What Makes This Song Great? "Comfortably Numb" Pink Floyd

In this episode of What Makes This Song Great? we explore the music of Pink Floyd. The song is "Comfortably Numb" off Pink Floyd's 1979 release entitled "The Wall".
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[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

True Story: When I was a young man my band covered Comfortably Numb and we would always play it note for note and then do an extended jam at the end. There was a girl in the crowd that I had known my whole life and was WAY out of my league. However, after watching me play the solo to Comfortably Numb she decided I was hot enough for her. She is now my wife and we have 2 kids and have been married for almost two decades. Thanks Pink Floyd. LOL!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

And that's why we all wanted to play guitar!! To get the girls!

[@williamzoom9200]

Love that story - congrats, dude, well played.

[@pedromrques]

@@williamzoom9200 literally

[@hanreality.7266]

Wow, the power of music! 😎🎸👩‍🦰🥰👰👶👶

[@3rdstone1]

Awesome story on a couple of levels.

[@TheDoug625]

The outro solo could be 4 hours long and you'd still be sad that it's ending

[@alanshepherd4304]

Listen to the live version at the Pulse concert!! Stunning 😁😁🇬🇧

[@jonchilds1637]

@@alanshepherd4304 for me, that’s ‘the one’!!

[@hedkace]

I get sad when ANY David Gilmore solo ends. Thankfully it's beauty holds me over till the next.

[@jeff0247598]

There is always a sad feeling when that 2nd solo fades into oblivion. You just don’t want that ride to end.

[@ChadWorthman]

After seeing David play this live, I can say are 100% correct. Even I've sometimes thought PF solos can drag on when listening at home, but live.... even when they're 20 minutes long, they're still too short.

[@silenoz666]

“The child is grown. The dream is gone”. These two verses are guaranteed goosebumps for me.

[@mountrobson1]

Comfortably Numb is one of only four "perfect 10" songs I've found in my 60 years on this earth -- and the only one with lyrics I can understand (my comprehension of Latin being what is is!). This subjective list is completely my own. It's hard to pin down exactly what elevates a piece of music to the list, but it has something to do with how I view the job I've done as a father to my two sons. To me, the specific lyric you mention above defines the time in every child's life when they suddenly realize that everything is not 100% good in the world. It seems to happen around 5 years old. I remember the moment specifically in both my sons' lives, and it still evokes great heartache in me, even though they both grew up happily and know have a beautiful family of their own!

[@SIeeplessInBerlin]

@@mountrobson1 What are the other three?

[@Magst3r1]

@@mountrobson1 What ere the others?

[@TampaDave]

When I was a child, I had a fever ("Cat Scratch Fever"). I described the sensations in my hands as feeling like they were stuffed with cotton. "Two balloons" is just as close to catching that feeling.

[@jeremyc9593]

Never realized just how true those words would become

[@Krebssssssss]

That wailing of the guitar just gets me every time. Like a scream for help, someone who’s in immeasurable pain. I swear, Gilmour said more with one guitar solo than most people say in their lifetime.

[@mybiz1006]

Agree 100%.

[@arthur78]

I'm not crying you're crying!

[@Bluelagoonstudios]

I consider him talking with his guitar, on many albums. Bringing a real message. Mind-blowing.

[@lynby6231]

He’s the most expressive guitarist I’ve ever heard, I love his style of playing, the feel and emotion he puts into every single pluck bend or slide is on a level of it’s own. He humbly conceded that there are more technically gifted guitarists than himself but no one creates solos like his.

[@scottjones1109]

When I first heard the beginning note of this song's second lead, I was overcome with an actual chill throughout my whole torso, a reaction NO song had ever inspired in me before. So emotionally powerful, for years after that, once the solo's initial note played, I continued to experience the same physical response. The chill finally faded away but I could listen to this masterpiece every day and never tire of it. It remains the finest guitar lead ever.

[@foxbean100]

Rick Beato is to rock what David Attenborough is to nature - the world's most enthusiastic and likeable teacher.

[@atomiccritter6492]

not to diss Attenborough much but I think nature programmes he has been on ignore that homosexual, bisexual pratcices exist in nature...

[@andrewandrew3713]

Facts

[@selmics]

Well said

[@DavidBaronStevensPersonal]

Well said! Thank God for jazz

[@bertrach]

And here.... we have... the very rare... pink... floyd.

[@sourav9385]

30 minutes of a genius talking about the genius of another genius. Can't get better than this.

[@AliOsman1]

Absolutely!

[@custosnocte1528]

@Sourav Bhattacharya **VERY WELL STATED** ! You nailed it right on the head. Rick is indeed a musical genius.

[@prokas69]

Spot on

[@marysini1391]

Yes man

[@jesuhs]

You have to have a certain level of knowledge to get so excited about "what makes this song great" And RIck delivers. I wish this kind of knowledge was available when I was learning music.

[@billframbach9316]

I love how Rick keeps turning up the volume on the playback to the point where he is significantly raising his voice...he just needs more. We all need more.

[@cakeshoe]

Many of Floyd’s songs were so incredibly well-crafted and performed that they seem to be timeless.

[@crungefactory]

They ARE timeless

[@hadrack9859]

Dark side of the moon isn’t timeless

[@Mxulin]

@@hadrack9859 What is?

[@lynby6231]

@@hadrack9859i see what you did there 😉

[@lynby6231]

Did you know that one of the demos for this song featured some lyrics written by David Gilmour? , something like I’m just the same as all the rest I’m not the worst I’m not the best dah dah dah😙

[@DavesCoverSongs]

“The child is grown. The dream is gone.” My favorite lyric in this song.

[@rmyukon]

I get chills every time.

[@jarem2112]

@@rmyukon I do get teary eye, and for no personal reason other than the perfect combo of lyrics and orchestra

[@benwilliams5236]

"Never give up on your dreams." I saw this on the notice board near the front door in Debbie and Floyd's GTA V's Vespucci Beach apartment.

[@billstock3663]

"The grass was greener" "The light was brighter" from High Hopes. These lyrics are so profoundly true and sad that I can't even comprehend them fully.

[@ileutur6863]

Its the single most universal lyric ever written. Even to the adults among us who have kept or even lived their dreams, a part of you is irreversibly gone when you grow up

[@JeddieT]

I’ve listened to this song a thousand times, and now I’ve _heard_ it.

[@GottaloveMuse1]

Well said.

[@Laurielism]

Me too. Well said.

[@yttkuar]

Thank you so much for doing this one. Love it!

[@jimh1369]

So true! Even when you have listened to this so often that you know the guitar solos by heart, Rick opens your ears to let you know how the song is constructed, and you hear it in a whole new way.

[@peterroberts4415]

Touche. Pink Floyd is my favorite band, and this gives me an ever deeper appreciation for the intricacies they put into their work

[@dukeon]

David Gilmour has two singing voices, one from his mouth and one from his Fender Strat. Both descended straight from Heaven when he was born.

[@Babih57]

Perfect observation.

[@lynby6231]

David exaggerates the string bend by using his tremolo arm before picking and bending the string as he releases the arm which gives extra sweep

[@JG-zt5vr]

Rick said before the second solo that he wouldn't play over it. 30 seconds in he just couldn't help himself!! Lol, love his passion.

[@pedroaquinofx]

Imagine listening to Comfortably Numb as a new Pink Floyd song on the radio right after you graduate from school. damn. What a fucking lucky generation.

[@davidburgreen2469]

Not high school, but graduating 8th grade and the summer before my turn as a 9th grader and beyond was my experience. :-)

[@TheTapeFarm]

Yes…. Yes we are.

[@samsrg3025]

Got the greatest hits Echoes 11 years ago. Felt fresh no mater from when it was. It doesn't matter WHEN you discover it. Just be happy you discovered it.

[@suspicionofdeceit]

The entire 80’s were like that, it was incredible and will never happen again in human history.

[@DerekBolli]

The Wall came out when I was 11. I played it to death from start to finish for over a year

[@barrypyle1]

A few years ago our local record store had a sign on the wall "No talking during David Gilmour solos". Amen to that!

[@NLGeebee]

But we all agree that it not counts for Rick here, don’t we? He may even pause the solo without us screaming out loud…

[@aqclaudio]

Nice, do you have a picture of that sign's place? I will love it see at.

[@cvtemgrapes207]

😂👍

[@wintertime331]

Right?? It would be sacrilege!😊

[@cryptoskywalker1714]

It's fair to say that David Gilmour is the reason I play guitar.

[@PJSScotty]

I think this is your most heart felt episode Rick. Your feelings at the end really come out and your channel is not just about music but about your love and appreciation of it and how other talented musicians influence your deep music soul.

[@marlonwilson647]

You nailed it

[@chad0x]

agreed. this is a really special, "stand out" track. My favourite out of all Ricks videos

[@DirectCurrent4u]

One of my favorite songs of all times!

[@user-qz3sr2jc1r]

Fans from China, I like your channel very much. I appreciate your explanation of the song Comfortably Numb. This is also one of my favorite songs. I really like the first guitar solo. I know many people feel that the second The guitar solo is very classic, but I've always preferred the first verse. The first time I heard it was in 1991 when I was 17 years old. At that time, the only Pink Floyd album that could be bought in China was The Wall. My brother bought it for me. He knew that I like rock music. This album has no Chinese lyrics, and I don't know what it means, but when I first heard David Gilmour's extraordinary singing and introduced the first guitar solo, I burst into tears, and I don't know why. In the following years, I still listen to it occasionally. Every time I hear the first guitar solo, I still cry like the first time I heard it. I guess this is the magic of music. Without words, the melody can tell a story. Thank you for your explanation and analysis, let me understand more, thank you!

[@noahway13]

I love the Chinese. I hope the government will eventually do some good for you.

[@user-qz3sr2jc1r]

@@noahway13 Thank you! I get what you mean, but you need to read more non-English media

[@mikesstrippeddowncovers.2384]

It always brings tears to my eyes too when I really listen.

[@juliocruz2945]

Man I feel you. Still got emotional everytime I listen to this, specially with the second solo. Their version from Pompeii in 2016 is one of my favourite pieces of live music ever. Cheers from Brazil!

[@joeb4142]

谢谢你的精彩故事。世界各地的人们如何与音乐融为一体，真是太神奇了。

[@ramair6424]

This was the best “What Makes This Song Great?” EVER!!!

[@williammorris1384]

Well said RamAir 64, I TOTALLY AGREE!! 👍

[@dropthehammer1360]

It really is.

[@dpf1119]

Rick Beato is the Anthony Bourdain of music. His knowledge of music is infectious, as was Bourdain with food. Both are able to reveal to mystery, beauty, and techniques of their craft to experts and laypeople alike.

[@El-Scorcho]

The Smells Like Teen Spirit and Rocket Man are still my two favorites, but this might be #3!

[@ps.2]

I dunno, man. He found an awful lot to talk about in "Carry on Wayward Son." This one was pretty good too, though. (:

[@RhettShull]

This is now my favorite Rick Beato video.

[@estooo55]

I was just thinking of that.. Right now!!

[@thatderek]

My thoughts exactly. Excellet job Rick.

[@kylepetersen6520]

Same bro, I was waiting for him to do this like ever sense I subscribe.

[@RickBeato]

@rhett Shull That was a given :)

[@TK-fk4po]

And it’s not blocked!!!

[@uapnewdiscoveryimages]

Rick you really are a gem. I am a musician and have struggled with mental health issues, but your educational videos are a crack of light in what is (especially at the moment) a fragile world. A teacher never truly knows the depths to what their shared knowledge has reached. Your enlightenment will be passed onto other aspiring & master musicians and music lovers for years to come!

[@TheSoundofForgetting]

Being a now 3+ decades old musician now myself (Guitar/Piano) & struggle myself with mental health issues & just have to say you are 100% right! No medicine does for me what or when I play my instruments! And a teacher never truly knows the depths to what their shared knowledge has reached. You definitely are not alone.

[@iainmac6136]

The extended solo on the 1994 pulse concert is mind bindingly epic. The best solo ever.

[@Shantiante]

That solo is actually pieced together from different recordings on the tour. In other words, Gilmour never played it like that in full - unless he did it afterwards. So the arrangement of the pulse version of the solo belongs to the post editing. Kinda like much of the orchestral arrangement can be credited to Michael Kamen. So many people have contributed this songs incredible sound.

[@gerryboudreaultboudreault2608]

True. David Gilmour's lead guitar cannot be topped. Neither can Waters or Pink Floyd!

[@DanielTakata]

@@Shantianteno, it’s not. That solo is entirely from the same concert (October 20, 1994). The only thing is that there is a little part cut out, but that is the only edited part. You can confirm it by listening the full unedited version (it’s not hard to find it on KZbin).

[@karlscott8141]

The Pulse version was outstanding, however the 2016 Pompeii version makes me fall in love with this song again and again. It truly is the greatest solo ever. It’s not crazy or fast, or abstract, every note matches the melody, the stress, and the psychological breakthrough the song suggests. I never get tired of this concert. “Run” at the end is the light show all others are measured against.

[@christianbungener6561]

As Davids wife once said, he is not the best with words but hand him a guitar and you will understand everything

[@saragirardi2351]

You are the only one allowed to interrupt a David Gilmour solo

[@vibratoryuniverse308]

The solo to Time >>>

[@zapazap]

Any teacher is when analyzing a work.

[@nicholaswolf3822]

watch on KZbin at SATANISTS hearing pink floyd

[@GlennSyndallius]

@@vibratoryuniverse308 that's a challenger, for sure! Absolutely monstrous solo, that one. Another mindblowing Gilmour creation.

[@TheDon444]

👏👏👏

[@pakalak3]

Dude I once played this song to my Dad on my acoustic a long time ago and he began crying from the beauty of the music as well as from his son playing it. He's an old Pakistani Dad who hadn't ever heard it.

[@sergiosaunier]

That was beautiful man. I can only imagine how emotional that moment was for both of you.

[@Spuzzmacher]

I’m not even listening to it at the moment and the corners of my eyes are welling up as i think about some of the parts of this song. It’s nuts how much emotion they manage to pack into the sound of it, especially considering its a song about being sick & delirious and getting a doctors injection.

[@GlennSyndallius]

I watched a live version before I watched this vid. I was in tears through most of the live version, and even Rick's WMTSG vid made me tear up a bit!! The power of music, man.

[@UGTLDG]

I was listening to this song while being ill with fever. After "there is no pain" I bursted in tears and spent the rest of the song just listening, crying and staring at the ceiling. Then got up like nothing was wrong. It litteraly healed me!

[@IRONHEAD12701]

I was 13 and loved old Pink Floyd. My friends and I sat down and listened to the whole album, beginning to end. Everyone there wanted to hear Comfortably Numb again and again……

[@Ekuahx]

This song is such a masterpiece, unbelievable.

[@nopenever3]

Could not agree more

[@avozdageracaode816]

Some things happen only in a lifetime. This is one of them.

[@oncosperma]

This, this is worth being born

[@jarem2112]

Such an incredible song that can take you to a different place and mood... And now glad it's finally in your What Makes This Song Great list!

[@dagtheger8993]

Without the conflict between David and Roger, you have to wonder if the song wouldn't have been as great. Too bad they could not get past that (when it mattered most)

[@drewzducks]

I love Rick’s childlike excitement and enthusiasm for a song he’s heard thousands of times over 40+ years.

[@FelixGGaming]

That's how you know the song is legendary

[@gatopeluxe]

yeah, i love how much he loves it

[@DeLawrence97]

That's what a good song does, no matter how many times you listen to it, it still feels fresh and moving.

[@sjferguson]

When my youngest was getting into ear buds he would always ask me why I still wore those big old fashioned headphones and he would kinda make fun of me. One day I told him, if you will listen to just one song on my headphones you will understand why. That song? Comfortably Numb. I'm a child of the 70's. I KNOW what a good pair of headphones can do for your listening experience. I think he must have listened to that song on my headphones about 6 times and when he finally took them off he he realized why i still have those big headphones and he never made fun of me again 😂 that song was made for headphones.

[@TrondOdegaard]

Couldn't agree more. I would say the same thing about a lot of Hendrix's music. All Along the Watchtower, for example.

[@sjferguson]

@@TrondOdegaard OMG yes! I love that song!

[@dariansimms1017]

Thank you Rick for acknowledging the first solo as the greatest! Let alone simply acknowledging it. I've always agreed that first solo as perhaps the most beautiful pieces of music ever.

[@TXmotoRacer]

I wonder how many people watching this realize what an incredible talent Rick actually is.

[@notreadytogig]

Anybody who has been successful on the studio side.. engineers.. producers.. musicians. It is pretty much a given. Also. Anybody I've met who does that kind of work are cool AF. Gotta be chill. Long hours in an enclosed spaces.

[@niftynili]

Not enough.... not even close.... :-)

[@joseben2285]

You mean Rick Wright? Or Rick Beato

[@keithbuchanan986]

There will be much to learn from this talented and knowledgeable musician as I catch up with his selections. This is one of the best channels to learn meaningful musical content.

[@Fear2Stop]

@@joseben2285 Both fit the description!

[@brianherzog1957]

Listened to this song a million times. “Heard” parts of it for the first time today. Thanks Rick!

[@davidburgreen2469]

Same!

[@JohnnieCrazy]

How does Rick isolate parts of the song?

[@aaronlewis1270]

Master tracks

[@JohnnieCrazy]

@@aaronlewis1270 I mean, how does he get these master tracks! Kkkk

[@sagetmaster4]

@@JohnnieCrazy because he's Rick Beato my guy

[@Cherokeelion]

I too, have the same feeling now as when hearing it in 1980. Man… it just grabs your soul and takes you on a ride

[@corbanrdl]

The outro solo is my favorite solo of all time. Pure genius. I'm a drummer myself, and whenever I play to it, I keep wishing I could be the one on guitar.😂

[@jimmydoolitle3764]

WOW. You read my mind!!! I'm a drummer too and I always think the same exact thing !!!!! I processed the song and removed the drum track. Then I played the drum track myself and recorded a video of me playing it so I can always remember the incredible beauty of this song........ even though I secretly wish I was playing the guitar instead of the drums.

[@corbanrdl]

@@jimmydoolitle3764 EXACTLY

[@mattdad8429]

Hey it works both ways, brother! I play guitar and I wish I was bashing away on the drums! 😆

[@clausqvistjessen6439]

As a bass player, I absolutely agree. If I ever get to play on a Wembley-like stage and could choose ONE song to play, Comfortably Numb would be the one.

[@michaelharris2178]

If this gets a copyright strike I'm gonna go postal. Comfortably Numb is a candidate for perfect song.

[@0000song0000]

i must admit i even downloaded this episode... just in case

[@debras1503]

LOL! I’m there with you

[@TraneFrancks]

When Rick gets the mix stubs, you can rest easy.

[@ZonkerRoberts]

@@0000song0000 Same here. I did a double-take when I saw that a Pink Floyd song was a "What Makes This Sing Great" because I know Floyd's reputation. Why do I suspect that Rick's knowing grin at the beginning is an indication that he had an advance conversation with The Powers That Be to get this approved? (But, yeah, I downloaded it just in case.)

[@lamecasuelas2]

We should manke a fucking riot

[@astewart9410]

My wife works in mental health and, one time during a group session, she played this song in an appropriate setting to encourage discussion with some non-communicative patients. They all immediately reacted and moved to the music, even interacted and were lifted by it. We know that music is a universal language, and this is without doubt a very powerful tune.

[@danieltaylor4728]

That’s great, I suspect this type of therapy doesn’t happen often enough.

[@astewart9410]

Maybe not, but there is a whole stream of creative arts therapies (music, art, drama, and dance) that allow for many modes of expression where words just don’t cut it, so I’d still hope there are many people out there embracing these ways to help people express themselves.

[@martinXY]

Music therapy doesn't receive the attention (and funding) that it should.

[@astewart9410]

Full agreement from here.

[@jamesonredbreast6310]

Considering that the Wall album is basically about someone building a wall around themselves for protection, it's no surprise that people who are in that situation can relate.

[@ultimatelv27]

I'm not a musician but I don't know why I like it when Rick gets all technical with F minor G flat jargons. I guess I just appreciate all the musicians who sprinkle salt into this world.

[@jeffersonott4357]

Cause, it is wonderful to listen to people with an expertise teach you. I would go listen to someone who built a reverse osmosis water desalination site, if they were incredible at explaining it. Human expertise… I am American, and I just cried watching messi win his title. He is an expert. It’s cool, I get it!

[@noahway13]

But it kinda makes me sad, knowing that music will never be this good ever again. No young people are into making music this deep anymore.

[@kristinjacobs9153]

@@noahway13 don’t give up yet! We can’t possibly know what the future holds for musical artists. There might be some radical shift in themes and complexity. I mean, ‘50s and early ‘60s music was pretty poppy and fluffy, then along came the 1970s.

[@kristinjacobs9153]

I love that imagery - “sprinkle salt into this world”. Thank god for those that do!

[@noahway13]

@@kristinjacobs9153 Hope you are correct.

[@rodchallis8031]

This is one of those songs that I intentionally don't listen to often. I want every time to be fresh, special.

[@Vibeagain]

Good call

[@randomperson-dy6kj]

I got burned out on it from overplay on classic rock radio in the 90’s. Hearing it now, after avoiding the song for a couple decades, is beautiful. I love watching the young people on KZbin experiencing it for the first time.

[@kebarzivo]

Yeah, that's the kind of thing I do when a song is great. I try not to listen to it too often, because I want to keep its freshness.

[@rodchallis8031]

@@randomperson-dy6kj I've never owned anything by the Stones for that reason. That way, when a song like 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' comes on the radio when I'm in the car, it's a thrill. It's not like I don't like the Stones.

[@jackbedient]

Same here!

[@bradleywalker8642]

I saw a youtube comment that was so beautiful, it made me teary-eyed. 🥺 "In 1972, as a teenager, I sat in a dark room, smoking a joint, listening to Pink Floyd on my headphones. Here I am, 50 years later, doing the exact same thing. I'm blessed to have lived during the time of Pink Floyd."

[@SanchoSanto]

I think we will all go through something similar. When I was 20 I would smoke a bowl, turn on a red light, and watch the smoke from the incense rise and make shapes while the music played on my soround sound. It was an unbelievable feeling. To this day I still listen to them at night before I sleep. The songs slow me down and relax me before falling to sleep. There are times when the songs mix with my dreams.

[@yellowstonekat]

We were very fortunate to have shared such experiences then and now. Will never forget seeing them when they released Dark Side - surreal and life changing, is as close as I can describe the experience. Thankful we have recordings to enjoy forever

[@dianndale594]

This song had been with me for over 40 years and has meant so many things to me....Love, love, love it!!!

[@tyranneous]

The double kick drum Rick is talking about at 24:00 hits me more than anything else. Given the "medical" nature of this song, this double hit feels like atrial fibrillation. It's as if a heart is taking a double beat and combined with the half time at ~64 bpm, just makes this fit so perfectly. I found that while listening to this song, not only did it fill me with frisson, but my heartbeat matched. There's 12k comments on this, so this comment will likely be lost forever; but maybe it's enough for me to just know it's recorded somewhere out there.

[@PeteR-rr5of]

Yes!

[@squatch570]

Listen to the kick at 24mins... as Rick vocalizes over it, so we can't actually hear it by itself. 🙄 Come on, Rick, WTF?!

[@markelcock4669]

It is indeed...welcome to eternity

[@glenrotchin5523]

Rick playing ‘caveman’ air drums - worth the price of admission.

[@grahamjarman]

i like air violin better

[@fletacollins7791]

When my father passed away in 2007, I crawled inside this song, like it was a warm, dark cave. To lay still. I stayed in there for a good long while, until I found the strength to come back out into the light and join the human race again. What an incredible song, and means so much to me. Thank you Rick.

[@michael7324]

No better song to heal the soul. Glad you made it through.

[@MusicFed]

Fleta: Thanks for sharing such a powerful and private memory

[@mightymorphinmonty7618]

Thank you for sharing a powerful memory. Sorry for your loss

[@katharineshade9550]

The power of music is just transcendent. I’m glad it gave you a safe space to just be.

[@iandavies7991]

I think when Dave recorded the second solo he must have been really in the zone. He’s completely in the the mood of the song and the solo absolutely captures the emotion of the song

[@nathansmith5215]

This song is pinnacle waters and gilmour Pink Floyd. Incredible lyrics mixed with great vocals, transitions and music.

[@cubbyjo]

When I was a senior in high school I listened to this so many times I knew exactly how long to hold the rewind button to start it over.

[@billrumbley]

X-gen: “what’s a rewind button?”

[@rfross64]

❤️🤣

[@danielswaim5566]

I suffer from depression and anxiety. One of the places I find my therapy is in the music that I love, and this song (and Pink Floyd generally) is one of the places I turn to for therapy. I recall a few years back, driving down a country road after a particularly difficult day, and this song coming on my Spotify playlist. The first chorus kicked in, and I had one of the most cathartic cries of my lifetime. Incredible song. Simple, but aesthetically perfect.

[@catbertz]

💖

[@boomerdell]

The healing power of music. Thanks for sharing your story, Daniel. It helps more people than you'll realize. Hope all is well.

[@prokas69]

Ditto

[@tomsmith184]

Same with me but for Return to Serenity, as soon I know the solos coming it’s like someone else takes over. I walk everywhere with my head down, not with that song on for some reason🤷🏽‍♂️

[@grungemusicfan]

By zen moment is from their Breathe (Reprise) from Dark Side of the Moon Home, home again I like to be there when I can When I come in cold and tired It's good to warm my bones beside the fire Far away across the field The tolling of the iron bell Calls the faithful to their knees To hear the softly spoken magic spells.

[@camarribacamabajo]

geeeeeeeeeees RICK why on earth was I constantly smiling and crying, smiling crying, smiling crying all the time with your review of this masterpiece ? AMAZING. You nailed EVERYTHING, when to explain , when to play along when not, when to stop. THE BEST ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dreamcatcher4813]

Thank you Rick for transmitting your love of Pink Floyd , I'm a 68 years old , and I'm a great fan of Pink Floyd since the beginning , ummugumma was my first musical schock,.Comfortably numb is so moving deeply, I got the chance to play this song, of course I cannot equalize David Gilmour , but it was an hommage to this great guitarist and great singer. I was moved . One of my favourite version of this song is the PULSE version. Each time I listen to it , I m in the edge of tears. It's a sad song .hello from France , hello from Paris.. Thank tou again for sharing your love of music.

[@dziner70]

The second guitar solo is a violent masterpiece. That’s the way I’ve come to describe it after 40 years of listening to it. From that first squeal, it grabs you and throws you around, bludgeoning your emotions and leaving you wanting for it to never end.

[@GoneAfterMidnight]

I could hear the band play that section for all eternity

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Well said, well said!🥂

[@TheStormpilgrim]

"Violent masterpiece" is also how I'd describe Alex Lifeson's solo in "By-Tor" on the All the World's a Stage album. That's one of the most brutal and emotional guitar solos I can think of. After listening to '80s Rush, encountering that was like, "Wow, I had no idea they had that kind of chaotic energy!"

[@nickm8494]

Rick Beato: the only person on the planet with permission to pause a Dave Gilmour solo...

[@Hegder]

I was a little shocked he stopped the first solo before it finished too (I consider the end of the first solo the lick that happens during the last 'I have become comfortably numb').

[@patriotpizzaman]

I was still a little uncomfortable with it. Just couldn't do anything about it.

[@GuilhermeSilva-rp2it]

Don´t let Waters know...

[@Fear2Stop]

@@patriotpizzaman my daughter sings along with the solo every time , so when it paused she kinda laughed and got jokingly “annoyed”

[@bourkey07]

@@patriotpizzaman uncomfortably numb?

[@pablopicasso3122]

The way he introduces the first solo without pre-empting it and just playing along is such a reverent, respectful thing, like when does he ever do that? David Gilmour is the GOAT of phrasing; every single note tells it’s own story, a story about hope, aspirations and dreams unfulfilled, with a pain so bad that the only way to cope is to dissociate from it entirely. A solo so powerful that the gods are thankful to be in David’s good graces. Bravo, Rick!

[@jameszettelmeyer291]

Having two distinct voices in a band is such a nice touch and pink floyd utilized waters and gilmours voices perfectly. Waters is a little dark and creepy, Gilmour a little more comforting or angelic. Like Yin and Yang. It's like they clashed and complimented each other at the same time.

[@estarling8766]

Most of us waited 40 years to hear the right words prizing this masterpiece. Thank you Rick. Respect!

[@jcabotl]

As a non-musician, I hardly understand anything about the technical aspects that Rick discusses, but I love hearing the breakdown of the songs. It truly makes me appreciate the incredible expertise that these groups have to develop such a masterpiece. As a huge Pink Floyd fan, I can’t even imagine how they came together for so long in so many of these masterpieces! Thank you Rick!

Rick makes you feel like you're totally in that studio with him and that he's talking directly to you and ONLY you! He's just the best ❤️

[@andymac6503]

I am no musician either but I enjoy listening to Rick's analyses. This particular song is a level above even the best classic rock tunes. Floyd's best music, and this particular track is at the top of the list. never grows old... unlike other very fine classic songs, say Smoke on tbe Water or Hotel California.

[@mikelund57]

Agreed.. I don't understand the music tech talk, but I love how he breaks everything down .. what masterpieces they created..

[@RaymondBCrisp]

It's worth listening to these breakdowns just to hear the amazing isolated tracks within each song. It let's you appreciate things you may not have even noticed before.

[@johnluby3834]

Spot on keep hoping to understand just one word someday.

[@CrystalRedTintcoat]

I know this is an old video, BUT the mark of a great person like Rick doing these videos is how often we share them with friends and family. Sure, there’s a halo effect b/c this is a Floyd tune, but Rick’s breakdown and enthusiasm is just wonderful and something to share with others.

[@amarko9987]

Rick's unbridled enjoyment makes you fall in love with this incredible song all over again!

[@micheleparker8123]

I played this album RELENTLESSLY when it came out. I didn't realize HOW relentlessly until 30 years later when an old friend of mine and I crossed paths, and they told me, "...yeah, you're the one who was always talking about Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album!". 😁

[@cheneyrobert]

😂😂😂😎👍🏻🥂

[@hanreality.7266]

There are way worse things to be remembered for! 😂

[@photodube]

Rick you are the best music teacher I've ever had.

[@telequacker-9529]

Dude is redeeming the entire boomer generation.

[@MiddleMalcolm]

Great lessons, indeed. ☺

[@JackMcLeodJr]

Mr B is absolute class,, a proper 'pure feel' guy. Please keep up the excellent work!

[@notpub]

So smart. So talented. So sexy.!!!

[@DDE_ADDICT]

he is the best in the world. we are all so fortunate to have Rick, he is a gift to the world of music.

[@drummermomcjs]

Nick Mason is one of the most underrated drummers in my opinion. He just gets it done and lays the beat down. His drumming isn't flashy, but he is one of the best utility drummers that I know. His music is power pocket, and his fills are just what the songs need. Powerful drummer.

[@Dana-wq5tp]

I feel the same way about Ringo. Underrated and almost taken for granted in what they contributed to the overall sound of their bands.

[@firecracker8071]

I agree

[@lancairw867]

Like Ringo. He plays the song 🎶 👍🏼

[@mazrio128]

Jeff Porcaro plays on “Mother”. A.k.a. the greatest drummer ever.

[@pickngrining]

It’s all about knowing what not to play.

[@stacey021375]

I’m not a musician. I just love great music. But I could listen to Rick Beato pick apart a song all day long. So good. Seeing someone passionate and knowledgeable about his craft is a beautiful thing. ❤

[@spiderman4x]

When I was a teenager back in the mid 90’s I sustain a major head injury. Doctors said I was singing this song despite being unconscious. My mom truly believe this song kept my brain firing until doctors were able to stabilize me. To this day every acoustic show I do we always finish the first set with this song.

[@Veyron1967]

That's amazing dude, singing Comfortably Numb while you were, well, comfortably numb. :)

[@whitsundaydreaming]

@@Veyron1967 😉👍😂

[@operationstayalive]

when gilmour's voice comes in it's like the clouds opening up.

[@ClickToPreview]

Absofreakinlutely.

[@j.m.demoor1156]

Nice. Not sure I've ever heard a better way to describe it.

[@MrMottestyles]

Totally in agreement. 100%.

[@rajnandini5968]

I have seriously never heard a perfect interpretation

[@basilandrigsby]

Totally! Needs the murkiness of Waters to truly set it off though. 🤝

[@danielladuarte4118]

Best guitar solo, best guitar player, genius musician. Seems like an awesome person as well. Dave is from another world ❤

[@georgemariano2926]

The child has grown, the dream is gone, my favorite line. Always liked Floyd's "haunting" tone and leads. Thanx for explaining how it is done.

[@nicholasf.benton1781]

The lyrics in this section is central to the whole song, something universal that we all relate to but gets overlooked for its significance even in this wonderful exposition. "When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look but it was gone. I cannot put my finger on it now, the child has grown, the dream is gone!" Haunting!

[@trosk6244]

Just finished 6 rounds of chemo. Played this song to open my chemo session each time. Also, was a freshman in college '79-'80. Roger wrote the lyrics after getting an infusion of fluids and a sedative before a show in Philly.

[@Disciple_Of_Lerxst]

Good luck with the chemo, brother. I rang the bell 3 years ago and got my port taken out 2 weeks ago! For me, I listened to Hypnotized by Fleetwood Mac...I have a hard time listening to it now...takes me back to the chair every time.

[@Chigoesandflea]

No one but Rick could disassemble this song so thoroughly, yet leave it fully intact. Only added to my enjoyment of this masterpiece.

[@tonywilson4713]

I was trying to figure out what to say. 👍👍👍

[@cbennett196631]

Nick could actually play on this one….

[@Eli13855]

I saw the Wall tour live in Chicago and I tell me kids it was the best concert of my life…it really was💕

[@kiltsteve7794]

David Gilmour is such an underrated artist. His mastery of the guitar is unmatched.

[@oldman0995]

That whole stanza when I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye but I looked again and it was gone and I cannot put my finger on The child is grown the dream is gone I have become comfortably numb. Wow how many of us have lived that verse as we have grown old

[@larsamundo]

It is the perfect expression of lost youth and lost innocence. Its akin to getting kicked out of Eden but realizing what was lost only too late!

[@Hegder]

Just when you think you've heard a song so many times there's nothing new to hear, Rick uploads a video. Amazing work.

[@chrissterrmusic]

Right?

[@braydnfenton9146]

The orchestration part alone is absolutley beutiful. And then the addition of roger's, bass and vocals, and gilmour's guitar+vocals make for a legend of a song.

[@rdlewis3616]

The orchestration really does take a great song to another level which is floaty and swirly. And I wait breathlessly for the orchestra to kick in the bass during Gilmour’s singing. Thank you for taking this song apart and introducing me to parts I had never noticed before. You are amazing, and the song is pure genius on everyone’s part. It gives me chills!

[@kaicanyonellis]

Everyone: It's impossible to love this song more than I already do Rick: Challenge accepted

[@robinsokol6957]

omg, exactly

[@oldman2910]

For me, Comfortably Numb is right up there with legends like Stairway to Heaven, Bohemian Rhapsody etc.

[@HelloMyNamesNino]

Easily

[@ArbeiterInnenlieder]

It's even above.

[@gdsupreme5040]

better than bohemian imo, right at the same level as Stairway, maybe just a hair below.

[@matthewbrough1800]

Better than either of them

[@relativetimeworx8459]

Rick: "I still have the same feeling when I hear this song that I did when I was a senior in high school"... That one sentence encapsulates exactly why this channel is such a success. Rick - your genuine love of music that shines through again and again is infectious and touches the soul of anyone who shares that deep love and appreciation. Bravo sir!

[@edwardrush7421]

100% An expert who also happens to be a nice guy and who never patronises his audience. That is a winning combination. I wish we as a fanbase could all get together and throw Rick the mother of all parties.

[@philipp9288]

16:05 he played that solo probably 5,000 times. It's played perfectly 🤯

[@elizabethmusso5946]

I have never heard this song before. It’s beautiful. It’s interesting to hear Rick point out what makes it great right as I’m hearing it for the first time in my life because I’m like… yeah, he’s sooo right.

[@gman6394]

What I wouldn’t give to hear this song again for the first time. Glad you liked it

[@davephouski347]

I don’t understand 50% of what Rick is talking about, but I just love his videos. I just find his commentary and insights very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@HaleysTusk]

Every budding musician wants an "OH!" exclamation of approval from Rick

[@tomrhodes7771]

The only thing better is the "Woo!" from ep103

[@DrVonNostrand]

Pink Floyd are hardly budding musicians but ok

[@ratmajat22]

Such a natural reaction, I don’t even think he knows he did it until he edits the video

[@TheEvertw]

Not just the budding ones ;-)

[@HaleysTusk]

@@DrVonNostrand erm who was talking about Pink Floyd? I was commenting on how cool it would be if you were a musician to receive such a comment from Rick, “but ok”

[@Hoigwai]

I'm right there with you that the first solo is my favorite. Such a swell of emotion every single time I hear it.

[@mattdad8429]

I know it's been said many times before, but David Gilmour's subtle nuanced soloing is just staggering. It's so weighty. It feels like he's picking up notes like bricks and building a musical house.

[@daveburns3886]

I’m a fan of his first solo album … such an easy listen.. nothing awesome like Floyd , just flows

[@JeffNipp]

Another thing about this song and this album, this was the era of headphone listening. Not airpods, but high quality full sized headphones in a darkened room, maybe with blacklight or lava lamps... Just letting the music envelop you and carry you away. Pink Floyd was there at the beginning of this era as the 60's became the 70's , particularly with Dark Side of the Moon, and they were around all the way at the end with a Momentary Lapse of Reason as the 80's closed out. Comfortably Numb is the perfect example of this music... Big and deep sound, rich and evocative... Even without words it is filled with emotion. The Wall is perhaps the greatest "headphones" album of all time. The entire album is designed to tell a story in words and music from start to finish.. best experienced undisturbed and uninterrupted for maximum impact.

[@jamesonredbreast6310]

You were really able to hear all of the complexities Rick was talking about. Never a dull moment!

[@jolewis9919]

Totally agree..

[@KindredGh0st]

It's funny you mentioned this. I was literally listening to this episode on my phone and was thinking too myself "I wish I had a Klipsch Cornwall or La Scala hifi.".

[@Tony_P]

Friday night , a few beers and maybe a little green. Bean bag placed central to the speakers , lights down , volume up. It was a frequent scene in my late teens during the early 80s and this album was on high rotation. Thanks Rick for taking me straight back there !

[@notpub]

Headphones yeeeessss!! The other point here is that we listened to the album in its entirety. Sure, there were singles charts even then; but artists didn't "make" it with singles like they do today....the albums had to be full of ideas. Poetry. Creativity. INSPIRATION. Many were themed. It was an entire EXPERIENCE not a single verse-chorus-verse formula for making it to the top of Spotify. It's like the difference between the salad bar.( where you get samples of different flavors) and the entre, ,(where you are filled by the meal, ambiance,) and EXPERIENCE.

[@hash59]

Never clicked so fast. With Pink Floyd we probably need what makes this album great 🙂

[@MBrulla]

Today, on what makes this one of the greatest bands of all time...

[@caiop_0375]

What makes this career great

[@njordan2001]

There could be a whole KZbin channel dedicated to examining Pink Floyd songs.

[@agumperz]

And what makes this career great!

[@ryanhallwrites]

What makes this band great? I pray this video doesn’t get blocked.

[@michaeleastes1705]

I was a nurse in the trauma ICU at UNMH in the 90s. Working 12 hour night shifts, I often called a local rock station and requested this song for the unit. They always played it for us.

[@Redwood65]

“My hands felt just like two balloons.” I did have a high fever when I was very young. That was the first time I’d ever heard anyone accurately describe what I felt at the time. I remember the fear so vividly and that terrible feeling of my hands floating at the end of my arms.

[@paulfavour7790]

There are 8,766 Comments as I write this. Even so, I still have to say this is the very best, bar none, analysis of Comfortably Numb there is. Thank you Rick for everybody that gets to ride along with you on this one.

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Paul!🙏🏻

[@golferal]

EVERYTHING is what makes Pink Floyd songs great. Amazing musicianship, thoughtful lyrics, cutting edge (for the time) production, and hauntingly perfect guitar work. Absolute perfection on every level.

[@dougrobinson8602]

Just imagine putting this song together on TAPE! Genius at work.

[@danielprivate7442]

They were the greatest studio artists of their time. Maybe of all time. Their sound mixing is unmatched. They just knew how every instrument should sound when heard together in order to be "musical". It's why their stuff is so evocative.

[@0000song0000]

and the orchestra orchestral decision!

[@debras1503]

I totally agree with you!

[@13aphomet]

I'm 100% a metal guy but this song is prolly a top 3 all around favorite song.. Truly magic. I remember when I was young it was the first song I remember really feeling. Bravo.

[@LightningDogg]

The live version in the Pulse concert just gets me emotional every time. The lights, the staging, the lead and background vocals, Richard Wright and Nick Mason being legendary, of course David Gilmour's BRILLIANCE & the dynamics of the final solo, and the special effects dropping from the ceiling at the end. The crowd loses their freakin minds as well. What a lasting example of a band's perfect song in a perfect concert setting.❤

[@668Kel]

I don't imagine there's much about the nuts and bolts of songwriting and music in general that's mystifying to you, Rick. I find myself less mystified the more I learn. That said, you show no signs of being jaded by your knowledge, and the enthusiasm you show in these videos is nothing less than infectuous. And it's inspiring. And I just wanted you to know that the greatest lesson I take from every one of your "What Makes This Song Great" videos is your entusiasm and love of music. You're every bit as much a treasure to the industry as the artists you cover. Thanks for all you do.

[@lmrk5705]

Perfectly said 👍

[@gerhardvaneeden5615]

Fantastic! Love your honesty, as I'm sure Rick will as well.

[@chitlitlah]

Upon seeing the title: Hey, it's my favorite band! Upon hearing the intro: Hey, it's my favorite song! After the video: Hey, it's my lucky day!

[@maxpo787]

Same

[@shelleyking8450]

The orchestra mix in the back blends in so well, and makes the whole song sound so silky, dark and deep. This song has a soul-shaking effect,

[@helihead11]

One of the things I like about Rick’s videos is that he speaks as if the person watching the video is in the room with him and following along without interrupting. Sure makes his videos seem more personal to me.

[@Freempg]

Drummer Nick Mason quote: "A band is a rhythm section of bass and drums with a couple of novelty acts out front."

[@paulmoore7964]

saw his saucerfull of secrets tour, really great.

[@utubedestroysmytime]

Love his style. He LOOKS cool. Pompeii he’s dressed like everyone I know who tries to look cool

[@mo_rocksteady]

never was it truer in any band, ever!

[@66pac57]

I love Nick Mason he is part of a consortium that saved my local football club from going out of existence, Bolton Wanderers. It reminds me of the song Money "Think I'll buy me a football team"

[@kenschachsieck1357]

It seems the Floyd were more than a mere band. Their live shows amounted to a theatrical orchestrated stage show with all backing video, Lazer lighting, keyboard synth, etc..add now Mr. Gilmour..ya think..

[@wonder6789]

Totally agree about Gilmour's voice and singing: always a class act.

[@blazyd22]

I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times and yet you brought it to life even more for me! Rick please keep doing what you’re doing. Your passion is so uplifting!

[@alanashworth9414]

Its one of the greatest pieces of music thats ever been created in my opinion. Beautiful song. Man this song still sends goose bumps up my spine. Even my 23 year old daughter loved it has a kid. Transends generations music like this. Auto Tune free :) I can see your soul playing that solo, its beautiful.

[@crazyralph6386]

It truly is

[@dedrxbbit7549]

Not gonna lie, I’m a 22 year old and i cry tears of joy every time i hear David Gilmour play the first solo.

[@dougrobinson8602]

When you're Rick's age, you'll still be crying, but it won't be joy....Speaking from experience.

[@exquisitecorpse4917]

This whole album kicks me right in the teenage angst. The emotionality is so timeless that it resonated with Rick in 1979, me in 2000, and you in 2021. There aren't that many songs or albums that have so much generational latitude. No one cares about Fog Hat...no one cares about Korn....no one will care about Imagine Dragons 20 years from now. But Pink Floyd will still be iconic.

[@thedominator87]

34 years old, both solos hit me and its even hitting me as i type this...damn it ,ded XD lol

[@ryanedwards4512]

That's good to hear

[@fretlessfender]

Good for you! You've got taste!

[@benwilliams5236]

Shout out to Nick Mason for his savagely restrained, sublime drumming.

[@lapitch1]

yeah and it makes no sense that they had to get Jeff pacaro to play on mother because nick couldn't get it..strange that

[@mikenicholas8755]

@@lapitch1 rw

[@lapitch1]

@@mikenicholas8755 rw ????

[@nightcross1030]

I think his drumming can best be described with one word: "adequate"

[@Thorum13]

For sure. Understated yet so powerful. His playing is just right on...

[@martinsmith3583]

There are so many things that could be said regarding this song. I will reserve myself to two comments. Firstly, while most Pink Floyd music wants to be listened to as mellow as can be, this needs to be played with the volume way up. It gives me goosebumps every time. Secondly, the best version that I have heard of this song was released on the Pulse Live recording. The second guitar solo just explodes, and you don't want it to end. The video of it is a treat as well. I had the opportunity to see Pink Floyd live twice. Once at the Montreal Forum, and once at the Montreal Olympic Stadium. Experiences that will not be forgotten.

[@DavidB-hy7ex]

Sorry, got to get this off my chest. Firstly and secondly are not words in this usage. You're listing things It's first and second. Whew. OK. I feel better now.

[@mikeschoolcraft21]

The guitar sings and cry’s with so much emotion and involvement that many times I get a rollercoaster feeling. The live version on Pulse has the best ending and on vinyl on a good system can be overwhelming for some people.