Diving into more Pink Floyd! "Wish You Were Here" Vocal and Compositional ANALYSIS!

[@matthewschiavi7353]

The older you get, the deeper this song cuts because you realize that the number of people who meant so much to you, who aren't here anymore(physically, mentally, & emotionally), are starting to rack up.

[@ivofurtado8032]

Well said, my friend

[@MrHws5mp]

Amen.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

100%

[@shawnfitzpatrick7071]

I can't make it through this song without getting choked up

[@MonkeyJedi99]

It is, to me, simultaneously a lament and a call to make a change in your own life.

[@nixxhimself]

This song stopped me from taking my own life early last year. I’m only 42 years old. But, I’ve been struggling with a lot of loss and negative emotions/thoughts, depression and anxiety. And after hearing this it made me stop and reconsider how my 7 and 4 year old sons would feel. How when they’re old enough to discover this song, how much those words “wish you were here” would impact them. So I chose to keep going. I struggle every day. But I’m still here because of this song.

[@andrewhutchinson4228]

Well done, stay with it, day at a time. Treasure your boys.

[@Userick10]

So glad you’re here!

[@vmccall399]

So glad that you are still here. I suffer from major depressive disorder. Dark Side of the Moon has saved me a couple of times.

[@Oswald24x7]

Hard to do but stick with it buddy

[@kamunda13]

I feel you mate. the mantra I say to myself is that "the sun still shines". it helps me remember that there is an amazing world out there still moving on regardless of all my failings. enjoy it.

[@samfisher6606]

More Pink Floyd! All the Pink Floyd!!!!

[@metalmark1214]

Yeah, I hope she doesn't hit a wall for Pink Floyd 🤔😂

[@And_rew92]

This, this is the only comment that matters

[@MarcelNL]

Also from the "Delicate sound of thunder" album! :D

[@clintlandrum9498]

She will absolutely love PINK FLOYD and find them fascinating.

[@ViolentMessiah666]

​@@metalmark1214😂 nah, once she figures out which one's Pink it'll be fine

[@52blackshadow]

I'm old. I lost count of how many times I have heard this song. I never get tired of it.

[@allhitstaken6200]

62 here, and I feel the same.

[@Merchantmond]

Ditto

[@camerondevries6179]

I think it's important to understand that Pink Floyd, like most of the "Prog Rock" bands of the era, wrote music intended to be heard as part of an album. The context of the album as a whole adds layers of musical and lyrical understanding. Even the transitions between tracks were designed and well thought out to bring each of them together as a whole. Take a little time, lay down on your couch on a quiet afternoon, and lose yourself in the entirety of the album. I think you'll find the experience fascinating.

[@fredflintstone505]

Right. It wasn’t a 3 minute instant satisfaction, it was a 30 to 45 minute experience that was mind altering.

[@LonesomeTwin]

It's not home taping, it's Spotify which is killing music. That and KZbin ad-breaks

[@robot444]

Albums, the original playlist.

[@b.munster2830]

Indeed, one needs to hear the album as a whole, only then you can really appreciate how the next track already starts fading in even before the current track even starts to fade out.

[@Deathbird_Mitch]

I came to suggest that she listen through the whole album and react to it, then break that into individual videos. (I know another reactor who put up a full Dark Side album video and it got slammed by KZbin.)

[@mxemxexex]

Always ahead of their time! The guitar track was first recorded by Gilmour on a 12-string acoustic guitar in studio quality. A cable was then laid from the tape machine to the car park at Abbey Road Studios and connected to the car radio in Gilmour's car. A microphone was placed in the car and the intro was re-recorded in the sound quality of the radio. The second guitar, a 6-string acoustic steel guitar from Martin Guitars, was later recorded in the studio without the usual sound effects such as reverb and compressor. Background noises such as the sliding of the fingers on the fingerboard, the buzzing of the strings on the frets and the touch of the plectrum are clearly audible. David Gilmour's footsteps, rustling clothes, breathing and clearing his throat were also recorded via a room microphone, giving the impression that a radio listener is picking up a guitar and spontaneously improvising to a song.

[@OldBarnWorkshop]

wow, thanks for sharing this, love the intro.

[@raymondmedina1375]

Excellent! Thank you for the info on how the intro to this sublime song was constructed, and why!

[@rickandgen]

Exactly!

[@TheDiveDawg]

I hope this comment gets pinned, what a great write up. Thanks you.

[@kevinhansen297]

I've never heard that! Very cool. But now I'm wondering what kind of car it was.

[@Cadinho93]

"We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl...year after year...running over the same old ground...what have we found? The same old fears...wish you were here." One of my all time favorite lines from any song ever. Also, this song is a tribute to Syd Barrett. A founding member who had recently been institutionalized do to schizophrenia. The whole album is dedicated to him.

[@dianewilson7415]

Syd Barrett was institutionalized after the second album, "Saucerful of Secrets". Sudden fame, drugs, and schizophrenia turned out to be a bad mix. He was released shortly before "Wish You Were Here". He shows up for rehearsals of "Wish...", but the band didn't let him play. (Members of the band helped with Barrett's solo albums, though.)

[@dmitryowens]

Same here - I often think about it and quote it.

[@blockchaaain]

To be clear, the schizophrenia is a rumor and there's no evidence of him being institutionalized. People have just loved gossip and drama since the dawn of time.

[@KenRoerden]

@@dianewilson7415 They didn't recognize him at first when he just walked in. He was nothing like his old self. I don't know how far along they were in the process of making Wish You Were Here. The entire album is a tribute to him.

[@gregmason2434]

@@dianewilson7415 Sid's solo albums are a trip, if you have never experienced them. I still joking say that I want "Effervescing Elephant" to play at my funeral, because it is so whimsical.

[@kellygrant4964]

The smile from a veil.... My wife suffered from parkinsons for many many years. This song sings to my soul and makes me cry every time I listen to it. The mark of a true great song is you get it from it your own feelings (beyond what was originally intended).

[@NicoleTedesco]

I am sorry to hear you all went through that. I went through something similar with my mother.

[@erikmartin2]

The album starts with Shine On You Crazy Diamond parts 1 through 5, then there are 3 standard songs, then ends with Shine On You Crazy Diamond parts 6 through 9. The sweeping sound at the end of this song is the re-introduction of Shine On You Crazy Diamond (part 6). This album, like all the great Pink Floyd albums (especially Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall), REALLY REALLY needs to be listened to straight through, the full 45 minutes. These albums were created as composite works of art, rather than the individual songs being created as stand-alone works of art.

[@robbreeding304]

You're right, and yet this is also one of the greatest stand-alone songs of all time.

[@noneyabusiness7161]

Really really really really needs to be listened to in order !! Can’t stress it enough. You are 1000% correct

[@jibbel-ff5sf]

there is nothing like it, i would add animals to that list. its pure theatre.

[@PeterMcguire-k4p]

Elizabeth please play the Pulse version,you will see everything.

[@frightenedsoul]

Animals!

[@TheWayTeller]

I first heard this when my grandfather placed a set of heavy earphones on my head, clicked the switch to set his eight track to play, sat down in his chair, lit his pipe and watched my reaction with a knowing smile. I was nine, maybe ten years old. I’ve been a huge fan of Floyd ever since. ❤

[@yochadiaz2185]

❤❤😢

[@CanadianPermacultureLegacy]

🥲

[@theantipope4354]

It was my uncle who put me onto Floyd at a similar age in the 70s, but he had a really awesome sound system instead of headphones. Real blow your mind stuff. :)

[@rayjennings3637]

Your Grandfather was a wise man and by exposing you to Pink Floyd, he set you up for life!

[@JeffreyNovak-c5q]

Kudos to your grandfather for exposing you to Pink Floyd.

[@jdbroders64]

The intro is about someone listening to the radio, then playing along on guitar. It's brilliant.

[@nazfrde]

If you listen closely you can even hear him pick up the guitar and cough a little.

[@troykohl3752]

Nice I thought it is about coming down after the social media whirls and finally come to peace and reach the now. The connection between the past and the future. Just to be in the now and making the own interpretation of it. ( I mean in the aspects of meanings of life)

[@shawndesjardins3841]

Upon hearing the cough on the final release, David Gilmour decided it was time to quit smoking.

[@miketalcott5180]

Welcome to the days of AM Radio mono when you couldn't get what you wanted. For the Brits, you'd have been getting Germany, France, the Beeb. Hunting for some Rock and Roll. Whistle and static, and completely clipped frequency response.

[@DerEchteBold]

@@troykohl3752 Social media certainly wasn't an idea in 1975!

[@jdpiper]

"This is one of those moments in music that is going to be stamped on my soul." That is such a succinct and apt description of Floyd's music, and of this era of their albums in particular.

[@kb104]

My wife introduced me to Pink Floyd when we got married, cancer took her 7 years later, this song was played as her coffin entered the crematorium, we all wept.

[@pbortolotto]

This gave me chills. I'm so sorry

[@KuroFaust]

Thank u for this info, I have hope ur better now, bc i can imagine [even if in a little] how hard is to lose somebody dear for u. in small silly think, ur sentence make my semi boring day into one of this tearfull - thaks. Once again, i have hope ur better now, than in time u mentioned earlier. sorry for my english.

[@original_Gee]

My wife passed about 18 months ago, Shine On You Crazy Diamond absolutely wrecks me every time

[@LibertyRPF]

Sorry for your loss

[@rumple7551]

Sorry for your loss sir. If i didn't have pink floyd i dont think i could have handled the loss of my loved ones. This song will be played at mine also. 🙏❤️ She sounds like an amazing woman.

[@xylogreen]

If there's one thing I've learned from listening to Pink Floyd for 45+ years, it's that you listen to the whole record w/ headphones. They are sharing a story & a mood w/ the listener.

[@ericmorgan8044]

This! If you want the true emotional journey. Track one straight thru to the end. Stare at the images on the album cover, glance thru the lyrics, close your eyes and feel the journey.

[@shred3005]

💯 %. I like to lie on the floor in the dark with my headphones and close my eyes. And listen beginning to end of the album.

[@davidvernon4469]

And this is with any Floyd album. And also a lot of the 60s-70s-80s influential (ie durable) bands followed the same script successfully, much to my neverending enjoyment 😊

[@capt3]

True. I feel that the shuffle function is the enemy of a well constructed album

[@alexanderbearup9709]

...doesn't hurt to have a little smoke too, they become WAY more layered

[@brunomeral7885]

Sometimes, I wish I could hear a Pink Floyd's song for the first time again.... but the chill down the spine is still there every time and I think it will always be, so be it.

[@cristianovia]

Listen to the less popular albums, More has some hidden gems as well as Atom Earth Mother

[@brunomeral7885]

@@cristianovia Thanks, but you might have guessed... I already have all their albums.

[@Americathebeautiful49]

Well said. I agree and I also wish I could see them again for the first time. For me it was the 7O’s in London and the last time was the Roger Waters half at Desert Trip in Coachella 2015. Sorry 2016. Cheers.

[@randymarthins3473]

I forget where I heard this, but in a doc somewhere someone said that the artist took so much material and crafted it so well, sweating all the details, mixes/remixes/three-mixes, dubs/over-dubs/triple-dubs, that by the time they said "that's IT!!!" They weren't surprised anymore; and it didn't BLOW THEM AWAY, as it did when WE first heard it

[@seanj3667]

Not gonna lie. I have never listened to Animals. In part, I just want to wait to experience a Floyd album I don't know.

[@michaelletour]

I lost the best friend I ever had a few years ago to tragic circumstances. PTSD got the best of him. Flying back home from the funeral, I was sitting there in the plane just trying to hold myself together. Wish You Were Here came up on shuffle, and something in that song embodied everything I felt. It steadied me. I still think about him every time I hear that song.

[@CAyellowtail]

I'm 50 years old, heard that song a few hundred times in my life. I still get goosebumps then watery eyes when I hear it

[@davidmiller-sr7cb]

I’m 53 and I first purchased their brand new release of their live album- Delicate Sound of Thunder, which I first heard “Shine on you Crazy Diamond” and Wish you were here live. I was with my first love and best friend and we listened to it back like 1988- who unfortunately was taken too soon 3 years later. So, everyone has something special with this song. Take care.

[@mcastle2336]

Same same 🥹

[@fw1421]

I’m 71,saw Pink Floyd several times in 69 to 78 and they have been my favorites list the rest of my life. The Meddle tour is when they really dug into me,Dark Side of the Moon is when they really took off. I listen to one of their albums almost every day when I take my dog out for a walk. I love my Apple ear buds.

[@bethkelly5480]

@@fw1421my sister turned me onto Meddle. Fell in love Pink Floyd. Amazing! Mt favorite album is Wish you were here, then Meddle.

[@fw1421]

@@bethkelly5480 Meddle,Dark Side,wish you were here,The Wall. All amazing albums. Want to see a great concert video? Watch David Gilmore live at Royal Albert Hall. Does a ton of Pink Floyd songs.

[@RussellWarshay]

Shine On You Crazy Diamond is the real star of that album. All 9 parts.

[@mattx449]

Agreed. My favorite Floyd song

[@Suddsy.]

It’s a great song all parts of it but their best song is Echoes

[@lassesaikkonen501]

I personally prefer Welcome To The Machine

[@mattx449]

@@Suddsy. I said my favorite not best.

[@clemdane]

YES

[@marklee1522]

The Engineer was Brian Humphries, who passed away earlier this year. From the band's website: "Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Brian Humphries, the Pink Floyd engineer who passed away on Wednesday night. Brian had an impressive career, having worked with renowned bands like Free and Traffic before dedicating his talents exclusively to Pink Floyd. Having first worked with the band on Ummagumma, Zabriskie Point and More in 1969, he went on to engineer the Wish You Were Here and Animals albums and played a crucial role in overseeing Britannia Row Studios in the late 1970s. Additionally, Brian served as the band’s front-of-house sound mixer during their tours in 1974, 1975, and 1977, where he also excelled as a tape effects technician. He will be deeply missed."

[@daveismoseley]

Beatutiful tributary and insightful perspective thank you sir.

[@daveismoseley]

Beatutiful tributary and insightful perspective thank you sir.

[@danatowne5498]

Thank you for posting this. I would not have known otherwise.

[@PetieLee]

🐖💖🐷💕Awesome!

[@stevendigby746]

The mixing on Pink Floyd tracks and in particular the Wish You Were Here track on the WYWH album. The vocalising and the guitar are merged together so precisely it's sometimes hard to separate them.

[@matthewarant377]

I'm 23 and I just lost my dad this month. And this song has taken on a whole new meaning for me. The last verse especially with the lyrics "Running over the same old ground, what have we found? The same old fears. Wish you were here." I feel like as we grow up and face the challenges of life (run over the same old ground) we realize that our parents were just kids who grew up and had kids (we're just two lost (found by grace) souls swimming in a fish bowl) and now that we're facing those challenges we realize how scary life is (What have we found? The same old fears.) And it makes you appreciate your parents so much more. It captures such a universal and complex emotion in such sinple lyrics. Truly profound lyrics. Wish you were here dad. Wish you were here.

[@michaelobrien2190]

I so sorry you lost your dad. 😢 Especially at 23, that's so unfair and tragic.

[@sgtgrash]

My Dad introduced me to Floyd in the early 1970's. He passed away in 2004 and their albums help me to stay in touch. I love you, Dad... ❤

[@ricka3856]

🤗

[@lbopp8661]

So sorry you lost your dad. You are so young, too young for such a loss. I am so impressed that you get it. Life... Your dad did good ❤

[@christopherbarclay7482]

Matthew if you need to connect with your dad play Pink Floyd , and know that he would be so proud of you to be able to understand the words of this song are a tribute to those we have lost . My 27 year old was played Floyd as a baby and my father played Dark Side of the Moon on vinyl for me at 8 years of age . In 1973 the year it was released . Listening to Pink Floyd is better on a record player as digital music doesn't do it justice , because you lose the true sound and depth when not played using an analogue system . Records hold more information & depth of sound than any digital recording of any sort of music . I've been spoiled because a mate has a 150k sound system with a 30k Linn Sondec LP12 record player that picks up every possible piece of information from the groove on the vinyl . If possible buy yourself a good Rega Planner 1, 2 or 3 and some good speakers and a great amplifier and some good headphones to play it loud at night lol !

[@robertdonaldson5234]

My oldest son, 17 years at the time, was trying to learn the guitar to this song when he was killed on an auto accident. This song will forever have a special place for me and millions of others who lost a loved one. Thank you for featuring this amazing piece of music.

[@_Shadoh_]

Sorry for your loss!

[@Jktucker012]

Oh geeze I am deeply sorry for your loss

[@1sojer]

I'm so sorry, mate. I hope you can listen to this song with great memories. Chris in London

[@sommer8337]

Oh Robert.. my heart breaks with you. I lost my son when he was 20. Pink Floyd was a favorite of both of ours. He took his own life… and I never saw it coming. Even though I thought we were the closest two people in the world. I found him…. This song will never not break me. When you hear it, know that another parent is sharing your pain, and just being still with you, sitting with it. In memory of our babies. 🤍🤍🤍

[@elvanallen8832]

As someone who deals with deep depression, I wanted to say that it wasn't your fault. Sometimes, sometimes the weight some of us carry we can't carry anymore. Sometimes the wishing to not wake up anymore but then you do doesn't cut it anymore. It wasn't your fault.

[@leeannies-tears369]

CRAZY story. Jan '76 my boyfriend had a long time best friend. Me and his girlfriend were pregnant. Our babies were born 7 days apart. Her baby had a condition that put him in icu for 2 Mos where his bones would break, changing his diaper. Mine was born a week later and got severe jaundice and couldn't be removed from incubator, even to be nursed. They both in critical cond. Her boyfriend had just bought a brand new stereo. In the 70's that was kinda big deal. This was the first record he played. Pink Floyd wasn't new to us, but this one had just released! We had all come from the hospitals in different towns to get rested up to go back. The side started and we couldn't believe how good the music sounded on new system. The song before "this one" had played normal, then immediately went into weird sounding as if his system had fried. LOL. One of the songs was "welcome to the machine". Both our babies were hooked up to them. Needless to say... This was and is, to this day, so special. FYI, both babies are now 48 and fine. ❤ Thanks Elizabeth!

[@7A7ER]

That's an amazing story! Thanks for telling us!

[@myschiefmuintir7357]

I love this - music brings everyone together even closer than we would be otherwise. I'm so happy your kids were able to grow up healthy and happy!

[@MarkSarson]

My son passed away in August 2020 form an massive intracerebral haemorrhage. I chose to play Wish you were here at the crematoria at his funeral. It meant so much to me (probably not him), but now makes me cry every time I listen.

[@patricialehrke7688]

I'm so sorry.Truly.

[@timothywolfe3891]

I am very sorry for your loss.

[@dustinmyeye8752]

After my mom passed away I was sitting here one night and this song came on. I decided to learn it on the guitar and now I can't stand to play it.

[@Azznbad]

It makes me just think of all the good times we all had. Life is to short not to smike at the past and get passed the pain.

[@theantipope4354]

Oh, that's so sad. Such an appropriate song too.

[@jackvai2681]

I love that you love music... like organically, down to, and bred-in-bone...love...music. You love it so much so that it's contagious. I find myself listening to and appreciating music that I heard but never really heard! Much appreciated, Elizabeth Zharoff.

[@normanrizor8774]

As much as we love singles, Pink Floyd songs are chapters in an album long story. Sit down, play the whole album from start to finish, then go back and play the singles to recall the full emotional journey they guide you through.

[@flimpzel]

Exactly!!

[@tudoreloprisan6992]

This is the way

[@marcusdaniel9669]

This is what we lost when we went from vinyl/analog to the digital format. No one puts on an album and listens to it in its entirety.

[@fnjsaunders]

Elizabeth, there you go again. Another one of my all time favorites that you made me realize I took for granted. Not only does this song play a coordinated part of the album, like someone mentioned, but it also coordinates with Welcome to the Machine and much of PF discography.

[@ccampbell7214]

Couldn't of said that better...That's the way I like to consume PF ..

[@seansanchez1766]

I wish I could find balance and happiness. I'm an Army veteran. I try to find happiness in music, guitar, singing. But I'm shot at and missed, shit at and hit at every turn. No one to talk to. I hide my feelings, because I know the no one truly wants to hear it. I come to this page to hear your joy Elizabeth. You lift me. One song at a time. Thank you, so much. Much love. 😢❤

[@bassslap2001]

I felt much the same way. I joined a group at the VA with people who I could relate to talk and vent. This has helped me immensely my only regret is that I fought the idea of going for years. Good luck you are not alone brother.

[@scottfalkner7420]

@@seansanchez1766 Watching someone experience something we love for the first time is a very, very cool thing. I jam on it.

[@CharlesRingling-d8i]

Another Army (Infantry) veteran here to say that everyone's words are as a mirror, only reflecting the speaker. Happiness only comes through you 🙂. Letting go of the baggage from others is not so difficult, after all. It only takes time, and patience with others as well as yourself. Especially yourself. A warrior's greatest enemy is his own self. Peace and long life to you.

[@CharlesRingling-d8i]

Another Army (Infantry) veteran here to say that everyone's words are as a mirror, only reflecting the speaker. Letting go of other people's baggage is not very difficult, but it takes time, and patience with them and especially yourself. A warrior's greatest enemy is his own self. Happiness can only come from within 🙂. Peace and long life to you.

[@anacristinabachiegadecastr810]

Open up to people. Don't be afraid. Ask for help. We all need it. Believe me. I do! Music means so much to me. It helps me a lot. Be ok, be well ❤!

[@IvIidnight]

"Wish You Were Here," "Comfortably Numb," and "Hey, You" are all phenomenal songs.

[@AOKONE]

So very true

[@davidadriance5159]

Add Shine on to that list.

[@Wojtas44]

... and Time

[@awesukisuki]

Second that! Those are the best! Most are great too but those I could listen to anytime anywhere many times!

[@AOKONE]

@@davidadriance5159 And Money Also High Hopes

[@allhitstaken6200]

Wow. Your take on the lyric "a smile from a veil" was new to me (and I'm an old timer). I always thought it referred to just plain liars. But your interpretation was that it was a hurting person putting on a brave face. And as you said that, I noticed that you had the album cover up, showing the man shaking hands with the burning man. And for the first time, I saw that mysterious burning man as Syd Barrett, in trouble and internally burning, but in a way that was invisible to his friends. I had never heard this interpretation before and I feel like it must be true. This, and the rest of your commentary, has greatly enriched my experience of one of my favorite songs, and albums. So thank you so much.

[@toriless]

It is about hiding pain. Some clerk ask "how are you", try saying " sad, and I am gonna get drunk on this vodka when I get home". Just watch, people are always hiding pain. We are not as good as cats when it happens but they are generally happier. If a cat is not happy something is wrong.

[@karljuhnke8882]

So true

[@karljuhnke8882]

I always thought it was a comparison between seeing someone's smile v that smile being covered as in a certain religion

[@johnrowe5923]

Almost 50 years later and this song can still bring me to tears. I love watching young people coming to terms with Pink Floyd...

[@marksienicki1253]

me too...well said.

[@mwflanagan1]

Every time, for me.

[@youtubeurevil]

Same here !

[@jwc7334]

My brother used to play this song. Sometimes when he was sad i was just a little kid he was older than I was by 11 years I remember walking into his room kneeling down by his bed trying to cheer him up 1984 I lost my brother whenI was 12 years old. You said so much during the first 5 minutes that made me cry harder than I ever have before. As a young boy I didn't understand the immense pain my brother used to be under. Some people thought that it would get better after, but it gravitated towards me tenfold those who watch from the outside were surprised that I survived. I am now 52 years old. Have survived more abuse then some could feel comfortable speaking about I've got three young adult children now who are my step kids never once would I ever admit that to anybody. they are and will be my children. You are exactly right. I keep that smile on my face everyday thank you for this. Wish you we're here Bubba.❤

[@johnjuly854]

Better check your math

[@justamy46]

@@johnjuly854 Why be an ass?

[@robertsanssouci2093]

You listen to music. You experience Pink Floyd. Always never forget that

[@greenworm7915]

Absolutely!!!💯

[@EricT3769]

I got to see a laser show at a planetarium that was synced to Pink Floyd. I was a teenager - many moons ago - and it was a wonderful experience.

[@Flagg795]

Well said. Here here.

[@Biyobi.]

@@EricT3769 Same, at the Griffith Park Observatory in L.A. It sure did smell like "skunks" outside before we all went in to get our seats. 😂

[@nopenopenope131]

Sure, because Mozart was a passing fad.

[@reyes09071962]

Wow, folks. Do you realize what was going with her during the intro? Her generation has not experienced the act of tuning an analog radio across the AM dial. What a sign of the times.

[@lowlifehighroad]

i’m almost 40 and *barely* remember this feeling. it’s been some time…

[@admseraph]

I remember. I remember only having AM radio, a black and white TV, and a landline phone with a party line(where you shared the same line with your neighbors).

[@cakeisamadeupdrug6134]

Nah more teenagers listen to AM radio than DAB or FM these days because that's where the sports broadcasts still are. For music they use Spotify.

[@reyes09071962]

@@cakeisamadeupdrug6134 maybe so but not on an analog dial.

[@KriegerDelfin24]

I am only 28 years old but i remember having to tune the radio like that. i grew up realy old school and was only introduced to modern stuff about 10 years ago. I had a old radio hidden in the hay stack and this song always reminds me of it

[@anthonymarc1969]

I was born in 1969, and I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit listening to Pink Floyd constantly. When my parents died a few weeks apart, this song reminded me of them. When I hear this song now, I cry bitterly. I cant help it.God I wish they were here. 😓

[@yoda6697]

but you keep them present in your heart and mind and soul. i am sorry for your loss but they are never truly gone because you are still here. much love.

[@anthonymarc1969]

@@yoda6697 Thank you. I appreciate that. You're very kind. ♥️

[@dbradx]

1968 baby here, and it was Toronto instead of Detroit for me, but we definitely share the Floyd bug. My folks passed a couple of months apart, definitely hardest time of my life - I'm so sorry for your loss. Like you, this song can make me sad, but then I remind myself that I had amazing parents who taught me to love music and poetry in all forms, and I smile through the tears. Wishing you peace, friend.

[@anthonymarc1969]

@@dbradx thank you. I appreciate your kindness. Peace to you as well, and I am sorry for your loss also. ♥️

[@adampaul7745]

At 57 years old this song has made me cry 100’s of times in my life. Right now again. It’s all about good and bad memories for me. Thank you young lady.

[@timphelan2873]

Yes. A day with David Gilmour is a good day!

[@rdrrr]

David Gilmour's self-titled solo album is amazing as well.

[@stoggsherfnik4569]

I hope Elizabeth and her hubby have front row tickets to see the King Crimson revival BEAT tour that’s coming to Phoenix. Adrian Belew ( his voice and elephant talk guitar antics + Danny Carey Steve Vai Tony Leven ❤❤❤❤

[@harryviv]

As a wonderful vocalist, I’d love to hear your reaction to David Gilmour’s guitar solo on “On The Turning Away” live on the Delicate Sound Of Thunder tour. His guitar truly sings during this performance!

[@josueignaciomm]

David is for sure 50% of the magic. The other 50% are the words. And the words were written by Roger. It's the mixture that's magic.

[@bettygreene6642]

But maybe not The Wall, or I'll have to skip The Wall. It makes me very depressed if I listen to it too much.

[@rogermiddleton8826]

Many people mistakenly think this is about Syd Barrett, but in an interview Roger Waters said quite emphatically that the only song on the WYWH album that was about Syd was "Shine on you crazy diamond". He went on to say that when he wrote the lyrics to "Wish You Were Here" he had in mind someone close who had refused to move on in life and had been left behind. He also said that at other times it meant something else, and that some days he didn't really know what it meant himself. He deliberately made the lyrics enigmatic so that the listener could make them mean whatever they wanted them to mean, and they have become an anthem for anyone who has lost someone close to them. David Gilmour has said that he often thinks of Syd when he's performing it, even though it wasn't written about him. Your analysis pretty much hit the nail on the head! The opening guitar chords were composed by David Gilmour who had in mind someone channel hopping on a poor quality radio all alone in their bedroom late at night, and upon hearing the guitar joining in himself with the crisper sound of the second guitar. Overall, a stunningly beautiful composition, both instrumentally and lyrically, and a work of complete genius. I associate it with someone very close and special that I lost long ago and it never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

[@briandoornink7597]

Thats the mark of great songwriting. lots of people do that.

[@AH-gk6qs]

Great comment

[@markswift1382]

The theme of the album is absence. The start with the radio is because it's a duet, but one of the participants is absent.

[@matthewdupuis232]

Finally, while you can enjoy individual Floyd songs, you SOOOOOO need to set aside 45 minutes, a dark room, and a comfy chair, and savour the entire album. That wind leads into the next song, and the next, and the next.

[@suznlynn]

Exactly, you can't just listen to one song. Each one leads to the next seamlessly.

[@myschiefmuintir7357]

I do this with sound-cancelling headphones and a pitch black room... SO much more intense of a listening experience when it's the only thing you can sense at all

[@petercraig4648]

My best mate was buried to this song when he was 29. When he died in a tragic car accident. Every time I hear this It brings me back to him 21 years later. Once again the most insightful reaction going around around. R.I.P Brownie love you dude.

[@matthewestrada5217]

A friend of mine got me a gift certificate for a record store I bought this album he died from cancer a year later I understand.

[@andrewh2640]

I’m 73 yo. Music lets me return to my college years toward my thirties and reinforces good memories of friends no longer with us. I still have a few good sets of headphones. Let the magical appreciation and mental transportation begin!

[@NickMirro]

Perfect words! A young person sees what you did when you were young. It feels like validation.

[@Calico_Jack_]

This album is very powerful when you know the background with Syd Barret. When Syd visited the studio and NO ONE from the band recognized him. When they found out it was Syd, they were struck. He was overweight, shaved head and looking pallid. This song gets me because when you see David talk about that moment, you can see the pain. Thank you so much for doing this!

[@lotratwrap]

And refused Syds offer to help and pushed him back into isolation

[@toriless]

Yeah, they were recording part on Shine On You Crazy Diamond which was also inspired by him.

[@ericdeaver3051]

The ending of Wish You Were Here is the beginning of Shine on You Crazy Diamond. They always go hand in hand in my mind…

[@petervandebeek5980]

Yeah, better listen to a side all together. Side B in this case.

[@houldenc22]

Yep needs to be next

[@sdot5389]

Both about Syd…

[@martinedwards2004]

Agreed, but you need the first side to frame the context of the second. In other words, you need to listen to the whole album from start to finish. It’s one, cohesive work.

[@zigzag1a]

I've been listening to this song for almost 50 years and I still get a visceral reaction everytime I hear it.

[@mercenarygrip]

Four albums you MUST listen to IN THEIR ENTIRETY... Dark Side, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Wall. The rest of their discography is epic as well, but these albums were their peak IMHO. BTW, I'm 57 & Floyd helped me to NOT take my own life at two different times in my journey. I now have 4 children & 3 grandchildren. Floyd is special to me.

[@myschiefmuintir7357]

Glad you're still with us. Music has an amazing power, and I know your family is thankful for that every day they spend with you!

[@davidsmith385]

I tried listening to animals, it's a very complex album and difficult to listen to sober. You almost have to be stoned to grasp it.

[@mrgoodtab]

Darlin, You've never had the pleasure of music on a small AM radio through a weak tinny speaker with the static and interference. Those of my age.78, began our musical journey listening this way. The intro to the song hits home for us.

[@jimbodavies4858]

Absolutely!!!

[@dennisflock3958]

Truth

[@dankuchar6821]

I loved those nights(quite young compared to you) trying to tune in perfect, and hearing the music before drifting off to sleep.

[@etcss642]

After sunset, in bed, tuning in the long distance signals of the Clear-Channels.

[@erksworld9661]

Saw Gilmour and his 2016 solo-tour band play this live in an opera house with excellent acoustics; I had an aisle seat at floor level but everybody was standing - I vividly remember glancing across towards the middle-aged guy at the start of the next block of seats as the stage lighting bounced off the tears that were streaming down his cheeks. Like so many who hear it, this song invokes memories of personal back-stories and that guy was experiencing genuine therapy that night. Such is the power of great music; WYWH will never grow old.

[@cygnus6623]

I've seen Brit Floyd and Ausie Floyd a few times and have experienced and seen others in tears of awe as the music of Pink Floyd washed over them. At 63, I've been listening to Pink Floyd for a long time.

[@stevestuccologa8968]

Twenty eight thousand people singing along to every word gave me cold chills.

[@Timmothy2012]

This was my grandmother's favorite song, we played it at her wake, I have to fight back tears every time I hear it, I miss her.

[@TheExcelsion]

One thing I truly love about listening to your reactions... nothing is fake. You love the music..not because it will get clicks, but because it is something you appreciate.

[@Enfield-1853]

At 64 and a Floyd fan most of my life. Their music is in no hurry to get to the end. They want you to relax, open your mind and senses and enjoy the ride. They were and are priceless.😊 RIP Richard and Sid.😢

[@VersinKettorix]

Yes, Their music does allow the listener to disconnect and decompress as they just fall into the song. Floyd has a real talent for creating music that just puts your head in a better place.

[@andy164501]

Yep. I'm one year behind you and have also been a 'Floyd fan since "Dark Side of the Moon". Then I heard this LP years later...brilliant work and very forward-thinking. The only concert I've been to was, "Division Bell" tour - man, that was an experience.

[@NVArt001]

One of the few bands I could not live without.

[@NVArt001]

@@andy164501 I saw "The Division Bell" show at the Rose Bowl Stadium and it was phenomenal.

[@jcatkins5536]

My goodness, young lady. This one was like having a conversation with you about one of the most important pieces of music in my 63 years. I very much enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@michaeloakley696]

Indeed

[@NickMirro]

Well said! Something uplifting about a young person acknowledging something that was a part of you through your entire life.

[@BrianMerchant-uz5be]

Hearing this in concert with 50,000 people singing along and swaying is an absolutely life changing event.

[@Kevin15301]

Wish I would have had that experience.

[@shadydog433]

I can attest to that, it was a life changing event. At the concert I attended, it started to drizzle and the lasers caught the drops sending the stadium into some weird magical experience. Was one of the top 5 concerts of my life.

[@flmoose1]

I really wish I had been old enough to see "The Wall" concerts live and watched them build the wall. I've only been to two Floyd concerts, both post Waters, in '88 @ RFK in DC and '94 @ Veterans in Philly. Both were amazing shows!

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

That's the worst scenario I can imagine for listening to this song

[@rodrigogoncalves2626]

​@@JulioLeonFandinho for you, not everyone reacts the same way , it's ok. My parents caught Pink Floyd live during the Pulse era and said the same op did.

[@paulwithers8101]

Thank you for being amazed at the wonderful music that myself and many others grew up to. This is the song my now deceased wife and i LOVED.

[@AllenMadsen-pu6th]

This song and "Time" hit me in the same way. Pink Floyd and headphones = a great day.

[@rickwarner7729]

Absolutely. “No one told you when to run. You missed the starting gun.” 💔

[@67hayden]

Pink Floyd and Klipsch Le Scalas is better than headphones. I mean if you have the space

[@brentmullin3575]

Back when I was younger I used to get high and lay down in a blacked out room. This song brought me so much zen in a hectic time.

[@DaddyDoom]

Imagine this at a packed arena every person inside singing along. You have tears streaming down your face, of joy, because you waited a life to see the band you love performing this, and you join the choir. Yes, this is a life changing song, with a deep, deep meaning that amplifies its sonic beauty 100 fold. Thank you for loving it.

[@martinparker1270]

Been there!

[@trismegistus7638]

I'm glad you enjoyed that, but this has always been a 'sitting in the basement alone' kind of song for me

[@wtimmins]

'Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?' is a line I think about often, looking at the world around us.

[@saturdayfan744]

This is my favorite line from any song and I too think of this one often as I look around this world we find ourselves in. I think of this one a lot!

[@toriless]

It is about conscience objectors

[@alexodessa1545]

A few weeks ago I stumbled onto this KZbin channel, scrolled through the whole catalogue of videos, and opened about 20-25 of my favorite songs in new tabs to work through at my leisure. Between then and today, my 96-year old grandfather passed away after a battle with bone cancer. Today I spoke to my grandma for the first time since his passing (we live in different countries), and then, without thinking about it, opened this tab. Meaningful enough in this context, but then reading through some of the comments and other people's connections to this song and death and loss in their own lives really made this an emotional watch.

[@LHeyden-o6i]

“This is a moment in music that will be stamped on my soul.” What a lovely sentiment. This is probably Elizabeth’s most beautiful analysis of a song. It’s clear to see how her heart and soul were touched by it. Just beautiful how music can make you feel.

[@TheAcgtrs]

Happy birthday (July 28th) to the late great Richard Wright. Your amazing keyboard playing helped to inspirer so many artists.

[@joegillam1497]

I going to say that Richard's birthday was yesterday. RIP maestro.

[@nickdanger4568]

He's playing right now in the Great Gig in the Sky

[@HugeVWNut]

Rick does not get enough recognition. you never hear sustained notes anymore

[@jessicawebb5254]

If you want to have a pink floyd existential crisis, listen to Time next.

[@RabbiSteve1]

@@HugeVWNutyep. I have been a huge Floyd freak since 1971. And for me, Rick was the MVP of Floyd.

[@requiem224]

My dad was dying from cancer a couple years back and he said he wanted this song as the closing of his funeral, as Pink Floyd was his favorite band. He was asked if he thought it might be a bit morbid, as the message could be misconstrued as him wanting the guests to have transitioned as well. His response was "yeah, that's the funny part". He never lost his sense of humor, even in the darkest times. I miss him so much, but hearing this song puts a painful smile on my face.

[@jasonbertles]

Sorry for your loss, mate. Your dad sounds like a legend.

[@cmale3d]

So sorry for your loss. The fact your dad expressed that thought, is beautiful! And funny as hell! I like your dad, I'm missing him with you.

[@nenadsuperzmaj]

Such a warm storyt. Bless your dad and everyone who loved him.

[@requiem224]

@@nenadsuperzmaj Thank you so much!

[@requiem224]

@@cmale3d I appreciate that 🙏

[@glencabbage52]

I remember piddling with a buddy's radio (circa 1990) when this song came on. I knew the song well, but he had never heard it. I stopped moving the dial and sat back and said, "Ooo, great song." He immediately reached for the nobs complaining angrily that I had messed up his treble, his balance, and thrown his radio out of wack. "Leave it alone! Trust me!" When the acoustic guitar came in, he was immediately hooked.

[@who_stole_my_username]

Elizabeth needs to analyse the whole album. I can't listen to a single Pink Floyd song without needing to hear the full album. You can't fail to be blown away by Shine On You Crazy Diamond the first time you hear it, and then every subsequent time you hear it - still get goosebumps every time 40+ years later.

[@jamesbenton8347]

Yes. These songs need to be heard in their entirety rather than chunked.

[@columlennon]

#facts

[@wout123100]

i do hope she listens to it in her free time without all this interpreting, an interpretation of a tree is not a tree, you miss out totally if you interprete when listening.

[@briantarr585]

Yes you have to listen to the entire album when it comes to Pink Floyd

[@rayjennings3637]

I love the whole Pink Floyd catalogue but for me 'Diamond' shines above all others, if you'll forgive the pun.

[@Henry-eg2fp]

I dedicate this song to my brother. He passed away from cancer in 84. It really pulls at my heart strings every time I hear it. You just never know what can happen to you or anyone else at any given time. Live life don't hold back.

[@_Shadoh_]

The sound at the end of the song is more of a transition to the next song, all songs on the album are connected, I highly recommend listening to the whole album in one sitting to get the full experience.

[@lux_moto]

Yep, was looking for this comment. This 'wind' sound flows over into 'Shine on you crazy diamond (6-9)' and is hauntingly beautiful. I think that listening to an entire album is a disappearing activity. Another problem is that in digital versions there is often a clear brake between songs, even if the composer(s) want a seamless change from one song into the next.

[@louiscassis3426]

Yes, this! Starting with Dark Side Of The Moon, all albums have segues between songs. BTW, this song hit me right in the spot today. Sitting here wiping tears.

[@seagertblack]

The Dark Side Of The Moon album starts with a heartbeat and carries through the whole album from song to song and the album ends with the heartbeat. Paying attention, the heartbeat keeps the timing in every song. Pink Floyd songs are transitional and transforming.

[@tanobammino2519]

The wind sound does transition into "Shine On"...but it's still part of "Wish You Were Here"...which does support what Elizabeth is saying about it evoking a sense of "letting go" or "Shinning On".

[@TheDopekitty]

For real!

[@lukejonte8379]

Elizabeth. Finally, someone who truly gets Pink Floyd. Love your work 😊!

[@GregB-uc1ky]

Thank you Roger, David, Richard and Nick. For giving the world such joyous eargasms. ❤

[@suntzuwar]

.. and Syd.

[@BobSakamoto]

1300 comments in 3 hrs - you engage and affect people, Elizabeth. You're exactly right in that true art can hold very different meanings for different people. I bought this album the day it arrived at my local record shop. I will never forget what happened as I was in a dark room with headphones, eyes closed, and this song came on. At the end with the wind, I was transported to a vast dark emptiness, laying on something. Mountain? Hill? Creator's arms? I wasn't sure but the sound opened up and engulfed me - strangely it was not scary at all. I was totally at peace in and with the universe, which had no edges or end.

[@nelledouville9338]

One of my favourite things, besides discovering music, is watching someone listen to something that profoundly impacted me and have it touch them emotionally. Loved this journey.

[@Pango5697]

I was introduced to Pink Floyd in 1999 with Wish You Were Here. This is what music is about. What a classic.

[@scottmillett9862]

I'm 72, and had draft number 45 (out of 365..."If you lose your student deferment, you're goin, dude!") during the Vietnam War, the lyric "Did you exchange a walk-on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" evokes the pilots shot down and captured over North Vietnam. It's hard to describe how extremely powerful and terrifying that image is for those of us who lived through the era.

[@dennish3032]

In the duel role those kids were jailed for not going. Raised as flower children to never believe in violence.

[@johnheyyuri231]

There is more to it than Viet Nam, but that's a fantastic interpretation of a historical fact. But, I could see this as the torture of the performance industry and being tossed into a war of competition and how it affected Syd Barrett.

[@paulbporter1090]

"Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" For me this lyric refers tp Syd Barret leaving the contained space of a rock band as a front man to join the drug war (on the side of drugs)

[@johnboren8928]

I, too had a low draft number, and was drafted. However, I was fortunate enough to flunk the physical and thus was 4F status. Obviously someone else went into the Army, probably into the meat grinder that was Vietnam. But we can only control our own actions, not those of our country's government.

[@EnvirotekCleaningSystems]

I always looked at that line like "were you a small but unknown part of something really big and important but you were vital traded for something that put you front and center but in the grand scheme of things ultimately worthless.

[@staceykelly4211]

Elizabeth, I was born in 1964 to delightful, happy hippie parents. They were fans of everyone from the Mama's and the Papas to Janis to James Taylor to Santana to Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, CSN&Y, you name it. We LIVED music with albums scattered in front of the stereo all the time. We had a 12 inch TV but Pioneer Components Stereo System. We had it right. They are in their mid 80s now and still dance in their living room. My Mom has alzheimers but music, she remembers. You cover my generation and theirs. Bowie and Pink Floyd and Joan Jet and U2 give me comfort. Many, like this one, bring me to tears. I just want to sit with you and talk about all these things. I love to see you appreciate what was the center of my life. Music was every part of my life. It was celebration and sadness; coping and falling apart. Thank you for your profound love of what has given me so much. It makes my heart so happy to see someone your age love what we loved. It was truly masterful, beautiful, life-giving. I'm grateful to have been born when I was.

[@cyanidechrist]

Sycho

[@Gamerone64]

64 here too...and here we are hitting our 60's yet this music and those times still seem like only yesterday. My how the time flies....

[@staceykelly4211]

@@cyanidechrist ?

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

My upbringing was really quite similar. My parents were also Hippies. Not full but in a modern/ middle ground way. When it came to the importance of learning music knowledge and listening to albums as a family, it was our entire lifestyle. I was born in 75. Upon entering school-aged, I knew more about vintage music than most of my peers because it was such a large part of our lives.

[@bobmyers48]

Ditto but a decade before you. 60's 70's 80's and beyond were periods of music that live on greatfully today although mostly through cover bands for live and of course recorded.........while the rage today is Taylor Swift etc, missing in my opinion, the joy and creativity of those previous periods in favor of a Hollywood extravaganza . But whatever, music lives on.

[@seanroy3241]

I had this song played at my dad's funeral. He was a massive Pink Floyd fan and once road tripped with my uncle for 6 hours to see their show and then 6 hours back to make it to work the next day. He said it was the best experience of his life.

[@EE-te8zo]

Watching Elizabeth hear these lyrics for the first time is priceless. I have rewatched this at least a half dozen times now.

[@152Lt]

I experience Pink Floyd with headphones on, evening time, room darkened and just close my eyes and enjoy the ride.

[@jfftck]

And a whole album at a time!

[@martyschlindwein]

After one of their shows in Philly at the Vet a writer from the Inquirer wrote how cool it was to have a man singing the ultimate song of loneliness with 50,000 people singing along. I’ll never forget my only time seeing Pink Floyd live

[@kenwill-jp8xw]

Was at vet in 94.

[@franneep]

All the lonely people

[@joetacchino4470]

@@kenwill-jp8xwme too. Amazing.

[@randallflagg7983]

@@franneep Where do they all come from?

[@franneep]

​@@randallflagg7983 🖐🏼A Beatles fan AND a Stephen King fan? I'm in love!

[@salishseamermaid]

"Stamped on my soul." Yep, that's the best way to describe this song.

[@christianzimmermann7060]

💕"...the best soul meal in a long time..." 💕 so glad, you've discovered Pink Floyd. Greetings from Dresden!

[@shawnthibodeaux4738]

my cover band played this song at a restaurant gig once and a guy came up and put money in the jar and said," thanks for playing Pink Floyd. I really needed to hear that today." I could tell he had a rough day and the song just made it a bit better.

[@toriless]

It usually is with a Pink Floyd song.

[@FredMacGinnis]

My Dad played this album over and over... Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon. I was 9-10 when he bought it. I listened to it over and over again when my parents weren't home. Talk about a life changing album! As a 53 year old I have realized these two albums allowed me to gain an emotional intelligent far before my time! Life wasn't going to be easy.... but EVERYONE was in the same Fish Bowl.. year after year.

[@jaygopinath1694]

Sad thing iam 25 and listening to great music like thisand audiobooks was the main form of entertainment life brain training + touching grass now kids don't rely dive deep into fine arts mean nothing to em junk food music social media ect really dumbed down emotional intelligence ect I've observed

[@TananJess]

Me to along with in 87 the first I remember hearing the Metallica black album when nothing else matters I was 7, and Eric Clapton, and Pink Floyd and so so many other artists I've known I loved music though since I was 6 and it started with country on into rock and rap latter as a teen I started listening to other types.

[@dadoftwinsau]

Pink Floyd is how you can experience being high without being high…. They literally bring that world into our mundane lives. Being nearly 60, I can attest that there has never been another band that can do what these guys could. People often say,‘It’s about the journey, and not the destination’ and this could not be more true either in this ‘experience’ that WILL change your life, thoughts and emotions in ways you couldn’t possibly imagine until you have heard so much more of them. More Pink Floyd…..please. Love from Down Under… 💫❤️💫 🇦🇺✌🏻

[@007hwm3]

The nice thing about pink floyd is that you can be from any generation and truly appreciate their music!😊

[@tonytroiani6599]

I think you mean timeless 👍

[@MotoMaryland]

Finally, someone with the intelligence and emotional awareness to give this song the reaction it deserves! Thank you!

[@dafonk1973]

When I was about 13 my uncle gave me the album as a present and at the time I didn't understand the lyrics (I'm german). What's puzzling to me until today is the fact that I somehow understood as a kid that the whole album is about loneliness and the absence of people. The song "Wish you were here" is a perfect example for this. I imagined some guy sitting in his room, tuning his radio, clearing his throat and then playing along alone - a brilliant metaphor for loneliness. And this is achieved by very simple effects ... Genius!

[@John-Andersen]

dafonk1973 Your description is Genius! I no longer need to read any other comments (although I will).

[@_Frumious_Bandersnatch]

HUGE Pink Floyd fan here. I know almost nothing about music other than how it sounds. I love your channel and your reactions. You give me a whole new appreciation for the music and artists I have been listening to for decades. Seeing your enjoyment of the music and your descriptions of how and why things are happening are so informative.

[@usererrer7493]

After all these years, after all these listens, this song still brings tears to the eyes.

[@GranpaMike]

The sweeping winds sound transitions seamlessly into the album's final track, giving the listener a sense of unbroken continuity. I love to listen to this final track lying down in a dark room, through headphones with eyes closed. You can meld with the music, flow with it, wherever it takes you. Pure magic.

[@davidcave5426]

You do that with the entire Dark Side of the Moon.

[@GranpaMike]

@@davidcave5426 You know me so well! ;)

[@BeyondPrague]

A fantastic song and a bit on the bittersweet side. I remember being at a Pink Floyd show and the entire crowd sang along with it. However, I remember sitting in a pub with a very good friend when the song started playing in the background and I could see how it was tearing at him; at once he loved the song, and yet it reminded him of so many people in his life that he wished were still there.

[@troymcgrew9822]

I’ve tried to figure out why reaction videos are so popular. But this song nailed it. When you share something profound with a friend it’s a link on a deep level watching the meaning absorb into their soul and they feel what you feel. From soul to soul it speaks across the barrier of normal communication.

[@verity231]

Finally, more Pink Floyd!!

[@stevezeppieri]

Pink Floyd isn’t a band… They’re an experience. More Floyd all the time!

[@marie_andreeplante]

A transcendental experience...🙏🏻

[@elibrashear1910]

Elizabeth, your heartfelt, thoughtful, and expressive reactions to these songs are what every teenage boy back in the day wished their girlfriend would have felt when they heard them for the first time.

[@byroncallas6765]

@@elibrashear1910 That's too true.

[@js40ottawa]

Couldn't agree more

[@memorywhole366]

Many girls love Pink Floyd. Sorry you never met one!

[@threeofeight197]

@@memorywhole366pink Floyd girl here. 😊.

[@elibrashear1910]

@@memorywhole366 I wasn't just talking about this particular video/band but heavier bands that most girls back in the '80s didn't appreciate. Bands like Metallica and Megadeth with deep, introspective, and sometimes dark and gritty lyrics because they were too busy listening to New kids on the block and all the bubblegum pop bands.

[@dabay01]

When I was in my teens and discovered this song(30s now). I knew I wanted it played at my funeral. I tell all my loved ones from time to time so they don't forget. That's how deeply connected I feel to this song. Absolutely gorgeous of a song.

[@Spencer_Beard]

My wife and I tear up when we hear this song, as we associate it with a BIL's untimely death and the heart wrenching tribute 2 of his friends played for him, 2 acoustic guitars and them singing this song. It didn't take long for the entire group of mourners to chime in and sing along through tear choked voices. I will always at least get misty eyed when I hear the opening of this song.

[@ttb4456]

BIL?

[@sjgavenger37]

​@@ttb4456 That means brother in law.

[@sjgavenger37]

The meaning of the song has changed for me ever since my mother passed away.

[@Spencer_Beard]

@@ttb4456 Brother in Law

[@Spencer_Beard]

@@sjgavenger37 I feel ya, on top of my brother in-law, since my Dad and Father in-law passed, it's really just become a sadder song, but I still love it because it's so well made

[@BerryKreul]

I can’t tell you what I got for Christmas last but in 2003 my son and daughter at my request learned and played this song for me. I will never forget that.

[@statich1]

One of the most simple chord progressions turned into a masterpiece. The Pink Floyd rabbit hole will change the way you look at "Classic Rock". Every song is started in a previous place and very much leads into the next. Simply Brilliant

[@mikemclaughlin3306]

??? This is a 6 chord pattern

[@statich1]

@@mikemclaughlin3306 very simple song to play. VERY difficult to play it as well as they do.

[@bonwick]

Your confident vulnerability, emotional openness and thoughtful insight have given me an even deeper appreciation of this magnificent work. Thank you, Elizabeth.

[@cdart27]

An extraordinary album that deserve to be listened in its entirety. The whole is greater than the parts which Spotify will never make you realize.

[@thexporepgroup3923]

I lost my 25 yr old daughter a few months ago to an accidental fentanyl overdose, while I know she is with the Lord this song expresses her struggle and my wish so well. ❤🙏🏻

[@TheDopekitty]

I'm so sorry for your loss. 😢

[@dmitryowens]

Same thing happened to a good friend of mine and I'm the one who found her - God bless you 🙏

[@pointlessmanatee]

@@dmitryowens we've lost more americans to drug deaths than we lost in world war 2. thanks obama

[@suucat]

oh my God, im so sorry to hear that, very sorry for your loss :(

[@beverlyleonard7052]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@FunnyHaHa420]

I was 17 when I first really dove into Pink Floyd. One beautiful summer night in 1988 with nothing to do I decided to spend the night "Looking at things Slightly Different" by myself. I went to a clearing in the local wooded hills I knew with my Walkman, several Floyd albums and a pocket full of batteries. I spent hours laying in the grass looking up while listening to The Wall, WYWH, DSOTM and Animals. It was an amazing experience that I still draw from today.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

That sounds awesome. What a great memory to carry with you.

[@robertduvall7392]

I was 17 when it first came out. I was instantly hooked like I was with Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. That was an incredible era in music.

[@john_thorpe]

@FunnyHaHa420 DSOTM?? The only one that I know of that fits close to that anagram is Delicate Sound of Thunder ... not sure what the M would be.

[@FunnyHaHa420]

@@john_thorpe Dark Side Of The Moon. It kind of went under the radar, you've probably never heard of it. 😁

[@john_thorpe]

@@FunnyHaHa420 OMG I feel like a complete noob... how did I forget about Dark Side?? Especially when the lyrics "Money, get back, I'm alright Jack, Keep your hands off my stack ... New car, caviar, four-star daydream, think I'll buy me a football team.... Rubbish laddie, absolute rubbish, now get back to work" was in Another Brick in the Wall video. Pretty sad when I have around 25 albums by Floyd ... it's after midnight here, so I'll use that as an excuse 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@finneusj]

I’m glad you finally found what so many of us have been entranced with for decades! I loved watching how much emotion this review brought out of you, even as you tried to hide it. As you said the about the ending whoosh “let it go”… 😊 Yea the song was primarily about Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd’s original lead singer. He did leave because of declining mental health, due primarily to overuse of psychedelic drugs.

[@shawnspencer8766]

"Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" Haunting lyrics

[@TiKallisti]

... and did you? I did and now lack the power to work on that.

[@Stoy981]

This is my favorite line in a song with perfect lyrics.

[@cycomiles4225]

​​​​@@cro649 They make perfect sense. You fight in a war to perserve freedom and way of life, Roger specifically means ww2 because of his father but once you are out you are locked in yourself or a cage, PTSD. Basically what he is saying that you were willing to fight for life but instead ended up dead inside with no way out, a cage of sorts. He is critiquing war and putting the consequences that affect regular people to light. Maybe Roger thought that the soldier in question thought that war was going to be a walk on, but instead turned to be a neverending cage of violence and horror and you have a leading role in that cage. Theres at least a few more interpretations that a person could make...

[@josephbrowning4220]

@@cycomiles4225 I always interpreted it as, "Did you trade the small slice of real life that we humans can experience for being important in something that doesn't matter? Did you trade your ounce of real for a pound of fake?"

[@cycomiles4225]

@@josephbrowning4220 Yeah, that works as well. Amazing lyrics.