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Phish.netBack in the U.S.S.R.
Back in the U.S.S.R. has not been seen in 408 Phish shows.
It was last played: 2013-10-23.
It was played at 0.15% of live shows.
It has been performed live 3 time(s).
Music/Lyrics: Lennon/McCartney
Original Artist: The Beatles
Original Album: The Beatles (a.k.a. The White Album) (1968)
Vocals: Trey (lead), Mike, Page (backing)
Debut: 1994-10-31
The all-important opener for 10/31/94 set II – perhaps one of the most anticipated set openers in the history of Phish. 1994 marked the first Halloween Phish would wear a “musical costume.” Electricity filled the air – the excitement of that evening simply cannot be described in words. As the tape loops and sound effects of Pink Floyd’s “Speak to Me” buzzed through the air, many were justifiably convinced that the band would be doing their trick-or-treating in the guise of Dark Side of the Moon.
Watch Back in the U.S.S.R. on YouTube "Back in the U.S.S.R." – 10/31/94, Glens Falls, NY
However, as should have been expected on Halloween, this one was a trick. The real treat came when the band confidently soared into a rocking rendition of “Back In the U.S.S.R.,” the opening track from The Beatles’ eponymous 1968 White Album.
“Back In the U.S.S.R.” graced the Phish stage for encore performance on 12/6/94 in Santa Barbara, CA but would then hit the mothballs for almost two decades. Phish’s 2013 fall tour included the first return visit to the Glen Falls Civic Center since Halloween ‘94, and the band wasted no time offering a nod to the White Album; the first “Back In the U.S.S.R.” in 687 shows opened the 10/23/13 gig, gaining an especially vocal fan reaction to the “gee it's good to be back home” line.
Watch Back in the U.S.S.R. on YouTube "Back in the U.S.S.R." – 10/23/13, Glens Falls, NY
Albums: Live Phish 13
Lyrics:
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC.
Flew in from Miami Beach BOAC.
Didn't get to bed last night.
On the way the paper bag was on my knee.
Man I had a dreadful flight.
I'm back in the USSR.
You don't know how lucky you are boy,
Back in the USSR.
Been away so long I hardly knew the place.
Gee it's good to be back home.
Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case.
Honey disconnect the phone.
I'm back in the USSR.
You don't know how lucky you are boy
Back in the US, back in the US,
Back in the USSR.
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out.
They leave the West behind.
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout.
That Georgia's always on my mind.
I'm back in the USSR.
You don't know how lucky you are boy,
Back in the USSR.
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out.
They leave the West behind.
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout.
That Georgia's always on my mind.
Show me round your snow peaked mountains
Way down south
Take me to your daddy's farm.
Let me hear your balalaikas ringing out.
Come and keep your comrade warm.
I'm back in the USSR.
You don't know how lucky you are boy,
Back in the USSR
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