're not here
Was all the waiting in vain?
The day that you arrived
My sleeping monkey is revived
But you sent him home on the train
Home on the train
Why'd you send my monkey on a train?
The day that you arrived
My sleeping monkey is revived
But you sent him home on the train
Home on the train
Why'd you send my monkey on a train?
The day that you arrived
My sleeping monkey is revived
But you sent him home on the train
Home on the train
Why'd you send my monkey on a train?
The day that you arrived
My sleeping monkey is revived
But you sent him home on the train
Home on the train
Why'd you send my monkey on a train?
The day that you arrived
My sleeping monkey is revived
But you sent him home on the train
Home on the train
Why'd you send my monkey on a train?
The day that you arrived
My sleeping monkey is revived
But you sent him home on the train
Home on the train
Sleeping Monkey
Sleeping Monkey stands as a defining track in Phish's expansive discography, showcasing the band's signature blend of funk, rock, and improvisational jazz. Written by Trey Anastasio, the song is renowned for its intricate, syncopated rhythm that drives the composition forward with infectious energy. It has become a staple of their live performances, often serving as a vehicle for extended instrumental exploration and dynamic shifts in tempo. The recording featured on Live Phish Vol. 12 captures a vibrant moment from their 1996 summer tour, highlighting the group's tight interplay and ability to transform a complex studio composition into a sprawling live experience. This work remains a testament to the band's enduring influence on jam band culture and their commitment to musical spontaneity.