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Theme From The Bottom Lyrics
I feed from the bottom, you feed from the top
I live upon morsels you happen to drop
And coffee that somehow leaks out of your cup
If nothing comes down then I'm forced to swim up
On the way upwards, the colors come back
But all along the bottom is blue, grey, and black
The darkness is cold and perception goes wrong
And the night seems to go on incredibly long
So I ask you why if I'm swimming by,
Don't you see anything you'd like to try?
Pantomime mixtures of heaven and earth
Jumbled events that have less than no worth
Time in the forest to dig under rocks
Or float in the ocean asleep in a box
Or sink just below all the churning and froth
And swim to the light source or fly like a moth
So toss away stuff you don't need in the end
But keep what's important and know who's your friend
So I ask you why if I'm swimming by,
Don't you see anything that you'd like to try?
If I'm swimming by
From the bottom, from the top ( x 8 )
I live upon morsels you happen to drop
And coffee that somehow leaks out of your cup
If nothing comes down then I'm forced to swim up
On the way upwards, the colors come back
But all along the bottom is blue, grey, and black
The darkness is cold and perception goes wrong
And the night seems to go on incredibly long
Don't you see anything you'd like to try?
Jumbled events that have less than no worth
Time in the forest to dig under rocks
Or float in the ocean asleep in a box
And swim to the light source or fly like a moth
So toss away stuff you don't need in the end
But keep what's important and know who's your friend
Don't you see anything that you'd like to try?
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I dont know what the real meaning of this song is, but to me it has always made me think about being a fuck-up (possibly a drug addict) living in the gutter (metaphorically) and occasionally popping up into the real world and seeing its possibilities. but I dont think that interpretation really works for the whole song.
Ive lived at the bottom for sure. still on my way upwards.
@Icculus716 Yeah I could definitely picture this song being sung from the point of view of a street kid / lowlife with mental illness and/or a bad addiction, speaking to the well off “friend” who lets him stop by and mooch things off him, in exchange for having somebody to get blasted with.
@Icculus716 Yeah I could definitely picture this song being sung from the point of view of a street kid / lowlife with mental illness and/or a bad addiction, speaking to the well off “friend” who lets him stop by and mooch things off him, in exchange for having somebody to get blasted with.
I think this is from the point of view of bottom feeding fish, singing to the fisherman fishing in a boat above him. He enjoys the scraps of chum the angler drops, but when there isn’t any, he’s tempted by the fisherman’s bait and gives in.
I think this is from the point of view of bottom feeding fish, singing to the fisherman fishing in a boat above him. He enjoys the scraps of chum the angler drops, but when there isn’t any, he’s tempted by the fisherman’s bait and gives in.
The last verse, I think, is the fish getting caught and struggling, but succumbing. The last two lines of the last verse are saying Now it’s time for the fisherman to dig for some more bait, since he’s found a good fishing spot. Or maybe just take a nap in his...
The last verse, I think, is the fish getting caught and struggling, but succumbing. The last two lines of the last verse are saying Now it’s time for the fisherman to dig for some more bait, since he’s found a good fishing spot. Or maybe just take a nap in his boat first, since he’s already got today’s catch.
I LoooOoOoOoove this song. Such a catchy tune.
I LoooOoOoOoove this song. Such a catchy tune.
Hello, I am mister fish swimming around in the ocean. About the plainest interpretation I can dream up.
This song always reminds me of marijuana. Let me explain:
On the way upwards, the colors come back But all along the bottom is blue, grey, and black The darkness is cold and perception goes wrong And the night seems to go on incredibly long
Those lines in particular^ The colors and perception changing, and time going on longer than it seems. Also, the "anything that you'd like to try" line always reminds me of somebody offering someone else drugs.
One could certainly argue against my feeble attempts at interpretation, because none of the other lyrics make sense with my analysis. Regardless, this is an awesome song, possibly my favorite Phish song.
I love this song and the band. I think it means that when you are down it is important to know who you are and who youre friends are."but keep whats important and know who your friends are" but i could be wrong. also like what yossarianisme said about weed etc...
I believe this song is about getting caught up in the hustle and bustle. Just "swimming" through life. They are reaching out and telling us there is that light you can swim or (more positively, now that it has been addressed) fly to.
The first verse is describing that feeling of being caught up in it all. The second, shows the realization that occurs when you find "it" and represents that perspective shift. The third is the positive support, encouragement, and final words of wisdom before you begin your new journey. And I believe the chorus is calling out to you: So I ask you "Why", if I'm swimming by, "don't you see anything that you'd like to try?" "Why don't you see anything that you'd like to try?" Why are you allowing yourself to get caught up in all of that meaninglessness instead of reaching your true potential?
Believe in You.
Ahhhhh. Such a simple melody and yet so friggin sweet.