Phish.net

Posing a curious existential question, the rollicking “How Many People Are You” by Mike Gordon and his songwriting partner Scott Murawski was first introduced by Mike’s “other” band on 6/5/15 in Charleston, SC. “How Many People Are You” was one of four new Gordon/Murawski originals – along with “Here Today,” Take It As It Comes” and “The Last Step” – debuted on that June 2015 tour. The lyrics contain philosophical explorations on the nature of self, personal and political sub-dramas, and a curious reference to the repetitive nighttime song of the Eastern Whip-poor-will.

Watch How Many People Are You on YouTube Mike Gordon, “How Many People Are You” – 6/19/15, Albany, NY (at 4:50)

“How Many People Are You” debuted coinciding with the first new lineup of Mike’s band since 2008, with Mike, Scott Murawski on guitar, Craig Myers on percussion, and newcomers to the ensemble John Kimock on drums and Robert Walter on keyboards. “How Many People Are You” leverages the presence of Robert Walter, with prominent keys swirling over the frenetic tempo and powerful vocal delivery. The song was obviously a band favorite, as it was the most frequently played song on that June 2015 tour.

“How Many People Are You” entered the Phish rotation soon thereafter, on 7/22/15, the 2015 summer tour’s second show in the cozy confines of the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend, OR. The song made only two other appearances on the tour – both excellent gigs, on 7/31/15 in Atlanta and on 8/22/15 at Magnaball – each about seven minutes in length, all appearing in the first set, and despite a mixed reception by fans, infusing a feverish, borderline hyperactive energy to the mix.

Watch How Many People Are You on YouTube Phish, “How Many People Are You” – 8/22/15, Watkins Glen, NY. Video by LazyLightning55a

(Gordon/Murawski)
© Who Is She? Music, Inc. (BMI)

I saw you in the eyes of the teller, gave my money with a smile
I saw you on TV a CEO of a company
I saw you driving by with a scream in your eye
You seemed not to like the way I swerved between the lines

How many people are you? How many people are you?
How many people like you get caught in the buffer?

I heard you hate the Buddha but you preach all the teachings of Zen
I heard you check my zodiac a lot but you can't recall my name
I heard you're so nice like a jackal when you're not try'na hide
I don't mind, I guess to me it's all the same

How many people are you? How many people are you?
How many people like you get caught in the buffer?

I guess we all know people come and then people will go
I'm reminded of your fire when the chief of staff comments on the war
The killer in the thriller that crumbles when the whip-poor-will sings
And eyelash black haired diner girl sweeping is you even more

How many people are you? How many people are you?
How many people like you get caught in the buffer?

Now you are, now you're not caught in the buffer