Split Open and Melt
Phish · Hampton/winston-Salem '97 [2011]
and toss it in my carryall
Run the wide load to the lip
and watch the big core crack and glow
In the evening I undo my belt
Split open and melt
I wake up on my stomach
with my face between my hands
and crawl along the floor toward the doorway
Jumping to my feet
I try to put myself together
but I feel it in my knees
and the room begins to spin
and I slip and bump my head and raise a welt
Split open and melt
We breathe deep
in a steam dream
and plunge below the water line
down, down, down
between beams
to the gloom room
among the seaweed and the slime
down, down, down
Melt
Split Open and Melt
Phish's "Split Open and Melt" stands as a defining example of the band's progressive rock and jam band style, showcasing their signature improvisational approach. Recorded during the Hampton/Winston-Salem '97 tour, the track exemplifies the complex interplay between the group's members, featuring extended instrumental sections and intricate rhythmic shifts characteristic of their discography. The song reflects the band's ability to blend technical proficiency with emotional depth, creating a dynamic listening experience that has become a staple in their live performances and studio recordings. Its inclusion in the Hampton/Winston-Salem '97 setlist highlights the group's commitment to exploring new musical territories while maintaining their cohesive sonic identity.