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“American Woman” probably the most well known song by The Guess Who (who, of course, are actually Canadian). Though the song’s author’s have denied the song was intended to make any political statement, the lyrics seem to indicate otherwise. Regardless, it’s not so much the lyrics as the infectious guitar riff – that ranks up there with the best of Keith Richards – that draws most people in. Phish (or, more accurately, Fish) performed the song once, during the so-called “Little Equipment Gig” at Gallagher’s. The story goes that during Phish’s many previous visits to the Waitsfield, VT venue, the owner would chide them for the fact that the ambition of their stage setup seemed to outpace their less-than-rock-god standing. Returning the joke, Phish showed up for what would prove to be their final Gallagher’s gig on 3/1/89 with vastly scaled down “toy” instruments. No doubt inspired by their unique surroundings, Phish played perhaps the most unique encore of their career that night, which included Fishman lending vocals and trombone to this Guess Who classic. So just how far gone was their rendition of this classic rock classic? If only we knew... sadly, the show does not circulate.

(Bachman/Cummings/Kale/Peterson)
© Shillelagh American Music (BMI)

American woman stay away from me
American Woman mama let me be
Don’t come hanging around my door
I don’t want to see your face No more
I got more important things to do
Then spend my time growing old with you
American Woman get away from me
American woman mama let me be
Don’t come knocking around my door
I don’t want to see your shadow no more

Colored lights can hypnotize
Go and sparkle someone else’s eyes
Now woman I said get away
American woman listen what I say
American woman I said get away
American woman listen what I say
Don’t come hanging around my door
I don’t want to see your face no more
I don’t need your war machines
I don’t need your ghetto scenes

Colored lights can hypnotize
Sparkle someone else’s eyes
Now woman, get away from me
American woman, mama let me be

Go, gotta get away, gotta get away
Now go go go
gonna leave you, woman
gonna leave you, woman
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye
Bye-bye

You’re no good for me
I’m no good for you
Gonna look you right in the eye.
Tell you what I’m gonna do
You know I’m gonna leave
You know I’m gonna go
You know I’m gonna leave
You know I’m gonna go, woman
I’m gonna leave, woman
Goodbye, American Woman