Why Does Comfortably Numb Feel So Transcendental?

[@bretchrismer7450]

By and large, your reviews are the best I have watched on KZbin. This is very much like being in college Music Appreciation class. I'm impressed that not only do you break down what is happening with the music, which one would expect from someone coming from the classical music background, but you also dive deep into the lyrical content, so it's like being in literature class. Thanks so much for sharing your experience in this musical journey!

[@thepragmatic6383]

You take the words out of my mouth, or should I say off the keyboard.

[@NorthFloridaPhotoAndVideo]

I completely agree with you. So many of these music reaction channels offer little insight into why the music either touched them or didn't touch them and is more about the goofy faces they make and how much video quantity they can create. This channel is the complete opposite and such a breathe of fresh air!

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

@Amy: This is an EPIC performance, that simply should not be missed! The performance brings tears to my eyes, every single time I watch it! (Literally)

[@fretlessfender]

This material should be taught at music schools around the world, not only this one, but the others too....

[@julianwalford]

Couldn’t agree more. The KZbin algorithm sent Amy to me a few days ago, and I’m really impressed at the depth and breadth of her analysis compared to all of the other reactors out there

[@thepurplemaskknows9383]

I am the poster child for being an Old Rocker. I am 75 years old and in my youth attended The Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and Pink Floyd concerts and others. Sometimes I hitched halfway across the country to see the action. That was the late 60s-early 70s. Pink Floyd best explained my existence during that era. Or so I thought. However, not until I found your videos did I fully understand what was going on with Floyd and the movie playing in my head. All I knew was that PF’s music moved me like none others’ did. Thank you for reopening that old door and saying, “Here; take another look and let me explain what was in front of you back then.”

[@scottwheeler2494]

I watch her videos for exactly the reason you pointed out. Speaking as an old f#cker myself, I am stuck somehow in the memory of how I heard the songs when I first heard them in the 70s and 80s, regardless of if it was a crappy 8 track or later on my very expensive stereo (I borrowed more money than God in 82 to buy a fantastic starter stereo. 800 watts of loudness, it combined my speakers and amps with my brothers Thorens turntable. I never owned a car more expensive than my stereo until my later 30s. It took until 2005 before I built a better system. 3600 watts this time😊. ) But no matter how good it became, it didn't replace the version I heard in my head from when new - when a great album might have been in repeat for days. Amy opens my brain to new learning. That makes watching magical for me.

[@phila3884]

This song devastated me as a 16 year old, and still does. Can anyone else relate to "When I was a child, I caught a fleeting glimpse..out of the corner of my eye". I can.

[@rikk319]

I relate to him singing about "my hands felt like two balloons"...there's a neurological condition that causes false sensory information, and I had it as a child, where when I was asleep or nearly so, I'd feel my extremities very out of proportion. First hearing this as an 11 year old boy and a couple years past the last time I had an episode of the condition, it really made me embrace Gilmour's words and Pink's experience in the story.

[@wrawrer]

Gets more poiniant as one grows older.

[@GeoMan656]

I have been waiting so long for a reviewer or a post on this. I relate to the similar previous verse with the child fever and then with these sensory issues. I was about 8yo and ill in bed. I remember mum looking in on me, and from the end of the bed she appeared to be 20 feet away and I felt totally disconnected from 'reality'. Also, there were flashes of something but I could not identify them. It left me with a lifetime of questioning reality. These two lines and the two guitar solos puts me in bits every time

[@MattKrogmeier]

Assigning the title of "The Doctor" is actually very insightful, if not accidental! Gilmour's original demo of this song was in fact titled, "The Doctor!" You can hear it on The Wall Immersion box set!

[@BuccWylde]

Not surprising, considering there was a doctor (of sorts) involved in the real life incident this song was written about.

[@lemol65]

I am always impressed by Amy's incredible smart analyses that make me finaly understand songs I have listened to for years 😂

[@BuccWylde]

You should "understand" that it's a literal recounting of an actual incident involving Roger one night in 1977.

[@EddieReischl]

Thank you, Amy. That was a very beautifully done analysis. The song always gives me chills when it transitions from Roger's part to David's part. One of the best examples of great songwriters understanding how effective it is to switch to the relative major for the chorus, to give the listener some hope and relief from the minor section.

[@andit4454]

That 'big', 'second', 'dark' Guitar solo hits really hard emotionally... You described it perfectly 👌. It's just beautiful, so many people cry the first time they hear it... It's like the lyrics tell one story but the guitar solo makes you think of your own story....

[@scottscottsdale7868]

The artist Mark Rothko did the same in visual arts. A pulsating emotive canvas.

[@karlgw]

I often think that the first solo is one of the best guitar solos of all time, only to be blown out of the water by the second one

[@waitingman]

​@@karlgw And somehow the first solo rings a much louder bell to me. It is so beautiful, precise and concise. It is perfect, indeed.

[@koljarzg]

I cry EVERY time.

[@danielfox6907]

The video live concert includes a female chorus which increases the etherial, disoriented, dreamlike state of an experience. The ending is hypnotic, the audience sequences prove this.

[@johnwest7993]

You dug as deep as Gilmore did, and that is very deep. Thank you.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

Well that was a quick 45 minutes! I spent a lot of it smiling as I heard someone 'meeting' one of my greatest influences as a guitar player. I call Dave Gilmour "The God of the Gaps" because he taught me to slow the heck down, that I didn't need to play *all* the notes and its what you leave out that shapes the musical space.

[@valhallacoldwind3362]

Good to hear, yes Floyd are the masters of 'less is more'. Cheers.

[@TaiChiMBB]

Yes! "[I]t's what you leave out that shapes the musical space." Like the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe... beautiful, massive empty spaces that shape and resonate the choral sounds. Etherial, empty spaces enabled and defined by their massive structural underpinnings. "How shall I fill these empty spaces?" Well, tragical yet hopeful music such as CN always does it for me.

[@nelax44]

Been loving this song for years, but this break down is making me think about it in ways I never have. Well done!

[@BuccWylde]

Well you should think about it in the literal sense because it was written about a real life incident.

[@ButterfatFarms]

​@@BuccWyldethere you go again! 😂

[@scottymontgomery1297]

Totally phenomenal. I'm 52 , been playing since I was 5 , teaching since I was 13. This is the song I teach to illustrate the moods of majors and minors. Gilmore is a master of phrasing and the right use of space. If you like this , you're going to love Shine on Crazy diamond. It was written by David Gilmore about Pink Floyd's original singer Syd Barrett. New to the channel. Thank you , much appreciated

[@JLeonSarmiento]

This is the best thing I have seen in KZbin in ages.

[@cowcrapper]

I've always felt that first mid-point solo is the best guitar solo recorded.

[@mikemclaughlin3306]

I have studied this work for years. This is the best and most complete explanation I have heard. What a wonderful video. Thank you so much. It's not often I gain a new perspective to this song or album, but you gave me a great gift here..... thank you very much

[@BuccWylde]

What would blow your mind is the explanation of the literal real life incident this song was written about, years before the film was made.

[@WindmillChef]

Thank you Amy, for a stellar review, one that's worthy of the song it covers. For additional perspective I recommend that people watch the video by Rick Beatto (do I have that correct?), like Amy, Rick is knowledgeable in how music is constructed but his background is more in modern music and he has thorough knowledge of modern studio and recording techniques and he knows some of the people who personally worked on this recording. Is this song the piece de resistance of this album? I don't know, for me it kinda is but the album offers so much that it is impossible to reduce the rest of the album. Some people, many people consider this song to contain the best rock electric guitar solo ever, it probably is for me but that is highly subjective and personal. I do know this, there are many guitar greats that I love listening to and many guitar climaxes but after 46 years of listening to this song when the guitar fades out at the end of the song I am not filled yet, I want more each time, it ends too soon for my craving. This in a way that no other guitar piece does for me. Therefor it is worth watching and listening to this song live as videos from the "delicate sound of Thunder" tour and the "Pulse" tour are readily offered on YT (most people here probably already know this). Not only does Gilmour extend this solo by multiple minutes and turns it into a guitar solo extravagance but we are also treated to Pink Floyd's mesmerizing lightshow effects, an aspect that the band was particularly known for, for decades.

[@peteharman5009]

If you REALLY want to feel disappointed that a guitar solo ends, you should listen to 'Feel the Benefit' by 10cc. The ending is brutal!

[@fliugica]

I was just thinking a video of Amy and Rick comparing notes would be worth a watch!

[@WindmillChef]

@@fliugica Sure would, agreed.

[@garyluciani1082]

​@@WindmillChefyour initial comment was spot on.

[@darthraiden8740]

I love the relative minor to major shift in this song so much. It connects the Roger Waters section and the David Gilmour section so well. Even though Roger Waters and David Gilmour didn't write many songs together, when they did, it was always an incredible composition. For example, Hey You and Wish You Were Here are songs written exclusively by these two. My personal favorite combination of Floyd members though is Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Rick Wright. These three wrote some genius songs like Time, Breathe, Shine On You Crazy Diamond; all three songs being some of my favorite songs ever. Rick Wright and David Gilmour together help to balance out Roger Waters' megalomania, which involved, as Roger has stated himself before, only caring about the lyrics. There is a reason why The Wall is my fourth favorite Floyd album, because I think that, musically, albums without Roger taking complete control (like Wish You Were Here especially) are really deep, while also having Roger Waters' genius lyrics. Albeit, The Wall probably has the best lyrics.

[@420since1974]

Both Gilmour and Wright stated that "Wish You Were Here" was their favourite Pink Floyd album.

[@darthraiden8740]

@@420since1974 Yep, I suppose I should have mentioned that but you did it for me!

[@valhallacoldwind3362]

What about Dogs, a Gilmour & Waters masterpiece, also the Obscured By Clouds & Meddle albums have a few also including from Richard Wright. Young Lust & Run Like Hell also from The Wall album.

[@KeithCollyer]

Amy seemed to think that Gilmour wrote all the music, but as you say Waters wrote the verses (doctor) and Gilmour the chorus (Pink). Interesting that the chorus chords cannot exist in one key - it's all major chords (maybe they are really power chords with no thirds? Although that wouldn't fit with the string arpeggios...) - whereas the verse is more conventional in staying in one key.

[@nicholasross8392]

I've always felt that to be comfortably numb was to be living dead. The moment where Pink surrenders completely to his illness for a while. All the emotionally detached cynical resolution and the last huge wave of pathos. Recognizing the tragedy of his circumstances too late. Brilliant. Everyone feels this level of despair and hopelessness once or twice in their life. And if we're lucky there's rebirth. Thank you Floyd!

[@Pookina]

Love this analysis. This song is an example of a Roger Waters/David Gilmour collaboration at its best. Roger wrote the ‘Doctor’ segments and David the ‘Pink’ sections. The soaring Gilmour chorus pre-existed the writing of The Wall. The two fragments coming together unlock musical magic. A bit like The Beatles’ A Day in the Life, with Lenin’s verses and McCartney’s bridge.

[@Christopher50now]

Perfect! I swear I’m learning so much from you with these videos. Can only imagine if I had you as a music teacher growing up. Any person learning from you in real life is getting their $$ worth. That’s for damn sure!!!!

[@mickfoster7140]

Please take some time to visit some of the many live recordings of this song on KZbin as they are often more dynamic and alive than the original studio recording. Especially David Gilmour live at Pompeii in 2016. David's closing guitar solo is exceptional and shows what a phenominal musician he is.

[@pauldhoff]

For me, the live version, Comfortably Numb (uncut version) - Pink Floyd - PULSE - 4K Remastered, is the best.

[@clintatk]

The live performance gives Gilmore the freedom of expressive space that the record’s restrictions didn’t allow.

[@gbsailing9436]

From 1994 !!!

[@rachelk8937]

Anytime that you get an extended second solo from Gilmour is amazing, but I personally think the performance from Pompeii is my favorite. It is different and I think may even be longer than the Pulse solo and it still always ends too soon for me.

[@davebutler3905]

How can such an expression of deep pain also be joyous? For the same reason we enjoy watching this lady also experience a musical treasure, it is sweeter when shared. That's why we want to share our favourite music and books. It is all about communion. When we hear that someone else has also travelled the depths of human experience, we are no longer alone. We realise that there are fellow travellers, who survived these storms. It gives us company and hope even if we remain physically alone.

[@markolson9526]

I find your music lectures incredibly fascinating and educational, you're like an ideal university music professor. I'm sure that I could listen to you lecture about opera or symphonic music and enjoy it and come away enriched by the experience. That you lecture about the much overlooked deeper musical structures and meanings of rock is such a treat. Thank you for being awesome.

[@robertcambareri1028]

Amazing to hear a classical musician take a deep dive into the masterpiece that is, Pink Floyd.

[@Maxley..]

For decades I've deeply felt this song, but I've never thought about why. I just loved what it did to my soul. In fact, I might have thought that dissecting it like this might ruin it. But utterly not. It just makes me aware of all the things in it which makes my heart sing and my skin tingle. Thank you for saying what I never knew I knew. x

[@gainesp2003gainesp]

The numbness is from the surrender. Once you have given up the fight, you can release the internal battle and observe it from outside the fray, from outside yourself. For me, the song has anger in parts of the final solo, a steady undercurrent of despair throughout, but more than anything, a cathartic release and almost relief. The fight has been lost, but at least the fight is over.

[@Jaxy451]

Good review. One of the things that does make this song transcendent is that I believe the collaboration challenged both Gilmour and Waters. Like Lennon and McCartney there was inspired artistry from both. Yes, Gilmour wrote the music, or the essence of it anyway, but it was Waters who oversaw almost like an author using other people's input. Best song on a great album.

[@johnbowers1118]

This is just fascinating! Her analogy, breakdown, dissection, of songs from some of my favorite bands like Pink Floyd, Rush, and Genesis is amazing! Songs that I've heard of hundred times. She gives an in depth explanation and meaning behind the songs lyrically and musically. She's teaching me about songs I've listened to for decades

[@andrewwalker8757]

Another great example of finding more to the music and lyrics. Roger has opened his new concert with this song with no guitar solos. And I think what you found in the lyrics is exactly what Roger was thinking.

[@fretlessfender]

My goodness Amy... You just surpassed yourself with this analysis! I know this album ever since it arrived on the scene, and this song is one of my top 10 favourites. I can play the solo's etc... so you would think I know this song right? Wrong! You just taught me (again) what I was missing the past 43 years... I am humbled and very grateful that you are doing what you are doing, taking so much out of all this! Amy I would like to thank you from the bottom of my hart!

[@charbelel-hani5199]

What truly an amazing analysis, which presents so clearly the depth of the relations between the lyrics and the composition

[@kjartanjonsson3061]

Every time I listen to Pink Floyd it hits me emotionally in one way or another and now you have analysed it too. Thank you very much!

[@LeeKennison]

An excellent in-depth analysis and commentary by you Amy. It also provides an interesting perspective on your growth and appreciation of this music, since this is now one year after you recorded the First Listen. So it is a nice side-by-side comparison of your journey. The depth of what you now hear in the guitar solos is a good example. I'm sure you find the same thing when folks are introduced to classical music, with their appreciation growing over time as they are further exposed to the music. Particularly where those Bach and Beethoven guitar solos are concerned.😉

[@borisbash]

I have listened to this song for nearly 50 years. I have never thought about it in the depth as Amy has. She has enlightened me. I see it in a comprehensive way. Thank you.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Roger would be delighted in this analysis. She treats this piece as high art which of course it is.

[@noblesalam8065]

This is not a review it's an amazing wonderful lecture from a professor .. your reviews on the wall should be written in a textbook for students to learn from with the same wall painting on the hard cover ... I love it ,madam .. Allah bless you

[@tubewayarmy2]

Please do the Pulse version of Comfortably Numb. It is so emotional, brings most to tears.

[@PhilSmith-q1f]

I am unsure of your age nor does it matter, I was 16 when Comfortably Numb came out in the album "The Wall" and though my music of choice at the time was much more rebellious there was something about the music contained in The Wall that set me on a journey of discovery, what is the story being conveyed? who are the characters in this play? and then it struck me, it is life, with all of its complexities, its questions, the difficulties of childhood, and all of the changes that occur. At the time, there were not that many who would dare commit an entire album to a story as those in the past had done with opera. In fact, this was a modern-day opera, much like "Days of Future Past" by The Moody Blues. It was fascinating at the time and has not faded as time has passed. Watching your reactions throughout the entire album brought back memories of my first time listing, Thank you for sharing your insight into this classic.

[@NebulizerChi]

It's one of a dozen or so tunes that I'll always remember hearing for the first time, and on the radio in particular

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

PLEASE tell us that we can expect a reaction of the live Pulse performance soon! That would be a lovely Christmas treat!

[@fernandodeleon7466]

Hello Amy, congrats for another brilliant musical teaching! Now ... What Gilmour brought to the studio was the vocal melody and the chorus chords... nothing more. From there, Waters completed the song by composing the doctor's part in those minor chords, plus the exultant "I have become comfortably numb." Of course, Gilmour created the two fantastic solos. And that is the truth. The song, musically speaking, is a two-part ensemble. And the lyrics are obviously by Waters. Any real Floyd fan knows this. Again, another exquisite musical analysis from you.

[@valhallacoldwind3362]

What about Bob Ezrin's involvement or perhaps or who ever did the orchestral part?

[@fernandodeleon7466]

@@valhallacoldwind3362 Absolutely ... in fact, Gilmour didn't like it ... incredible! Obviously Waters loved it, and there you have another controversy in this song. Look, I'm not taking sides, I'm just interested in the real process of songwriting when it comes to a song that I love. I get mad when someone who doesn't know about a subject, reduces everything to "this is a lyricist and this is a melodist", as in the case of Waters - Gilmour.

[@valhallacoldwind3362]

Michael Kamen was the name I temporarily forgot in regards to the orchestral score.

[@fernandodeleon7466]

@@valhallacoldwind3362 Currently we have many testimonies from the protagonists, and beyond some small exaggeration of each one's ego, it is easy to put the parts together and see who did what...

[@smillstill]

I think one of the main components of the "dark solo" are the recurring descending scales, at one point two octaves down, which gives the feeling of emotionally plunging down deeper into darkness, then the third part with the higher notes sounds like weeping and crying out from the bottom of the darkness.

[@andrewdyrda8012]

Hi Amy ...great, great concluding paragraphs. Life is there to be lived fully aware of everything here and now, be it pleasure or pain. Only then does life become reality and not illusion. And the guitar solo nails the moment, and millions stand perfectly still, transfixed in the moment. So very, very apt. A lesson for all, in all situations.

[@leonelgraca]

Dear Amy, while im on deep burnout psychotherapy & medication, your analysis went down to a psychological level that helped me project on how im also becoming (un)comfortable numb to face work again and all the ghosts, suppressing emotional wounds. How you went beyond the musival analysis into this psychodrama was impressive. Thank you for a great session and work. As many other the wall fans, we watched with tears blurryng our eyes.

[@heartoftherose]

Any doubts held about whether a harp, under the hands of an expert such as Amy, could successfully illustrate a commentary on Rock Music have been here forever laid to rest.

[@shashimenon1000]

Amy....unbelievable. This session is a masterpiece and a masterclass. Deep. And the subject is definitely my most favourite bit of rock music from my 20's...and I'm 75 now. This bit of music by Pink Floyd that I listen to again and again....and you're right. It is transcendental. Thank you.

[@unfilthy]

I really enjoy hearing Amy's (perfectly valid and well reasoned) interpretations, as they are often so different from my own. I view the character of Pink as much less orderly and in control (even feigned) than Amy describes. I feel he's still in an unfocused downward spiral as he arrives at this point, but he keeps lying to himself on the way down, jumping from excuse to excuse, or switching focus, or arguing with himself (or all of those), and he's currently in a self medicated/self harm induced haze, but the outside world is still insisting that it's "time to go" and so, whether it's an external doctor who's been hired by his label/management or whether it's him that decides to finally react to the world around him after being in his own head for a long while, the switch to the "orderly" and "in control" persona is what follows, and hasn't happened yet, though it has been contemplated, because that's when he feels he needs it to survive. Or at least that's when it's externalized through action. Looking forward to the rest of this album's journey as seen through Amy's eyes and ears.

[@BuccWylde]

Then don't "interpret" it at all and just accept the real life incident that the song is based on. Simple.

[@unfilthy]

@@BuccWylde No, thanks.

[@hanscafmeyer6292]

psychoanalysis in music is one of the most intriguing sciences, especially saying very much about the composer, because one can never write non-autobiographical; that's the biggest strength of going very deep into music and it's interpretation; Amy is very clever in explaining these difficult item in an understandable way for non-musicians and that is what makes her view on all kinds of music so interesting, next to her professional musical knowledge and that's exactly how music became my religion; as a child i felt intuitively there was much more going on than only a bunch of notes randomly put together; there just had to be more than that! Congrats Amy, for educating so much people who never assumed music could have so many layers and depths

[@soulquesthealingmusic2307]

Love your reviews. You are comfortably interpretative.

[@derekharper6327]

Beautifully described, I heard the wall for the first time as a teenager, I could never analyse the feelings that it provoked like this then, but it was like an opening into a deep place in my soul - one that to paraphrase I couldn’t put my finger on or explain.

[@mikeymad]

Many thanks for all of the hard work on this series Amy. It is an epic undertaking. I am just catching up and do have a request for those of us that have been behind. Please update the Playlist for this Album, I had to make a copy to put the reactions and analysis in order. - Many thanks again - Cheers.

[@mauriziomogno9270]

Thank you for another incredibly precise and rich analysis. Now I know even better why I couldn't listen to The Wall for years, despite loving it and having consumed the tape by playing it over and over. At a certain point I couldn't bear the emotional weight of it.

[@Dutch1961]

Funny you called the first person 'the doctor'. That actually was the working title of the song during the recording sessions. As a matter of fact the true genius of the song comes from the producer. There where two versions, a 'harder' version that Waters wanted and the 'softer' version by Gilmour. Both Waters and Gilmour couldn't agree what version would make it to the album. Overnight the producer and a technician took the best parts of both versions and cemented them into a new song: Comfortebly Numb.

[@danielpeters955]

I so wish you had been my music teacher. I think your mind is brilliant, and I get so much wonderful education from your posts. Thank you so very much. Please continue.

[@stuartross4948]

A very good interpretation, I think there might be something in the initial 'siren like' intro that suggests trauma. From then on there is coping terminology and then an explosion of emotional back and forth in the final solo. A yearning for a structure that has been trashed and/or discovered to be unsound. Perhaps many people connect with this song because we identify with how sometimes we deal with the trauma or loss. For me, David Gilmour is so incredibly expressive of the human mind.

[@chrisduff503]

There is a perfect representation of pink speaking 'up' to someone as you describe it, later in the film, which I know you have seen by now. However by the time we get to Stop! I feel Pink only has his previous self, his 'up' left to talk to. Everyone else is gone.

[@1rhpsfan]

The next song "The Show Must Go On" has an additional verse found on the live version of the album. ("Is There Anybody Out There")

[@scottmallett3267]

While both are simply amazing, I actually prefer the light solo because of the phrasing. It is quintessential Gilmour wherein his use of sustain, vibrato, and bends allow him to construct a solo that is simple in construction, but so beautifully phrased and executed that if you were to change one pitch, the entire thing would collapse. He is able to convey, with just a few notes, the emotion that would take most guitarists ten times that to express. Mozart did similar things from time to time. Additionally, while his "solo" ends when the chorus begins, the phrase from the solo continues through the chorus. Listen closely, and you will hear the guitar continue the phrasing in support on the line, "I have become comfortably numb" that follows the light solo. That phrase begins with a beautifully executed, muted arpeggiation that begins the 14th measure of the solo and continues into a descending phrase that doesn't fully resolve itself until the "numb" on the chorus. It's very subtle, but it is there, and it is a nuance that is characteristic of Gilmour's style and one of the things that, in my view, characterizes him from other composers.

[@StevenHildner]

Wow, y'all. Her review is as as exquisite as the song itself.

[@cheesefrogsnail]

You are incredible and passionate, you put words on my feelings regarding this song in a perfect way, thank you!

[@gerrydantone6834]

One of the reasons you may detect a bit of softness and less bitterness in this song may be due to the contribution of the music from David Gilmour and his vocals of the character, "Pink," inside the wall. The contrast between Gilmour's voice and Water's vocals is just magical.

[@frankylaseure2641]

Another call for the song "Travel" by The Gathering, the TG25 live version. "I wish you knew your music was to stay forever".

[@arcturianwonderer]

I hope you eventually do pink floyd's "Time", its my favorite from them. 🙂

[@philshorten3221]

BTW Pulse (during Comfortably Numb) has a huge car sized glitter ball with its mirrored outside that just reflects light. However on the inside it has its own internal light🤔

[@kevinfox6334]

"Let's nickname it The Doctor." This happens to be the working title of the song!

[@_Why_123]

🤔Although very interesting, I think I'm of the idea that this particular Pink Floyd masterpiece requires no "deconstruction"! ... It's going to be every single individual's personal life events, that will give so many different personal meanings! ... What about "The great gig in the sky?" 😲 Just Great Music! 🤗 ... so many different personal meanings!!

[@shadokat]

This is my favorite Pink Floyd song. I lack the education and the eloquence to study it and describe it with such detail. I really love how you get to the heart of a song. This one was very special for me. Thank you.

[@kendallneason3645]

Brilliant review. I learned so much! Thanks.

[@zoflo728]

It’s often said that sometimes people take drugs to make the music better but listen to Pink Floyd to make the drugs better.

[@gainesp2003gainesp]

Wow! Thank you for that. It helps me understand and appreciate the song as the great work of art that it is.

[@wrawrer]

Gilmore's high strung refers to the acuistic used on the demo. The solos were played on a standard tuned Stratocaster.

[@altair8598]

Pulse. Comfortably numb live. Amy, so many of us, judging by the comments below, would love to see you experience it.

[@timothyskattum950]

I simply love you, in the way I love this music. The honesty, beauty and genuineness you show harmonically flows so perfectly.

[@TerenceShortman]

Brilliant as usual and yes waiting for this I also have to join the chorus that this by far is the best channel of reaction and analysis I have found I also agree with many of your subscribers, and you should check out the live version of this from the Pulse concert. you will see how completely Floyd not only set the musical aspect of the mood but also the visual mood as well.

[@JasonMorris-z1l]

On second thought, though I had been waiting for the guitar solo analysis, and though that was excellent , the discussion of how this song fits into the whole is at least as illuminating.

[@thesadkingbilly]

This is top tier. Excellent excellent work!

[@Brouhaha1977]

This makes me want to take a music appreciation class that only analyzes Pink Floyd.

[@numberphive]

Does anybody else now want to hear this song on the harp? 🙋🏻

[@tylerstamps2786]

we need another YT channel with Waters/Gilmore to get their reaction to you and your reaction!

[@dake4629]

Your interpretation is really a good set up for the next song.

[@johnkravochuck725]

Great job describing this song thank you so much.

[@mickfoster7140]

Wonderful analysis Amy. You are no longer a rock virgin. I have listened to and enjoyed rock for nearly sixty years, yet you have a much deeper understanding and appreciation already.

[@patmcgroin6916]

Hee hee hee. You know Amy...just listening to your opening exposition I'm so tempted to pause and listen to this song again... In fact...be right back, promise. Don't go anywhere! OK, ready.

[@wardkrause9022]

So many of the comments have encouraged you, Amy, to watch Pink Floyd perform this song at The Pulse concert. I completely agree. The Pulse concert tour came after Roger Waters left the band and followed the release of the album The Division Bell. Other band members do a more interesting and darker vocal arrangement than Roger did on the album. I can't watch this performance without shedding a tear every time because it is so moving. Please give this concert a look. It is my favorite concert performance ever! Experience it!

[@tungstengold-n1o]

as souls we all vibrate, as do the sounds we hear as does all that exists around us. you must feel inside in order to express and share, this is where everything connects.

[@davidbkelly]

I never realized that there were 2 entities talking through the wall even after hearing so many times.

[@Livanz1]

A transcendental piece of music potentiated by a unique transcendental person ...

[@marieaug9322]

I call this cloud sounds, since I heard it as a kid... my first cloud song was you don't bring me flowers Barabara Striesand I was 6 thats when I discovered for myself that I could sing . I just love symphonic sounds in songs. This songs little dodododo string sounding thing? Imagine a feather floating in a light breeze... you just go up to a cloud and leave here.

[@peterhughes8699]

Btw - as a pro guitarist I can advise both guitar solos are played on a standard tuned electric guitar. Solo 2 is imo the most gut wrenching emotional solo on any instrument in music history. The 1994 "Live Pulse" version is longer and even better

[@lhokaj]

"...where we came in?" "Isn't this....". Excellent video - thank you!!

[@jc5445]

It's gonna be fun when we get to Roger's solo work.

[@stotto68]

I think even Misters Gilmour and Waters learned something about this song from you. Wonderful analyses thank you!

[@pandamoanium6319]

I think the song is the link to bind the album the barrier between the old and new as they merge in harmony to the end and the beginning starting again seamlessly

[@donklesa6040]

When they rejoined to perform at H2O the drummer, Nick, ripped off his headphones so that he could hear what may have been that last time he would ever hear David play this solo. Many consider this to be this to be the best solo ever played.

[@josephiladelphia8733]

What a masterclass. Thank you

[@k8marlowe]

Beautifully expressed interpretation of one of my favorite songs of all time. You’ve certainly enriched my experience when listening to it now. Thank you so much!

[@cubstransplant1361]

Fabulously insightful. Thank you for taking the time to do a deep dive and sharing your thoughts! Regardless of how many times i hear this song the beginning of David's second solo always gives me a frisson effect. I feel it so deeply within...thats the power of beautiful music.

[@alejandrotapia2438]

I've been waiting so long for this one 🎉😊

[@IanHodgetts]

"Isn't this where..." & "...we came in" are the very last and first things you hear on this album.