The final tune from side one of the first record of the White Album, this Lennon/McCartney composition was first covered by Phish as part of their 1994 Halloween set. John Lennon has been quoted as saying that in writing “Happiness...” he “put together three sections of different songs... it seemed to run through all the different kinds of rock music.” The surreal lyrics of this relatively compact song cover a wide range of topics – from sex to drugs to violence – and are said to have been inspired by an acid trip taken by Lennon. Many people – including Sir Paul McCartney himself – consider it their favorite White Album tune.
The Beatles, “Happiness Is a Warm Gun”
Phish’s cover version plays it straight, with Trey taking lead vocals and playing the iconic guitar riffs admirably. Unlike “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – which became a standard part of the band’s repertoire following the 1994 Halloween show – “Happiness is a Warm Gun” was thought by most fans to be a one-timer. However, on 7/3/12, in a show that opened with another long-shelved cover (Little Feat’s “Skin It Back”), “Happiness...” reemerged to an astonished crowd after a gap of 658 shows. While not played quite as perfectly as in the Halloween show, it was a thrilling example of how Phish continues to bring something unexpected nearly every night.
Phish, "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" – 10/31/94, Glens Falls, NY
The shortests writeup for one of the greatest songs ever written. Dig a little deeper, there's more than two paragraphs out there.
A song that has been performed only once outside of album set warrants more in-depth coverage? And by the way, a song history that was updated by an all-volunteer staff immediately after its performance on a fan run site? I think Phish.net and its contributors do a pretty good job of updating, show-noting, setlist gathering, etc.
So please, by all means, if you can dig deeper feel free to offer up some additional commentary on this as "one of the greatest songs ever written".
The shortests writeup for one of the greatest songs ever written. Dig a little deeper, there's more than two paragraphs out there.
A bit harsh, man. I updated it immediately after the show; before I did so it was only two sentences. You should be happy I got to two paragraphs.
I love the song; it is probably my favorite from the White Album. But there is only so much one can say about it with respect to Phish's two performances of the tune. We aren't a Beatles fan site after all.
But as @twimsiy said, if you have any additional material you think would fit well in the song history please leave another comment here or send me a PM. I will make sure you get credit if it is something that fits.
The shortests writeup for one of the greatest songs ever written. Dig a little deeper, there's more than two paragraphs out there.
I can't believe you were voted down for voicing your opinion. This site has a bunch of tight asses sometimes man.... I voted you back up though. This is a great song indeed, beautiful lyrics and music to accompany them.
Yeah, as soon as I get off the road I'll dig a bit deeper. Not harsh at all, harsh would be me saying a single chopped up quote to round out the Beatles paragraph is completely lazy.
Performances
Song History
@Euclid said: 
