Phish.net

“Friday” is a metaphorical dialog; between whom or what, it isn’t clear. One character stands unfulfilled, though their ultimate desires are unconvincing at best, and are certainly ambiguous. Trey assumes these dreary, lilting initial lines; and Mike responds in child-like refrains: “Why? Why? Why?” One interpretation has a father drowning his child (or a certain songwriting husband drowning his wife) – “Please follow me, into the sea, don’t worry if it’s cold” – and then later as she descends into the murk, so clueless as to be unaware of her imminent fate: “Why is the sea cool? Why is it blue?” Or perhaps the song is an indictment of blind obedience and the inherently lame naiveté of any individual or group engaged in herd mentality. 

Whatever the scenario envisioned by its authors, “Friday” has to say the least never caught fire as a fan favorite. “Friday” has in fact been the object of an unusually vocal group of detractors – even for Phish fans! Aside from the usual drone of online fan commentators, a small but notable chorus of “boos” could be heard flowing from the audience as “Friday” closed the otherwise extremely well received 2/16/03 gig. Regardless of the relative merits of “Friday” itself, the song’s prominent placement in the middle of second sets or as an encore left a taste of “buzzkill” among many fans. “Friday” did not make an appearance until 325 shows later, in the eighth year of their 3.0 return on 10/25/16 in Grand Prairie, Texas (on a Tuesday). However, prior to that bust-out, it was soundchecked, including the FUCK YOUR FACE show on 8/31/12 at Dick’s, (on a Friday).

(Anastasio/Marhsall/Herman)
© Who Is She? Music, Inc. (BMI)

I crashed, I burned
But then I learned
To keep my eye on you
You always say
You'll lead the way
But then you never do

I slowed, I swerved
But lost my nerve
And quickly looked away
When I looked back
The day was black
Then I heard you say

Why is the sun hot?
Why does it rain?
Why is there danger and
Why is there pain?
Why can't the burden we carry go away
And why isn't it Friday today?

Your lack of trust
Is hardly just
So do as you've been told
Please follow me
Into the sea
Don't worry if it's cold

I knew right then
My chance again
Would quickly slip away
I crash I cry
I burn but I
Still follow anyway

Why is the sea cool?
Why is it blue?
Why do I stay here?
Why is it you?
Notice the danger but don't help in any way
Why isn't it Friday today?