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Although many fans were confused by the encore on 11/16/96 in Nebraska, most of the hometown crowd recognized “American Band” from the moment Fish started in on the cowbell. Although Phish had never covered this song before, it was a nice tip-of-the-cap to the evening’s host city; perhaps it was played for “all them chiquitas in Omaha.” Others suggest that it was performed in honor of Homer Simpson, who has been known to claim the Grand Funk tune as his favorite song.

Watch We're an American Band on YouTube Grand Funk Railroad, "We're An American Band"

Another appearance on 9/29/00 proved that the song was not limited by geography. For that rendition, Vegas was the place, and the song’s lyrics were modified to the fit the occasion. Appearing again this time as an encore, the tune was sung by Kid Rock, a strong contender for the “Least Likely Guest at a Phish Show” award (alongside Gloria Steinem and Jay-Z). 

For what it’s worth, many folks have also noted that the refrain of this Grand Funk tune influenced a line from “Harpua”: “We’re comin’ to your town, we’ll help ya party down.”

(Brewer)
© Brew Music Company (BMI)

Out on the road for forty days
Last night in Little Rock, put me in a haze
Sweet, sweet Connie was doin' her act
She had the whole show and that's a natural fact

Up all night with Freddie King
I got to tell you, poker's his thing
Booze and ladies, keep me right
As long as we can make it to the show tonight

We're an American band
We're an American band
We're comin' to your town
We'll help you party it down
We're an American band

Four young chiquitas in Omaha
Waitin' for the band to return from the show
A feelin' good, feelin' right and it's Saturday night
The hotel detective, he was outta sight

Now these fine ladies, they had a plan
They was out to meet the boys in the band
They said, "Come on dudes, let's get it on!"
And we proceeded to tear that hotel down

We're an American band
We're an American band
We're comin' to your town
We'll help you party it down
We're an American band

We're an American band
We're an American band
We're comin' to your town
We'll help you party it down
We're an American band

We're an American band
We're an American band
We're comin' to your town
We'll help you party it down
We're an American band

We're an American band
We're an American band
We're comin' to your town
We'll help you party it down
We're an American band

We're an American band (whooo!!!)
We're an American band (whooo!!!)
We're an American band (whooo!!!)