It's the other way for me. Been a fan of Pink Floyd since quite some time but only a few weeks ago did i discover Tool. And i have to say Tool are fucking awesome
Let me clear up the actual meaning of this song and dispel all the misinformation in a lot of the comment section. The song was written about a real life experience Waters had. Before a 1977 concert in Philadelphia, Waters had severe stomach cramps. Most believe it was from the treatment for his hepatitis at the time. They travelled with a doctor on tour who under pressure of management was told to give him something to keep the show from being cancelled last minute. The doc didn't really have anything that would be immediately useful so he borrowed a powerful tranquilizer from the EMT staff assigned to the venue. It's unclear if the doc gave him a bit too much or if the drug was intended for larger animals but the effect on Waters was profound. His cramps went away and he played through the set with a tingling and numbing sensation that reminded him of the delirium he felt once as a kid when he had an unusually high fever. He remembers his hands feeling bloated while playing and his fingers feeling like sausages. He could tell there was a huge crowd in front of him appearing to be going crazy but he hardly noticed the noise. He thought he was playing badly and too slow but was perplexed why nobody seemed to notice or care. He just became comfortable and played on in almost a dreamlike state. When the last song was over, the crowd was going nuts and screaming for an encore. The band returned on stage a few minutes later to play a couple of encore instrumentals minus Roger because he said backstage he couldn't physically lift his arms above his waist due to them feeling so heavy.
That is an exact and true account, but the song is an analogy and reflection on something deeper. It is about the naive dreams and aspirations of childhood turning into a disappointing, depressing reality. We forget our dreams and become anaesthetised to life. This was the experience of Floyd on tour at that time and it's reflected in the album 'The Wall'. It resonates with so many people because it's the experience of so many, whether you are a rock star under pressure from management to perform, or just some guy who used to dream of being an astronaut but has settled for serving fries to pay the rent. To some extent, we have all become comfortably numb. Oh and Gilmour's solo ...you can feel the pain. I dont know how he does it. Genius.
Agreed on the Pulse version. It's the true experience of this song. Hopefully these two will check it out. I'm certain they will have a different outlook on the song if they check it out.
To get the meaning of Comfortably Numb, I would strongly suggest listening to "The Wall" album in its entirety from beginning to end. But if you ever watch "The Wall" (the movie) I would warn you how explicit (or graphic) it is.
DO NOT watch the movie. Put some headphones on, relax and listen to the album start to finish. Watch the movie if you must, but please let the album tell the story to you first. Personally, I thought the movie was a travesty. Of course I think Kubrick's "The Shining" completely wrecked the book, but people still think it's great. So who know.
Do Dark Side of the Moon. The whole album. Straight through. Then go from there. If you really want to see what they do.... Search for the Pulse Concert and pick a song. Any song. Really. Comfortably Numb is two singers. The first is a doctor. The second is the character “Pink”. Pink is a rock singer and the doctor drugs him up so Pink can go on stage and perform. Comfortably Numb is a small part of a single story that encompasses a double album.
If you like comfortably numb in general you really should just listen to the whole album (The Wall). The songs are connected, listening to just one won't give the whole picture.
If you are a certain age, and grew up in the suburbs, these solos and Hotel California’s dualing guitar solo by the eagles has been baked into our DNA. Am I right?
Yes. Not sure how old you are, but at 64 have decided the music of the 60's and 70's was the best...Nothing out today even comes close. Pink Floyd and The Eagles will be discussed centuries from now...
@@debbiegillette4734 At 60 Floyd, Eagles and Clapton, Hendrix, Zeppelin, ZZ Top as well as others will live on way longer than the crap that is called music today.
I always wondered why every time David played his guitar it felt like it always had emotions behind it... then i found out that David expresses his feeling through his guitar even his wife in a documentary says he tell his emotions through the guitar he is just a god with his guitar
Alan Peterson did a brilliant job of explaining this song. However, you really can't understand it fully without context. The Wall is an entire 81 minute concept album. The themes in it are great. If you listen to the entire album -- in one sitting -- you might pick up the stories and meaning (and suffer depression for a few days ;-) ). For a better understanding of it all, I personally suggest giving "The Wall" movie a watch. Enjoy... and maybe listen to the other Pink Floyd albums. Dark Side of the Moon, all the way though, will blow you away.
@@Baron9969 Yeah, right AFTER I posted my comment I realized my mistake. By 'feel' I initially thought he meant how that one song feels when surrounded by similar music. I later realized he meant how it fits into the overall concept. You can listen to individual pieces from a concept album but you won't get the full effect.
Hey @@flibber123 ... It's interesting that you call "feel" a mistake. I was trying to work the word feel in somehow. I think I would leave it the way it is. After all, if you don't feel a Pink Floyd song... you're not listening. Am I right? :D
Direnova Rogers was given a muscle relaxant for stomach cramps before a gig. He reacted badly and struggled to get through the gig. He wrote Comfortably Numb about that experience later it was put in “The Wall”. *I think it was Roger.
The song is describing the feeling of being basically spaced out and emotionally numb. This vague numb out of body half dream state of being. They mention a fever as a child, a reference to how a high fever can make someone delirious. It's not an easy state of being to describe to others, especially in the moment, so the writer was using a personal experience of delirium brought on by a fever as a child to help convey it. A Dr is talking to Pink, (a character who is the subject of the whole album) trying to find out what is going on... Pink replies, telling the Dr that he is unable to properly focus on them, that they seem like they are drifting off far on the horizon, barely at the edge of his perception, their voice fading in and out. The Dr gives Pink some type of medicine to help snap him out of this state, so he can go out on the stage, as he is a musician. Pink laments about lost dreams as he begins to recover... The odd mental state can be thought of as being caused by drugs, but I think it is more alluded to as being brought on by stress and mental disorder, developed over a pained life. The entire Wall album is very good... Songs like Comfortably Numb tend to get most of the spotlight, but the less talked about songs can be real gems. Mother is a personal favorite song from the album.
@@walkman002 when this was written and released in the late 70's pharmaceutical grade amphetamines where everywhere, and were being prescribed for almost anything from weight loss to psychological disorders so it is easy to assume that it was some form of amphetamine in the shot the Doctor gave Pink to get him ready for the show, Amphetamines date back to WW2 and where handed out to US Service members overseas to keep them alert on their overnight watches on the bases, that was where Elvis got his first taste of the drug which he eventually got prescriptions for. uppers to get up in the morning and downers to go to bed at night, which ended up killing him, but he was always able to say that he never did illegal drugs due to the fact that he was always able to get them prescribed by a doctor
I suggest you listen to the WHOLE song - straight through - without any pausing or commentary. THEN - play it again and break it down with pauses and observations, remarks and comments. I feel that would be a far more effective way for you react to PINK FLOYD songs.
Everyone has to pause their video of a couple of times otherwise it's going to be a copyright violation. They will take the video off if you don't pause.
I’m a 42 year old Tool fan myself, from way back. Listening to Floyd for the first time in the 80’s really changed the way I heard music.Maynard sends messages that,for everyone that listens just a little deeper will be moved by.Honestly when I first watched “The Wall” I started thinking differently.This song in the movie was absolutely great.It’s none of my business what you do,but if you want to experience something you should sit and go through the movie.I’ll try to get my children to watch it with me when they get older,just as a lesson for life.
The Wall is about a character who is building an emotional wall around themselves. At this point the character has numbed their feelings, hence comfortably numb. In the movie the character has also drugged themselves and are supposed to perform in a show. A doctor comes in and gives him an injection to bring him out of his stupor so he can perform at the show.
I’m loving your thoughtful analysis. For what it’s worth,...I see that this song operates on at least 4 levels. The “meaning” depends on which level you’re engaging. One meaning is how this song fits into the larger story of “The Wall” (Pink, the main character, an alienated and depressed rock star is becoming increasingly isolated. Life has beat him down and he’s numbing his pain with a reverie about his childhood illness. A record company “doctor” is sent into his hotel room to get him out of his depressed stupor by injecting him with a stimulant which keeps him “going for the show”.) Another meaning is what others on the thread have already described; what Gilmore has said about the song. Waters also has a personal meaning attached. The fourth meaning is one that everyone seems to forget because it’s too obvious; the meaning is that it’s music. I personally go deepest into this meaning, which I find incredibly rich. It’s always music first.
you two are such wonderful people... been lookin up more vids from you both, and i am very happy to see young people gettin into the real, meaningful music from my childhood! And you are so understanding of it! You are both very intelligent, sensitive kids! And little sis is pretty as well... (Not being naughty, just saying...)
Incase you haven’t figured it out yet, what’s going on in this song, it’s about them finding pink strung out on drugs and they need him to perform so they have to shoot him up with more to get him up and going which is the “pin prick” then he’s able to go perform, it’s illustrated very well in the wall movie that goes with the album
There is a back story to Comfortably Numb. Quoted by Roger Waters, he said he was so wasted before a show a doctor had to give him a pick me up shot so he could preform. The story has been disputed but the quote came directly from him in a TV interview and he wrote the song. And Comfortably Numb was how he felt all through the show. Its really pleasing to see younger people discovering Pink Floyd, there is a lot to choose from.
"A distant ship's smoke on the horizon" - the image of a ship way off on the horizon with its smoke rising very slowly due to the great distance gives the feeling of things being very far away and moving in slow motion.
Comfortably Numb is part of the album The Wall. At this point in the story of said album the main character is completely disconnected emotionally and is unresponsive. He has to play a live show, so a doctor is called to get him back to functional with drugs. I highly recommend listening to the entire album (26 songs total) as well as the cut song that was included in the movie called "When the Tigers Broke Free" right after "Mother" or "The Wall part 1"
I am a pink Floyd fan...and my younger brother is a tool fan...couple of years ago I got him into pink Floyd and now he is a fan...even his girlfriend...she a fan too....took them both to see a tribute band a couple weeks ago...they love it....two new fans lol
Although I love Animals (Dogs being my favorite), I disagree. I have to say, Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here are much better. On the other hand, each album is great and has held a special place in my life.
They made this album into a movie. It's called The Wall just like the name the album. Checking it out it will blow you away. Make sure you listen to it loud....
EDIT: cant wait to see full DSOTM listening! I like your perspective on the euthenasia, or the death scenario, it really can fit quite well, as I've always understood it the song is about a guy who is like backstage about to go on stage and he gets loaded on drugs and then he's just sitting there he can't go on and the crowd is waiting (or at least that's how it's portrayed in the wall movie, they have a doctor that the band calls to try to get him together so they can go on, you can hear I believe it's Waters singing as the doctor, and gilmour singing as the patient), i think a reference to barrett's inability to perform in his latest times, rip syd Definitely go for the more 'radio friendly' songs, because pink floyd has lots of very long songs and it's a shame not to listen to animals because of the long songs, but i can understand they aren't easy on the go songs lol
Originally,when Roger Waters wrote and demoed the album (it is actually a double album) there was only the Doctor sequence. Dave Gilmour pieced in the chorus part which here is the voice of "Pink" the main character. Roger sings his contribution and Dave sings his contribution. This song's back story is quite deep and spans multiple albums, multiple events, and multiple band members threaded into a story line that chronicles the mental and emotional isolation of a rock musician named "Pink". Having listened to "Echoes" and "Welcome To The Machine", you heard elements that carry over here. Roger Waters is very consistent in his themes.
Roger Waters mother and father were both teachers, very political and the father was a conscientious objector during WW2 but who hated Fascism and who later changed his mind enlisted and went MIA during the Battle of Anzio, his death whilst Waters was a kid and its effect on him and his mother are a constant theme as his hatred of school and authority. Another theme common to Pink Floyd is what happened to fellow founding Member Syd Barrett who grew up with the other band members and was close to Waters and who was the band's first song writer, lead guitarist and singer but who then tragically began exhibiting extreme mental illness very early in the band's history just as the band was making it big. Barrett likely developed schizophrenia that was made far worse by large intakes of psychedelic drugs like Acid, his career was tragically short and he basically was a recluse for the rest of his life. Songs like 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and 'Wish You Were Here' were done in tribute to their old friend and former band member. Stories about Barrett are pretty legendary in rock history. Incidentally your Tool fans and most people consider Tool the modern version of Pink Floyd.
Shine on You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd. It's about their former front man. Syd Barret, he was doing drugs and became a mess. He also became the subject matter for their song, Wish you Were Here.
I've found out that most TOOL fans like Pink Floyd more than they dislike it, and as a Pink Floyd fan I can tell you, that works the other way around too. Maybe you want to do a double shot: HEY YOU and HAVE A CIGAR or WAITING FOR THE WORMS by Pink Floyd. Thanks.
David's voice brings a smile to the guy's face immediately. Somebody needs to tell them there's a movie. Funny thing is David brought this song to the album having intended it for his solo record. The beautiful chorus was finished and stayed mostly unchanged except for Roger's genius lyrics
From your comments I gather this was the third Pink Floyd song you've listened to. I strongly recommend to listen to their 1970 to 1985 works as they were intended to be listened to. As full albums that told a story. Not only will the lyrics make more sense, you'll also experience what Pink Floyd were best at... Transitions, continuous change and the return to a recurring theme, slightly different after threatening to derail completely. (Echoes, Atom Heart Mother, interstellar overdrive, set the controls for the heart of the sun, green is the colour, cymbaline)
Pink Floyd don’t do “songs” like in the traditional 3 minute radio length cuts. They do the musical equivalent of a feature length movie. Their pieces are designed to take you on a journey.
It was fun watching you kids listening to this. As a 40 year listener to Floyd, I welcome you to the club! Now listen to the Pulse concert version of this song with Gilmore's ultimate guitar solo. Enjoy!
Have you checked out the 2001 jam? Search "echoes 2001" on YT, and watch. It's Pink Floyd's "Echoes" set to the last section of the film "2001" which just by coincidence happens to be exactly as long as the PF track. (I like to do the jam using the actual movie, cuing it up to the music, because it's an extra mind-blow to hear the Blue Danube start up right after the end of "Echoes".)
Widely considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time - that said, I understand about time constraints and such, but listening to a Pink Floyd song out of context of the album (especially The Wall or Dark Side of the Moon) is like reading a random chapter of a book; you gain much more enjoyment and appreciation of it as a part of a whole... that said, keep up the good work and continue the exploration - I'd love to see you guys dig into Zep
Whenever you look at a listing of the top 20 guitar solos in rock history, this song is on that list TWICE. Far and away my favorite Pink Floyd track...
This guitar solo is considered the best ever. Great reaction guys, but just a little piece of advice. Don't ever interrupt a David Gilmore solo, that is a no no. Love your channel.
@@zorrozorro42 no not just me, real musicians like myself, man. Look it up, Gilmore's guitar solo is considered by most musicians as the best ever. Although I love Gilmore, my favorite lead guitarist is Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad. Man.
I believe that Roger Waters' version he did on his last Wall tour (and documented in the film made with the tour) may be the most emotional visual version of this song, and is definitely worth a watch.
One thing you should know, besides being one of the all time great rock opera albums, the production in recording was top notch, like Dark Side Of The Moon, only that album sounding a little older, the beginning of Wish You Were Here album is also chock full of great sounds, it helps to have good sounding audiophile equipment to listen with, another great sounding well engineered album that year was Supertramp, Breakfast In America.
Ha-ha-ha.... A number of years ago I was heading into the hospital for an intricate examination one morning. I was somewhat hesitant about the coming experience because I knew they were going to feed tubes through the vein from my groin, all the way up my body, and into my brain! --to perform the "WADA exam". (Where they put different sections of your mind to sleep and then perform tests on your cognative abilities.) When I got to the exam room and was laid out on the table, the young staff asked me, "So, how are ya feeling today?" I smiled and nodded my head. "Not too bad," I told them, "Feeling pretty psyched actually!" Their eyes all opened wide in surprise! "Oh! Really?" they asked. "Yep..." I told them. "I listened to Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb all the way in today!" Each team member smiled and nodded their heads too. They laughed. "Oh, yeah! Good choice! Good choice!" they said. From there on... I started cracking jokes with them (appropriate for the procedure at hand) as we continued on. They laughed and laughed with me. By the end of the 1.5 hour procedure, we all smiled and wished each other a "Good day!" and went our separate ways. Laying in the recovery room, I had a nurse help me to write up a thank you /complimentary note for the whole team and post it in the office of their director for me. Before I left: Gradually, one after another, each person on the examination team stopped by my cot to shake my hand and wish me a good life! :-D
No fast shredding with David Gilmour. Instead of fast finger movements he pours a lot of emotion in his solos. I recommend the live pulse version. He really kicks the solo up several notches. Considered one of the best guitars solos of all time. Will give ur goosebumps goosebumps.
I heard Welcome to the Machine when I was 9. Mom was very protective and all I'd heard so far was church music. I'd snuck into the garage while dad and his buddies were smoking, cos I liked the song on the radio. Roch 105 had just gotten started. Without announcing the band or song, WttM came on. I was instantly attracted to all the noises. I freaking LOVED it, but had no idea who it was. I had to go b4 I got caught being in the garage. I didn't hear that song again until I was 21. To me, it's the greatest song ever written, by a longshot.
@@bazilrybkin1631 "You gotta be trusted by the people that you lie to, so that when they turn their backs on you, you'll get the chance to put the knife in."
@@jessea4438 Spoiler Alert!!! Jokes aside, "Dogs" is in top 5 Pink Floyd tunes IMHO. But when you listen it as separate track, it lives disgusting feeling and this aftertaste makes my pink glasses rust. I recommend enjoying full album, or listen final track right after "Dogs". ^_^ It short and it helps. Good Luck kids. P.S. Oh and keep in mind that it is 70's so there was no "keys". They had prototype machines in the studio or early model synthesizers. They had to invent those sounds.
@@bazilrybkin1631 Dogs is the second track in the album, preceded by a minute long song. I would argue that it could be enjoyed on it's own. Yes, I do prefer to listen to it with the full album, but Dogs is definitely the track from Animals I listen to the most. It's not like anything from The Wall where you wouldn't be able to get a full understanding of what it is without listening to the full album. I would even go as far as to say that it's one of their most progressive track out there (and these are the guys who are considered by many to be the best progressive rock band out there).
This song is about Roger Waters, singer & bass. He had a very bad fever as a child then once when they were getting ready to perform he was really sick again with a fever. The doctor was trying to ask him questions but he couldn't hear him. He gave him a shot that made him comfortably numb. In interviews, Roger Waters talks about doing that show & how unconnected he felt to the audience. But for some reason they loved his performance. Just thought you would like to know the skinny.
Really, The Wall should be listened to in it's entirety - it's one story. This song is about management calling in a doctor to get their rock star, who is broken and paranoid and damaged, on his feet and on stage to do a show by doping him up. Hence the two voices in the song the doctor sung by Roger (can you show me where it hurts etc) and Pink, the rock star sung by David (I have become comfortably numb etc).
Please do "Time"! But I agree with a lot of people here, Pink Floyd made albums not only songs, you have to do full "Dark Side on the Moon" in order and then do "The Wall" (a curiosity from it is that the last song and the first are connected, so the album is in a infinite loop!) But I know you will like it! ;)
Pink Floyd is not only a musical experience, if you had the chance to see them in concert back in the day they were also a visual and emotional experience. Even if you don't ever get around to reacting to it, you should both treat yourself to watching the live performance of 'Comfortably Numb' from the 'Pulse' tour in the 1990's. David Gilmour's guitar solo is a spiritual experience! ruclips.net/video/vi7cuAjArRs/видео.html
The verse startin "When i was a child, I cought a fleeting glimpse, out of the corner of my eye, ...", si basically the tragedy of mankind. We can almost see meaning, the purpose of the universe, but it disappears in bright light.
This song is about a band member who took too many drugs before a show and the band's manager got a medical professional to get him back on the stage... in fact, the whole album is about how the band felt trapped by their success. Endless touring, living out of a suitcase, the pressure of each performance, and the certain knowledge that this is all that their lives had become. So, it is depressing but not in a suicidal way. It is depressing that their original vision of success arrived and left them feeling empty and depressed. Rather than treat the band member's addiction, the powers that be juiced him up so he could perform and trotted him out on the stage. He eventually became dysfunctional and lived the hollowed out existence of a drug addict. And never interrupt A David Gilmour solo!
Pink Floyd is what you make of them! Each song evokes different emotions from everyone! THAT is what made them unique! Your interpretation is unique to you!
I agree, watch the Pulse live version. It will give you goosbumps for sure!! Listen to ANY Pink Floyd album, you need to start with track 1 and let it play through to the finish. Preferably on your own, in a darkened room, headphones on with a glass of something nice!! Start with Dark Side of the moon, then Wish you were here. Enjoy, I envy you your first listening to Pink Floyd. Mind blowing in 1977 and still do to this day!! 😁😁😷🇬🇧
Pink Floyd is one band I'll always recommend to listen to live. Tool is the only band I can honestly say I find comparable to PF. Obviously different but the music and lyrics are so emotive and thought provoking.
What makes a great guitar solo is what touches your soul it does'nt have to be technical. The Earls court version of this song is greatest solo of all time
Man, you guy's are going to love Floyd. With or without substances. But i recommend getting yourself a playlist of your favorites, add a little LSD or mushrooms then dive right in. There is so much to experience between the sounds of their music.
The original title of the song was "The Doctor". In the song the musician is unresponsive the doctor is trying to make him wake up and get him to the concert so he can perform and make money.
You two are awesome, so glad the music is being handed onto mext gen. You need to listen to whole Wall album, and then watch the movie "The Wall", enjoyment with clarity, keep going , keep going. Peace.
Dark Side Of The Moon will take you on a journey. I have listened to that album at least once a week for the past 25+ years. Put one hour aside and just listen straight through. You'll be glad you did.
He's talking about what it's like b4 he goes onstage again, and how the drugs keep him going. They make him comfortably numb, so he's able to perform another night
If you love this song, forget not wanting to listen to longer songs . Animals is dripping emotion. But they are long songs. And a stated influence on maynard.
First, there are 2 voices talking back and forth. The "doctor" and "pink"...... it's about how bassist/songwriter Roger waters was very sick before a show in Philly in 1977. He was all but comatose, so they brought in a doctor who shot waters up with something to "get him through the show" You didn't show it in your video, but the very beginning is a bunch of random voices. They are all part of what has happened to "pink" so far through the album. A teacher, a telephone operator, a groupie..... and through it you hear the tour manager yelling "time to go"... on stage.....
mike mclaughlin listen to the whole album....Pink is a drugged out Rockstar who still has the wall built around him. He is obviously in a drugged induced malaise. Don't speak of things you don't know
@@michaelsuder3217 listen to the album? Are you a moron? Of course that's what it means in the album. But the song was written already. They made it fit the album by using all the voices and extras. The wall is my absolute favorite piece of music. I've listened 1000's of times. Maybe, instead of being pedantic, you should listen to what I'm saying. Assuming your superiority make you look really bad.
Opening scene. Pinky Floyd is in a hotel room somewhere doing all kinds of drugs. Meanwhile, at the theater, Show time approaches; no Pink. The door opens, in comes the hotel manager and a doctor. Doctor says, "Hello, is there anybody in there?...etc." Pinky says, "There is no pain, you are receding..."
This song is about someone giving the singer a drug(a drug that makes you feel a little sick refers to morphine) to keep him going(the show must go on). it's about how he felt while on the drug.
David Gilmour actually is a pretty good singer, but he's definitly the best guitar player when it comes to emotions! He plays that guitar with so much heart and soul! He makes you feel what he wants you to feel with his legendary solos! You guys should do some "Dark Side Of The Moon", like Time or The Great Gig In The Sky!
Listen to Roger Water's explanation of the lyrics. He was literally injected with drugs at one point to get him out on stage to perform, at least the time he talks about. Peace...
It depends on your definition of drugs in this circumstance, because it’s not drugs in the way most people think it is, it’s medication, he is treated by the Doctor, the Doctor being one of the two characters in the song, sung by David Gilmour, as in “hello, is there anybody in there...” the song essentially is about how he had the flu as a child and how that made him feel and how growing up he would sometimes get that feeling again and this song is recounting a specific incident when this occurred, while backstage at a gig in Philadelphia, he was bent up double with stomach pain and he started having the feeling that he had as child when he had the flu and he went into that state, anybody who has had the proper flu (not just a cold which people like to refer to as the flu) will know the feeling. The Doctor comes in and that’s where the song starts. The Doctor gave Roger a tranquilliser to medicate him, it allowed Roger to get up and go out and perform albeit pretty zoned out during the whole gig, but he wouldn’t have been able to perform if he hadn’t been medicated by the Doctor. Roger decided to write about the event after, the lyrics were later used in collaboration with David Gilmour’s melody and so Comfortably Numb was created. A lot of people think it’s about recreational drug use, which it is not, which is why I say it depends on your definition of drugs. The use of drugs to medicate is what gets him out of his funk, not the cause of his funk
bro, if comfortably numb is on in my car when i get to where im going i stay in the car til its over, one of the greatest songs in rock , i enjoy it very much
Roger Waters said he was sick before a concert and was unable to perform. It reminded him of a time when he was a child and extremely ill. Someone gave him something "pin prick" which got him through the show. He said to this day he doesn't know what it was. Comfortably Numb.
GREAT JOB! it does an old man's heart good to see the next generation hearing what I grew up on. Definitely react to pulse. next should be wish you were here.
Also I'd recommend doing the studio versions of their songs before going to something like Pulse since it doesn't have Roger Waters the main song writer of the band and it looses something as a result. Later after you've gone through the big 5: The Wall, Animals, Wish You Were Here, Darkside of The Moon, & Meddle, then if you are still interested in hearing more you could branch out to the solo stuff, and newer live versions by band members, but all aside from the live 8, are missing band members & therefore not the total Pink Floyd experience as they only ever played together once again after breaking up in the early 80s.
Chr1551 YES, thank you!! I see the Pulse performance of Comfortably Numb constantly being recommended to new listeners. It features some tremendous musical performances. However, Roger Water’s sharp voice and presence are sorely lacking. He gave the band its edge and without him it was never the same. This is especially true of anything from Animals or The Wall. The first introduction to Pink Floyd should definitely be through the ‘Big 5’ studio albums you mentioned. Then, by all means, they can feel free to explore!
Oh, by the way... never pause a David Gilmour guitar solo. People will yell at you.
I always say that in mind
@exodus21v20 It's better to just not pause it during the solo.
Exactly. I considered it. I consciously am trying to get over being a dick though. So i didn't.
when your playing a masterpiece, if you must stop in the middle you better have something to say, I can endure maybe 3 pauses after that I gotta go
Imagine asking David Gilmour to pause for a second... I couldn't
Being a Tool fan and discovering Pink Floyd is like you only ever had vanilla ice cream, and just walked in to 31 Flavors.
It's the other way for me. Been a fan of Pink Floyd since quite some time but only a few weeks ago did i discover Tool. And i have to say Tool are fucking awesome
Let me clear up the actual meaning of this song and dispel all the misinformation in a lot of the comment section. The song was written about a real life experience Waters had. Before a 1977 concert in Philadelphia, Waters had severe stomach cramps. Most believe it was from the treatment for his hepatitis at the time. They travelled with a doctor on tour who under pressure of management was told to give him something to keep the show from being cancelled last minute. The doc didn't really have anything that would be immediately useful so he borrowed a powerful tranquilizer from the EMT staff assigned to the venue. It's unclear if the doc gave him a bit too much or if the drug was intended for larger animals but the effect on Waters was profound. His cramps went away and he played through the set with a tingling and numbing sensation that reminded him of the delirium he felt once as a kid when he had an unusually high fever. He remembers his hands feeling bloated while playing and his fingers feeling like sausages. He could tell there was a huge crowd in front of him appearing to be going crazy but he hardly noticed the noise. He thought he was playing badly and too slow but was perplexed why nobody seemed to notice or care. He just became comfortable and played on in almost a dreamlike state. When the last song was over, the crowd was going nuts and screaming for an encore. The band returned on stage a few minutes later to play a couple of encore instrumentals minus Roger because he said backstage he couldn't physically lift his arms above his waist due to them feeling so heavy.
That is an exact and true account, but the song is an analogy and reflection on something deeper. It is about the naive dreams and aspirations of childhood turning into a disappointing, depressing reality. We forget our dreams and become anaesthetised to life. This was the experience of Floyd on tour at that time and it's reflected in the album 'The Wall'. It resonates with so many people because it's the experience of so many, whether you are a rock star under pressure from management to perform, or just some guy who used to dream of being an astronaut but has settled for serving fries to pay the rent. To some extent, we have all become comfortably numb.
Oh and Gilmour's solo ...you can feel the pain. I dont know how he does it. Genius.
Did this guy just pause a Gilmour solo. Shame on you
Neil Jackson better than talking over it
Clapton is better
😮
Time - Pink Floyd
Best lyrics in rock history
More a wish you were here fan.
Watch the performance from the Pulse video. The end solo is extended. Awesome. You did a great job reacting.
Here you go, full uncut version ruclips.net/video/m3Wl2ZdfITU/видео.html
Agreed on the Pulse version. It's the true experience of this song. Hopefully these two will check it out. I'm certain they will have a different outlook on the song if they check it out.
It goes on and on... but you still don't want it to end.
I rather the pompei 2016 version, the solo sounds more full and complete to me
To get the meaning of the song watch the movie PINK FLOYDS THE WALL.
Listening to the whole album also works .... but the movie is an experience unlike any other.
To get the meaning of Comfortably Numb, I would strongly suggest listening to "The Wall" album in its entirety from beginning to end. But if you ever watch "The Wall" (the movie) I would warn you how explicit (or graphic) it is.
DO NOT watch the movie. Put some headphones on, relax and listen to the album start to finish. Watch the movie if you must, but please let the album tell the story to you first. Personally, I thought the movie was a travesty. Of course I think Kubrick's "The Shining" completely wrecked the book, but people still think it's great. So who know.
The
Noooooo listen to the album
Pink Floyd The Wall is a novel. It tells a story from the first song until the last. It is a masterpiece.
Do Dark Side of the Moon. The whole album. Straight through. Then go from there. If you really want to see what they do.... Search for the Pulse Concert and pick a song. Any song. Really.
Comfortably Numb is two singers. The first is a doctor. The second is the character “Pink”. Pink is a rock singer and the doctor drugs him up so Pink can go on stage and perform. Comfortably Numb is a small part of a single story that encompasses a double album.
Yeah and pigs flew.
Or you know a heroin overdose? 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
If you like comfortably numb in general you really should just listen to the whole album (The Wall). The songs are connected, listening to just one won't give the whole picture.
If you are a certain age, and grew up in the suburbs, these solos and Hotel California’s dualing guitar solo by the eagles has been baked into our DNA. Am I right?
Yes. Not sure how old you are, but at 64 have decided the music of the 60's and 70's was the best...Nothing out today even comes close. Pink Floyd and The Eagles will be discussed centuries from now...
He said "BAKED"
@@debbiegillette4734 At 60 Floyd, Eagles and Clapton, Hendrix, Zeppelin, ZZ Top as well as others will live on way longer than the crap that is called music today.
You’re right; I mean there are college classes (have been for years now) where The Beatles are studied...Today’s music doesn’t even come close.
@@debbiegillette4734 in high school we did an entire semester listening and picking it apart Pink Floyd
I always wondered why every time David played his guitar it felt like it always had emotions behind it... then i found out that David expresses his feeling through his guitar even his wife in a documentary says he tell his emotions through the guitar he is just a god with his guitar
I highly suggest you guys react to Time by Pink Floyd! Also thank you for this react I really enjoyed it.
You get more of a feel for the song when you listen to the entire The Wall Album
I agree, there is a lot on The Wall worth listening to if you like Comfortably Numb. I like Run Like Hell and Hey You in particular.
@@flibber123 Nice same here, I like to sing or play Run like Hell when I'm at work. Although both versions of In The Flesh are awesome too
Alan Peterson did a brilliant job of explaining this song. However, you really can't understand it fully without context. The Wall is an entire 81 minute concept album. The themes in it are great. If you listen to the entire album -- in one sitting -- you might pick up the stories and meaning (and suffer depression for a few days ;-) ). For a better understanding of it all, I personally suggest giving "The Wall" movie a watch.
Enjoy... and maybe listen to the other Pink Floyd albums. Dark Side of the Moon, all the way though, will blow you away.
@@Baron9969
Yeah, right AFTER I posted my comment I realized my mistake. By 'feel' I initially thought he meant how that one song feels when surrounded by similar music. I later realized he meant how it fits into the overall concept. You can listen to individual pieces from a concept album but you won't get the full effect.
Hey @@flibber123 ... It's interesting that you call "feel" a mistake. I was trying to work the word feel in somehow. I think I would leave it the way it is. After all, if you don't feel a Pink Floyd song... you're not listening. Am I right? :D
It's about getting a singer on stage who's having a nervous breakdown and how the management just care about the show and not the man.
Direnova
Rogers was given a muscle relaxant for stomach cramps before a gig.
He reacted badly and struggled to get through the gig.
He wrote Comfortably Numb about that experience later it was put in “The Wall”.
*I think it was Roger.
The song is describing the feeling of being basically spaced out and emotionally numb. This vague numb out of body half dream state of being. They mention a fever as a child, a reference to how a high fever can make someone delirious. It's not an easy state of being to describe to others, especially in the moment, so the writer was using a personal experience of delirium brought on by a fever as a child to help convey it.
A Dr is talking to Pink, (a character who is the subject of the whole album) trying to find out what is going on... Pink replies, telling the Dr that he is unable to properly focus on them, that they seem like they are drifting off far on the horizon, barely at the edge of his perception, their voice fading in and out. The Dr gives Pink some type of medicine to help snap him out of this state, so he can go out on the stage, as he is a musician. Pink laments about lost dreams as he begins to recover... The odd mental state can be thought of as being caused by drugs, but I think it is more alluded to as being brought on by stress and mental disorder, developed over a pained life.
The entire Wall album is very good... Songs like Comfortably Numb tend to get most of the spotlight, but the less talked about songs can be real gems. Mother is a personal favorite song from the album.
Yes, Pink is in a dissociative state before a show and the doctor gives him a drug, maybe speed/meth, to "wake" him up to perform.
@@3rdUncleBob not sure about meth. Think about the time it was written. More like cocaine.
@@walkman002 when this was written and released in the late 70's pharmaceutical grade amphetamines where everywhere, and were being prescribed for almost anything from weight loss to psychological disorders so it is easy to assume that it was some form of amphetamine in the shot the Doctor gave Pink to get him ready for the show, Amphetamines date back to WW2 and where handed out to US Service members overseas to keep them alert on their overnight watches on the bases, that was where Elvis got his first taste of the drug which he eventually got prescriptions for. uppers to get up in the morning and downers to go to bed at night, which ended up killing him, but he was always able to say that he never did illegal drugs due to the fact that he was always able to get them prescribed by a doctor
@@3rdUncleBob ACTUALLY, it was Heroin
I suggest you listen to the WHOLE song - straight through - without any pausing or commentary. THEN - play it again and break it down with pauses and observations, remarks and comments. I feel that would be a far more effective way for you react to PINK FLOYD songs.
Everyone has to pause their video of a couple of times otherwise it's going to be a copyright violation. They will take the video off if you don't pause.
@@robertr.k.4520 That doesn't work. Rick Beato and others get their videos taken down for playing a few seconds of a song
I’m a 42 year old Tool fan myself, from way back. Listening to Floyd for the first time in the 80’s really changed the way I heard music.Maynard sends messages that,for everyone that listens just a little deeper will be moved by.Honestly when I first watched “The Wall” I started thinking differently.This song in the movie was absolutely great.It’s none of my business what you do,but if you want to experience something you should sit and go through the movie.I’ll try to get my children to watch it with me when they get older,just as a lesson for life.
yes! This is a masterpiece. Try this song live at P.U.L.S.E. The guitar solo at the end is longer and incredible
The Wall is about a character who is building an emotional wall around themselves. At this point the character has numbed their feelings, hence comfortably numb. In the movie the character has also drugged themselves and are supposed to perform in a show. A doctor comes in and gives him an injection to bring him out of his stupor so he can perform at the show.
Watch the version from their Pulse concert video, your minds will be blown!
I’m loving your thoughtful analysis. For what it’s worth,...I see that this song operates on at least 4 levels. The “meaning” depends on which level you’re engaging. One meaning is how this song fits into the larger story of “The Wall” (Pink, the main character, an alienated and depressed rock star is becoming increasingly isolated. Life has beat him down and he’s numbing his pain with a reverie about his childhood illness. A record company “doctor” is sent into his hotel room to get him out of his depressed stupor by injecting him with a stimulant which keeps him “going for the show”.) Another meaning is what others on the thread have already described; what Gilmore has said about the song. Waters also has a personal meaning attached. The fourth meaning is one that everyone seems to forget because it’s too obvious; the meaning is that it’s music. I personally go deepest into this meaning, which I find incredibly rich. It’s always music first.
you two are such wonderful people... been lookin up more vids from you both, and i am very happy to see young people gettin into the real, meaningful music from my childhood! And you are so understanding of it! You are both very intelligent, sensitive kids! And little sis is pretty as well... (Not being naughty, just saying...)
Incase you haven’t figured it out yet, what’s going on in this song, it’s about them finding pink strung out on drugs and they need him to perform so they have to shoot him up with more to get him up and going which is the “pin prick” then he’s able to go perform, it’s illustrated very well in the wall movie that goes with the album
There is a back story to Comfortably Numb.
Quoted by Roger Waters, he said he was so wasted before a show a doctor had to give him a pick me up shot so he could preform. The story has been disputed but the quote came directly from him in a TV interview and he wrote the song.
And Comfortably Numb was how he felt all through the show.
Its really pleasing to see younger people discovering Pink Floyd, there is a lot to choose from.
planekrazy that’s not true, so that’s probably why it’s been disputed, that is not as quoted by Roger Waters
Another great reaction. Reaction to PINK FLOYD Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Pt 1-5
You have to experience Pink Floyd’s “The final cut” the entire album in ONE sitting.
A true thought provoking masterpiece.
Toby Wong The Final Cut sucks
"A distant ship's smoke on the horizon" - the image of a ship way off on the horizon with its smoke rising very slowly due to the great distance gives the feeling of things being very far away and moving in slow motion.
And by the way... This is 40 years old.
Comfortably Numb is part of the album The Wall. At this point in the story of said album the main character is completely disconnected emotionally and is unresponsive. He has to play a live show, so a doctor is called to get him back to functional with drugs. I highly recommend listening to the entire album (26 songs total) as well as the cut song that was included in the movie called "When the Tigers Broke Free" right after "Mother" or "The Wall part 1"
I am a pink Floyd fan...and my younger brother is a tool fan...couple of years ago I got him into pink Floyd and now he is a fan...even his girlfriend...she a fan too....took them both to see a tribute band a couple weeks ago...they love it....two new fans lol
Animals is their best album. It's mostly long songs but should appeal to you most if you dig tool.
Although I love Animals (Dogs being my favorite), I disagree. I have to say, Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here are much better. On the other hand, each album is great and has held a special place in my life.
They made this album into a movie. It's called The Wall just like the name the album. Checking it out it will blow you away. Make sure you listen to it loud....
EDIT: cant wait to see full DSOTM listening!
I like your perspective on the euthenasia, or the death scenario, it really can fit quite well, as I've always understood it the song is about a guy who is like backstage about to go on stage and he gets loaded on drugs and then he's just sitting there he can't go on and the crowd is waiting (or at least that's how it's portrayed in the wall movie, they have a doctor that the band calls to try to get him together so they can go on, you can hear I believe it's Waters singing as the doctor, and gilmour singing as the patient), i think a reference to barrett's inability to perform in his latest times, rip syd
Definitely go for the more 'radio friendly' songs, because pink floyd has lots of very long songs and it's a shame not to listen to animals because of the long songs, but i can understand they aren't easy on the go songs lol
Originally,when Roger Waters wrote and demoed the album (it is actually a double album) there was only the Doctor sequence. Dave Gilmour pieced in the chorus part which here is the voice of "Pink" the main character. Roger sings his contribution and Dave sings his contribution. This song's back story is quite deep and spans multiple albums, multiple events, and multiple band members threaded into a story line that chronicles the mental and emotional isolation of a rock musician named "Pink". Having listened to "Echoes" and "Welcome To The Machine", you heard elements that carry over here. Roger Waters is very consistent in his themes.
Roger Waters mother and father were both teachers, very political and the father was a conscientious objector during WW2 but who hated Fascism and who later changed his mind enlisted and went MIA during the Battle of Anzio, his death whilst Waters was a kid and its effect on him and his mother are a constant theme as his hatred of school and authority. Another theme common to Pink Floyd is what happened to fellow founding Member Syd Barrett who grew up with the other band members and was close to Waters and who was the band's first song writer, lead guitarist and singer but who then tragically began exhibiting extreme mental illness very early in the band's history just as the band was making it big. Barrett likely developed schizophrenia that was made far worse by large intakes of psychedelic drugs like Acid, his career was tragically short and he basically was a recluse for the rest of his life. Songs like 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and 'Wish You Were Here' were done in tribute to their old friend and former band member. Stories about Barrett are pretty legendary in rock history. Incidentally your Tool fans and most people consider Tool the modern version of Pink Floyd.
Shine on You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd. It's about their former front man. Syd Barret, he was doing drugs and became a mess. He also became the subject matter for their song, Wish you Were Here.
Syd barret took much LSD if I remember correctly
Went a bit nuts
I've found out that most TOOL fans like Pink Floyd more than they dislike it, and as a Pink Floyd fan I can tell you, that works the other way around too. Maybe you want to do a double shot: HEY YOU and HAVE A CIGAR or WAITING FOR THE WORMS by Pink Floyd. Thanks.
The song is about a band member that had a drug addiction and they gave him a drug so he could play in the concert that night
David's voice brings a smile to the guy's face immediately. Somebody needs to tell them there's a movie. Funny thing is David brought this song to the album having intended it for his solo record. The beautiful chorus was finished and stayed mostly unchanged except for Roger's genius lyrics
No. Never pause a Pink Floyd song. Never. You’ll get yelled at and never pause A Gilmore solo.
From your comments I gather this was the third Pink Floyd song you've listened to.
I strongly recommend to listen to their 1970 to 1985 works as they were intended to be listened to. As full albums that told a story. Not only will the lyrics make more sense, you'll also experience what Pink Floyd were best at... Transitions, continuous change and the return to a recurring theme, slightly different after threatening to derail completely. (Echoes, Atom Heart Mother, interstellar overdrive, set the controls for the heart of the sun, green is the colour, cymbaline)
You're right about the opening. It's one of my favorite rock openings.
Pink Floyd don’t do “songs” like in the traditional 3 minute radio length cuts. They do the musical equivalent of a feature length movie. Their pieces are designed to take you on a journey.
Shine on you crazy diamond… please.
It was fun watching you kids listening to this. As a 40 year listener to Floyd, I welcome you to the club! Now listen to the Pulse concert version of this song with Gilmore's ultimate guitar solo. Enjoy!
Have you checked out the 2001 jam? Search "echoes 2001" on YT, and watch. It's Pink Floyd's "Echoes" set to the last section of the film "2001" which just by coincidence happens to be exactly as long as the PF track. (I like to do the jam using the actual movie, cuing it up to the music, because it's an extra mind-blow to hear the Blue Danube start up right after the end of "Echoes".)
Widely considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time - that said, I understand about time constraints and such, but listening to a Pink Floyd song out of context of the album (especially The Wall or Dark Side of the Moon) is like reading a random chapter of a book; you gain much more enjoyment and appreciation of it as a part of a whole...
that said, keep up the good work and continue the exploration - I'd love to see you guys dig into Zep
Yeah we have been planing on doing an album reaction because of such comments. Its coming!
Whenever you look at a listing of the top 20 guitar solos in rock history, this song is on that list TWICE. Far and away my favorite Pink Floyd track...
This guitar solo is considered the best ever. Great reaction guys, but just a little piece of advice. Don't ever interrupt a David Gilmore solo, that is a no no. Love your channel.
Considered the best ever? By who? You? Man...
@@zorrozorro42 no not just me, real musicians like myself, man. Look it up, Gilmore's guitar solo is considered by most musicians as the best ever. Although I love Gilmore, my favorite lead guitarist is Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad. Man.
@@zorrozorro42 Well, it's consistently voted one of the best, so that's the best you're going to get.
I believe that Roger Waters' version he did on his last Wall tour (and documented in the film made with the tour) may be the most emotional visual version of this song, and is definitely worth a watch.
One thing you should know, besides being one of the all time great rock opera albums, the production in recording was top notch, like Dark Side Of The Moon, only that album sounding a little older, the beginning of Wish You Were Here album is also chock full of great sounds, it helps to have good sounding audiophile equipment to listen with, another great sounding well engineered album that year was Supertramp, Breakfast In America.
U gotta check the full album to get the big picture
Ha-ha-ha.... A number of years ago I was heading into the hospital for an intricate examination one morning. I was somewhat hesitant about the coming experience because I knew they were going to feed tubes through the vein from my groin, all the way up my body, and into my brain! --to perform the "WADA exam". (Where they put different sections of your mind to sleep and then perform tests on your cognative abilities.) When I got to the exam room and was laid out on the table, the young staff asked me, "So, how are ya feeling today?" I smiled and nodded my head. "Not too bad," I told them, "Feeling pretty psyched actually!" Their eyes all opened wide in surprise! "Oh! Really?" they asked. "Yep..." I told them. "I listened to Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb all the way in today!" Each team member smiled and nodded their heads too. They laughed. "Oh, yeah! Good choice! Good choice!" they said. From there on... I started cracking jokes with them (appropriate for the procedure at hand) as we continued on. They laughed and laughed with me. By the end of the 1.5 hour procedure, we all smiled and wished each other a "Good day!" and went our separate ways. Laying in the recovery room, I had a nurse help me to write up a thank you /complimentary note for the whole team and post it in the office of their director for me. Before I left: Gradually, one after another, each person on the examination team stopped by my cot to shake my hand and wish me a good life! :-D
No fast shredding with David Gilmour. Instead of fast finger movements he pours a lot of emotion in his solos. I recommend the live pulse version. He really kicks the solo up several notches. Considered one of the best guitars solos of all time. Will give ur goosebumps goosebumps.
You really need to see the movie "THE WALL" then you will understand this song. You won't regret, it's a masterpiece.
I heard Welcome to the Machine when I was 9. Mom was very protective and all I'd heard so far was church music. I'd snuck into the garage while dad and his buddies were smoking, cos I liked the song on the radio. Roch 105 had just gotten started. Without announcing the band or song, WttM came on. I was instantly attracted to all the noises. I freaking LOVED it, but had no idea who it was. I had to go b4 I got caught being in the garage. I didn't hear that song again until I was 21. To me, it's the greatest song ever written, by a longshot.
Dogs is my personal favorite from Pink Floyd, but I still stand by my suggestion from the Alice In Chains video.
Trigger Warning! #realife #humanitysux. Better brace yourself kidos, coz "Dogs" are merciless. No Safe space can fix this damage.
@@bazilrybkin1631 "You gotta be trusted by the people that you lie to, so that when they turn their backs on you, you'll get the chance to put the knife in."
@@jessea4438 Spoiler Alert!!! Jokes aside, "Dogs" is in top 5 Pink Floyd tunes IMHO. But when you listen it as separate track, it lives disgusting feeling and this aftertaste makes my pink glasses rust. I recommend enjoying full album, or listen final track right after "Dogs". ^_^ It short and it helps. Good Luck kids.
P.S. Oh and keep in mind that it is 70's so there was no "keys". They had prototype machines in the studio or early model synthesizers. They had to invent those sounds.
@@bazilrybkin1631 Dogs is the second track in the album, preceded by a minute long song. I would argue that it could be enjoyed on it's own. Yes, I do prefer to listen to it with the full album, but Dogs is definitely the track from Animals I listen to the most. It's not like anything from The Wall where you wouldn't be able to get a full understanding of what it is without listening to the full album. I would even go as far as to say that it's one of their most progressive track out there (and these are the guys who are considered by many to be the best progressive rock band out there).
Dogs is amazing
This song is about Roger Waters, singer & bass. He had a very bad fever as a child then once when they were getting ready to perform he was really sick again with a fever. The doctor was trying to ask him questions but he couldn't hear him. He gave him a shot that made him comfortably numb. In interviews, Roger Waters talks about doing that show & how unconnected he felt to the audience. But for some reason they loved his performance. Just thought you would like to know the skinny.
Really, The Wall should be listened to in it's entirety - it's one story. This song is about management calling in a doctor to get their rock star, who is broken and paranoid and damaged, on his feet and on stage to do a show by doping him up. Hence the two voices in the song the doctor sung by Roger (can you show me where it hurts etc) and Pink, the rock star sung by David (I have become comfortably numb etc).
Please do "Time"! But I agree with a lot of people here, Pink Floyd made albums not only songs, you have to do full "Dark Side on the Moon" in order and then do "The Wall" (a curiosity from it is that the last song and the first are connected, so the album is in a infinite loop!) But I know you will like it! ;)
He's lost the Dream and now he's just part of The Machine. Wake up and never lose the vision that only Innocence gives.
"sounds like that guitar is singing" ... you got it!
Pink Floyd is not only a musical experience, if you had the chance to see them in concert back in the day they were also a visual and emotional experience. Even if you don't ever get around to reacting to it, you should both treat yourself to watching the live performance of 'Comfortably Numb' from the 'Pulse' tour in the 1990's. David Gilmour's guitar solo is a spiritual experience! ruclips.net/video/vi7cuAjArRs/видео.html
Gilmour is on a level higher than these two could ever comprehend.
The verse startin "When i was a child, I cought a fleeting glimpse, out of the corner of my eye, ...", si basically the tragedy of mankind. We can almost see meaning, the purpose of the universe, but it disappears in bright light.
Love you guys!!💜💜💜
This song is about a band member who took too many drugs before a show and the band's manager got a medical professional to get him back on the stage... in fact, the whole album is about how the band felt trapped by their success. Endless touring, living out of a suitcase, the pressure of each performance, and the certain knowledge that this is all that their lives had become. So, it is depressing but not in a suicidal way. It is depressing that their original vision of success arrived and left them feeling empty and depressed. Rather than treat the band member's addiction, the powers that be juiced him up so he could perform and trotted him out on the stage. He eventually became dysfunctional and lived the hollowed out existence of a drug addict. And never interrupt A David Gilmour solo!
Pink Floyd is what you make of them! Each song evokes different emotions from everyone! THAT is what made them unique! Your interpretation is unique to you!
I agree, watch the Pulse live version. It will give you goosbumps for sure!!
Listen to ANY Pink Floyd album, you need to start with track 1 and let it play through to the finish. Preferably on your own, in a darkened room, headphones on with a glass of something nice!! Start with Dark Side of the moon, then Wish you were here. Enjoy, I envy you your first listening to Pink Floyd. Mind blowing in 1977 and still do to this day!!
😁😁😷🇬🇧
Pink Floyd is one band I'll always recommend to listen to live. Tool is the only band I can honestly say I find comparable to PF. Obviously different but the music and lyrics are so emotive and thought provoking.
What makes a great guitar solo is what touches your soul it does'nt have to be technical. The Earls court version of this song is greatest solo of all time
The Wall is a Concept album and its about a man that builds a mental wall to keep people out. Comfortably numb is his complete meltdown.
Awesome solo at the end.
Great work folkes as others have said for a true out of body experience you need to watch Comfortably Numb Live Pulse it is really ethereal.
Man, you guy's are going to love Floyd. With or without substances. But i recommend getting yourself a playlist of your favorites, add a little LSD or mushrooms then dive right in. There is so much to experience between the sounds of their music.
The original title of the song was "The Doctor". In the song the musician is unresponsive the doctor is trying to make him wake up and get him to the concert so he can perform and make money.
You two are awesome, so glad the music is being handed onto mext gen.
You need to listen to whole Wall album, and then watch the movie "The Wall", enjoyment with clarity, keep going , keep going. Peace.
The live performance of this song is legendary. I think it was from the Pulse tour.
Dark Side Of The Moon will take you on a journey. I have listened to that album at least once a week for the past 25+ years. Put one hour aside and just listen straight through. You'll be glad you did.
He's talking about what it's like b4 he goes onstage again, and how the drugs keep him going. They make him comfortably numb, so he's able to perform another night
im sure many others may tell you, but u gotta listen/watch the live pulse version of this song, it is, amazing.
If you love this song, forget not wanting to listen to longer songs . Animals is dripping emotion. But they are long songs. And a stated influence on maynard.
Being a Tool fan I love long songs. Makes me excited
The first time I heard the whole album and especially that song it BLEW me away
First, there are 2 voices talking back and forth. The "doctor" and "pink"...... it's about how bassist/songwriter Roger waters was very sick before a show in Philly in 1977. He was all but comatose, so they brought in a doctor who shot waters up with something to "get him through the show"
You didn't show it in your video, but the very beginning is a bunch of random voices. They are all part of what has happened to "pink" so far through the album. A teacher, a telephone operator, a groupie..... and through it you hear the tour manager yelling "time to go"... on stage.....
mike mclaughlin that's the back story but not part of The Wall storyline
@@michaelsuder3217 lol.... that's the actual lyrical content.
mike mclaughlin listen to the whole album....Pink is a drugged out Rockstar who still has the wall built around him. He is obviously in a drugged induced malaise. Don't speak of things you don't know
@@michaelsuder3217 listen to the album? Are you a moron? Of course that's what it means in the album. But the song was written already. They made it fit the album by using all the voices and extras. The wall is my absolute favorite piece of music. I've listened 1000's of times. Maybe, instead of being pedantic, you should listen to what I'm saying. Assuming your superiority make you look really bad.
mike mclaughlin oh God. I refuse to argue with morons
Opening scene. Pinky Floyd is in a hotel room somewhere doing all kinds of drugs. Meanwhile, at the theater, Show time approaches; no Pink. The door opens, in comes the hotel manager and a doctor. Doctor says, "Hello, is there anybody in there?...etc." Pinky says, "There is no pain, you are receding..."
You never ever pause Pink Floyd music period!!!!! You cannot fully appreciate it when you keep pausing it.
This song is about someone giving the singer a drug(a drug that makes you feel a little sick refers to morphine) to keep him going(the show must go on). it's about how he felt while on the drug.
Weird seeing it in reverse. I’m a big Pink Floyd fan which is why I like Tool
I live in the south. I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon Tool.
David Gilmour actually is a pretty good singer, but he's definitly the best guitar player when it comes to emotions! He plays that guitar with so much heart and soul! He makes you feel what he wants you to feel with his legendary solos!
You guys should do some "Dark Side Of The Moon", like Time or The Great Gig In The Sky!
It is a sin to pause between the guitar solo of David Gilmour. I hope you are forgiven.
Listen to Roger Water's explanation of the lyrics. He was literally injected with drugs at one point to get him out on stage to perform, at least the time he talks about. Peace...
It depends on your definition of drugs in this circumstance, because it’s not drugs in the way most people think it is, it’s medication, he is treated by the Doctor, the Doctor being one of the two characters in the song, sung by David Gilmour, as in “hello, is there anybody in there...”
the song essentially is about how he had the flu as a child and how that made him feel and how growing up he would sometimes get that feeling again and this song is recounting a specific incident when this occurred, while backstage at a gig in Philadelphia, he was bent up double with stomach pain and he started having the feeling that he had as child when he had the flu and he went into that state, anybody who has had the proper flu (not just a cold which people like to refer to as the flu) will know the feeling. The Doctor comes in and that’s where the song starts.
The Doctor gave Roger a tranquilliser to medicate him, it allowed Roger to get up and go out and perform albeit pretty zoned out during the whole gig, but he wouldn’t have been able to perform if he hadn’t been medicated by the Doctor. Roger decided to write about the event after, the lyrics were later used in collaboration with David Gilmour’s melody and so Comfortably Numb was created.
A lot of people think it’s about recreational drug use, which it is not, which is why I say it depends on your definition of drugs. The use of drugs to medicate is what gets him out of his funk, not the cause of his funk
bro, if comfortably numb is on in my car when i get to where im going i stay in the car til its over, one of the greatest songs in rock , i enjoy it very much
Roger Waters said he was sick before a concert and was unable to perform. It reminded him of a time when he was a child and extremely ill. Someone gave him something "pin prick" which got him through the show. He said to this day he doesn't know what it was. Comfortably Numb.
GREAT JOB! it does an old man's heart good to see the next generation hearing what I grew up on. Definitely react to pulse. next should be wish you were here.
Also I'd recommend doing the studio versions of their songs before going to something like Pulse since it doesn't have Roger Waters the main song writer of the band and it looses something as a result. Later after you've gone through the big 5: The Wall, Animals, Wish You Were Here, Darkside of The Moon, & Meddle, then if you are still interested in hearing more you could branch out to the solo stuff, and newer live versions by band members, but all aside from the live 8, are missing band members & therefore not the total Pink Floyd experience as they only ever played together once again after breaking up in the early 80s.
Chr1551 YES, thank you!! I see the Pulse performance of Comfortably Numb constantly being recommended to new listeners. It features some tremendous musical performances. However, Roger Water’s sharp voice and presence are sorely lacking. He gave the band its edge and without him it was never the same. This is especially true of anything from Animals or The Wall. The first introduction to Pink Floyd should definitely be through the ‘Big 5’ studio albums you mentioned. Then, by all means, they can feel free to explore!
It's about loss of innocence, the jading of the human spirit, growing cynicism, distancing, loss of empathy.
...that is still the way they treat our senior citizens,,,thank you PK for highlighting this tragedy long ago. great song...#WWG1WGA
Pink Floyd - Dogs reaction pls!!!
'The child is grown, the dream is gone. I have become comfortably numb.' That describes most of us. :) Peace.
do shine on you crazy diamond by pink floyd