The song is about Syd Barrett. The original singer and founding member of the group. He also named the band. He did too much acid and lost his mind and as a result the band had to move on from him. The song is the bands tribute to him. I really love you guys for picking this song. Keep spreading the love and enjoy the ride.
Also, Syd actually showed up to the studio while they were recording this album, disheveled and unrecognizable from his years in the band. They were listening to playback of Shine On You Crazy Diamond when came in. Nobody knew it was him at first, and when Roger noticed, he was brought to tears.
SOYCD/and the title track, yes... But Welcome to the Machine, and Have a Cigar were more in response to the negative reactions the band had to the aftermath of them "breaking big" with Dark Side of the Moon
Gentlemen, I have to thank you for this. This was mine and my late wife's song. We bonded over this song when we were kids, and after more than 20 years and a tremendous life together, I still can't help but smile and cry every time I hear this song. She died from cancer nearly two years ago now, and goddamn, I wish she was here still. She brought light and happiness to every person she met. Respect, George and Ryan.
I had this played at my dad's funeral nearly 2 years ago, and now I have a forearm tat that says Wish You Were Here. God bless man ! Still hard to listen to this song without breaking down
I lost my son 2 years ago and I cry every time I hear this song... It never will get any better will it? I also wait for the day I will be with him again...
My former long time girlfriend left me the day before this was played at my niece's school concert. I had to leave and go to the bathroom to get a grip on myself. I haven't thought of this song in a positive way since. Sharing your grief has changed that for me. Thank you. It shows me the sweet part of bittersweet. Your heart is large for sharing that. It is hopeful.
This the song that helped me fall asleep after my dad passed away when i was younger. It's just so calming, wish i could see them perform it live :) great video guys!
RojoGuero they are the best at it. I was hooked when they did Megadeth Holy Wars.. I love all genres of Music. Music unites us in more ways than anything else.
David Gilmour (the guitarist) is well known for not wasting a single not in his guitar playing. Every single note serves a purpose and has an impact, which is why I think so much of Pink Floyd's music is so affecting.
Kino Lurtz and he never over does it. He’s clearly a capable guitarist but he doesn’t need to go out there and play blistering speeds. He makes every note have an impact and I don’t think there is another guitarist who does that as well as him
I’m pretty sure it’s about a former member of Pink Floyd named Syd Barrett who had a mental breakdown due to schizophrenia and LSD which caused him to leave the band.
Only Shine On is about Syd. Roger has said the rest of the album including the title track are not about Syd. There are a ton of great documentaries on YT about Syd, the recording of this album, and more.
Michael Levine i saw that in the recording of the song, Syd visited the group and said that it wasn't original but he was also very brain damaged because of the LSD
The song is about their groups founder and original frontman. Who had a breakdown, due to mental illness and a massive use of lsd. He was one of the most kind, carring and outgoing person at that time. He ended up being locked inside his own mind.
Plus he showed up to their studio while they were writing this album (and the band did not recognize him since he got fat, shaved his head + eyebrows).
If you guys have not yet you can watch Polyphonics take on the whole story behind that album in a short video essay, pretty gutwrenching stuff tbh =/ but still an amazing song
Syd Barrett (who the entire wish you were here album was written for) was the original front man for Pink Floyd. Sadly enough, he did lose his mind and spent several years in mental institutions. While he was in these institutions he mada couple of albums which were part of his contractual obligation. 1 of them in particular is called "the Madcap Laughs". If you ever get the opportunity to listen to it. Please do. Its a true glimpse into the mind of a genius.
You are actually spot on. They are actually talking about the founder of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett. He took too much acid back in the 60's and suffered a mental breakdown. His personality deteriorated after that and he was replaced by the guitarist/singer you hear in this song. David Gilmour. Additionally the song refers to how the music industry has a tendency to take advantage of young artists both financially and artistically. This is a theme album and focuses on these topics throughout. The one you really want to listen to is Shine On You Crazy Diamond all parts. This is very instrumental but also brings out some lyrics that hit on heart strings. Also you will hear the best blues work from their guitarist David Gilmour. This is their best work.
This is correct, and the cover of the album was when they were in studio (WB if I remember right) and Syd showed up tripping balls, hence why he's on fire.
“We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year” These are the greatest lines of any song ever made past present or future. Fight me
I'm torn between "hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way" and "and then one day you find, 10 years have got behind you. No one told you when to run. You missed the starting gun." 'Time' is a Pink Floyd masterpiece and it speaks to me on a personal level.
- "I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky but why, why, why can't it be mine?" - "I hurt myself today to see if I still feel; I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real" - "All the voices trapped in my head, I let them all scream in the night" - "The battle outside ragin' will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls" - "You don't have to put up a fight, you don't have to always be right; let me take some of the punches for you, tonight" - "A fence made of stone walls, made by theft: if the sky was on land, they'd fenced that too" There's too much good lyrics in the world to elevate one over the others bro
It was all just fantasy. The wall was to high as you can see. No matter how he tried he could not break free. And the worms ate into his brain. Still sends shivers down my spine.
George nailed it when he said mentioned the trade-off between technicality and feeling in music. I once heard someone describe David Gilmour's guitar solos by saying "He doesn't play a whole lot of notes, but he never plays a WRONG note."
If you watch more of their reactions, you can tell this is normal for them. The reason why I prefer these guys over any other reactors is because of their high intelligence and open mindedness.
@Nah mate I understand where you are coming from and have to admit my own skepticism. But I hope you are wrong. Also, I've seen him really miss at times as well.
Great reaction, guys! Pink Floyd were masters of making that emotional connection with their music. George's comment, "It feels real"... that's because it very much is. This song was beautifully written, and could apply to losing someone, or something in a variety of ways (not just from death). But it was specifically written by Roger Waters (Vocals, Bass Guitar) about his friend and former bandmate, Syd Barrett. Barrett was Pink Floyd's original singer until he lost his mind (literally) just before Pink Floyd was to become very famous and successful. Barrett spent quite a long time in a mental hospital, which I think is where some of the lyrical imagery comes from. Barrett went from being a wild Rock and Roll pioneer, to a sedated ghost of a person in a short period of time. It's something that haunted Waters for a long time and a subject that is touched on various songs.
Agreed. Waters did say in an interview at one point that the song is for Syd. Pink Floyd had actually penned a few songs songs for Syd as he was missed by the band. There's actually a story about Syd showing up in the studio as they were laying tracks for Wish You Were Here and no one really knowing who he was at first because he had changed so drastically. I don't know if the story is true or not, but I've heard it a few times...
Sorry -- was just their "The Story of Wish You Were Here" Go to 53min30 sec for the start of the Syd coming into the studio story... watch?v=wbM2_-JeDuY
Jamie Panetta it’s true, I’m reading nick masons book and he talked about that. Kind of a bizarre story. He showed up completely unexpectedly after having no contact with the band for more than 5 years. Nobody knew who he was at first because he looked so different. They were all very surprised because they had no idea how he knew they were at that studio at that time. And if I remember correctly it was at abbey road, the same studio they had recorded their first LP
"Welcome to the Machine"... entirely, ENTIRELY different feeling, same album - for me (and probably many people) the first time a synthesizer-bass sent chills down their spine.
This song is about Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett. He left the band in 1968 after having messed himself up due to massive doses of LSD over a very short period of time. There is a story that says Syd randomly stopped by the studio when the band was cutting the album and the band did not recognize him. After the session they asked who the man who had stopped was. After knowing it was Syd I think they all broke down in tears. Syd is a tragic loss...sad how he never came back from his trip.
To be honest, Syd's schizophrenia probably had nothing to do with LSD. Schizophrenia is a genetic disorder. Psychedelics or any other drugs for that matter don't cause schizophrenia by themselves, but can trigger it in someone who has the latent genetic disposition for it and they're certainly not good for someone who's already delusional.
Musically and instrumentally this is one of their most “traditional” songs. Pink Floyd is really known for being very experimental, so you should definitely check out their other stuff.
This line makes me me think of what was to come with PF, with The Wall & The the Final Cut albums, with all those references to World War II. This line, to me, is about the so called "draft dodger" who was jailed for not wanting to fight. Who knows, it could also have even been inspired by Muhammad Ali. There's probably no greater "draft dodger" than him (and I don't blame him one bit), and he certainly played a lead role in a "cage".
The song was written for Syd Barret. However, we all relate since we’ve all had someone special in our life that chose a different path. This is the way I would interpret it. So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain. (Just because Syd chose a different path and because he thinks he knows what he’s doing doesn’t make it true or right… on the contrary the author of the song is telling him that he is wrong) Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? (When one is addicted to something they think they know better than everyone else. The author is trying to make Syd understand that what he’s doing is wrong, thus wants him to think twice about his life) Do you think you can tell? (And asks again… it’s like: are you sure you want to be doing this?) And did they get you trade your heroes for ghosts? (They: he’s referring to Syd’s inner voices that keep him straying… so, everything he believed earlier doesn’t stand anymore? (Syd’s beliefs that is)) Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cold breeze? (Past experiences (good times) for new greater ones. However, the author says here that these will not be the same, what’s gone is gone) Cold comfort for change? And did you exchange (Again, points out to Syd that he wrongly believes that change is better than what he’s used to) a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? (Asking if he’s exchanged something he could’ve got himself out of for a lifetime trap. In other words if it’s too late to turn back, and if the drugs have completely taken over his life) How I wish, how I wish you were here. (The author here gets nostalgic and wishes that Syd was there with him like the good old times) We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year, running over the same old ground. What have we found? (Two soul mates, the author and Syd, who went different ways. I believe that there are two fish bowls, each one trapped in their own, realising that they’re just going into circles) The same old fears, wish you were here. (All those years of experience and nothing is gained, back to square one… he wishes Syd was there with him to share that moment) this is coming from songmeanings.
He was also the main driving force in the band when they started. Wrote most-all of their lyrics. Also, he and Roger Waters basically started the band.
pink14243 and original band member and front man who withdrew from the band and public life to Cambridge. He never had anything more to do with the band, never spoke publicly about the band and died some years ago having, I think suffered partial blindness. He clearly had mental health issues that were exacerbated by heavy LSD use. The sound of the music changed when he left from a more childlike psychedelia and there is the rumour that the only time he returned was during the recording of the song "wish you were here" where he appeared briefly at the studio and left. I doubt that is true.
You have my condolences Tim...My Dad was 51 when he passed away(it was so painful for the whole family) What helped(and still helps) was always remember the good time's I had with him, and push aside any of the bad or regretful times...sorry for your lost brother ✌️
I think that's called nostalgia. I'm pretty sure melancholy has a somewhat down or depressed angle to it. I also think of my father when I hear this. I'm surprised no one has mentioned, that I've seen at least, this has one of the best lines in the history of popular music. We're just two lost souls...
Roger Waters explained that line. He basically says it's better to live life on the front lines rather than be a superstar in a cage composed by record executives.
The intro is supposed to sound like someone playing a long to the radio, it's meant to be off from the rest. The song is about their original guitarist/vocalist Syd Barrett, who went completely insane and they had to fire. The meaning is simple, "Wish You Were Here" says it all.
Hell yeah. Killer song. The rumor goes that no one in Pink Floyd could get the vocals right and someone was recording down the hall, heard their conversation, and said let me take a stab at it.
They wrote the album about how the industry doesn’t care about them or any other artist. They compare this to their friend syd barret who used to be the lead guitar player who went insane and disappeared, and of course how they wish he was there still.
Carter Bryson I believe Syd was present while they were recording this track. Their reaction once they realized their brother was in the control room was gut-wrenching. He was unrecognizable. It's quite sad. The opening bit is an effect btw, not a sample.
"Did u exchange a walk on part in a war...for a lead role in a cage" THAT is the deepest, most poetic, tragic lyric in rock..from the deepest band in rock...if u know the back story. And it is still the gut punch it was when it was written. It never gets old. ALSO, there's not much lyric if u think about it. Just one round of PROFOUND lyrics & that's it. As a band..they put music first. They wanted to move u with music before lyric..and they did. the lyrics are so deep & seriously emotional..but they say what they need to say & get back to the music...always
I believe they wrote this about Syd Barrett who was part of the group right before they went megafamous.. dropped a lottt of acid and eventually became schizophrenic and couldnt even maintain day to day things let alone be part of the band.
Jules , Fournisseur officiel de blagues de merdes de la république d'Imhotep Shine on You Crazy Diamond (pts. 1-5 then 6-9) serve as the intro and outro for the "Wish You Were Here" album
Pink Floyd are definitely an "album" band, rather than individual tracks (you really should check out the rest of this album :) ). This, along with the track(s) Shine on You Crazy Diamond are about the loss of Syd Barret the original vocalist, whom whether by his own hand or with the help of others, blow his mind apart with LSD. Although at the time of the writing and recording of the this album Syd was still alive, his mind was unfortunately very much broken.
Andy H As far as the Album band goes, same couple be said about Dream Theater. When they reviewed Metropolis, they listened to the peak of the album's track.
This song really means alot to me because of my dad. He loved Pink Floyd and this song really makes me think of him. He passed away back in 2018 of October 5th. I'll never forget that date ever again because of it. And I'll especially never forget everything he shared and taught with me, music and all. My dad seemed like he wasn't a very emotional person, but loving Pink Floyd and this song is proof that he was to me.
Pink Floyd is pure class. Deep, amazing musicianship. Not too many other bands touch them I also recommend Dark Side of the Moon - full album listen. Even if not on your channel, just in your free time. Possibly one of the greatest albums of all time.
Yeah they are great musicians and relaxing too some degree, but to me, they get kinda boring. Live, they’re good. But I listen to music for excitement and energy. Which is why A7x, Disturbed, Metallica, and Bullet for my Valentine are my favorite bands
I saw Metallica about 4 or 5 times during the early 90's, maybe even late 80's - awesome live shows, so much energy it was incredible.But Metallica can also get kinda old if you listen to it too much. It has it's place , and it's great. Dark Side of the Moon, to me, and many is one of the best albums of all time !
I know it'd be a huge undertaking, but you guys should do a reaction to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety, start to finish. That's the best way to experience the music from that album, I feel.
I don't know if they've ever done an album in it's entirety, but DSotM, yeah! I mean, that album is chock-full of transitions, which these guys really get into!
maybe as a special treat for us when they hit 500k subs? great suggestion, I can't think of a more appropriate one for a full album reaction. maybe greenday - dookie or nirvana - unplugged in new york, but dark side would still be better
Porcupine Tree - Trains! Big time influenced by Pink Floyd. Also you should do King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man, or Moonchild. They’re probably the biggest 70s prog rock band next to Pink Floyd.
When David Gilmour wrote the song he said he imagined a person listening to a AM radio and then starts to play along. Thats why is sounded static at the beginning and then the second guitar sounded clear
Nah, that would be kinda boring and tiring. That's more of a personal listening than something to react. Besides... What the hell would they say during all that time? Lol
True. They were decades ahead of their time. They were doing things in the studio back in the 70's that people are just now figuring out, with MUCH better technology. They can make a case for best band of all time, in my opinion....but their my favorite band. I'm biased.
The fact you weren't blown away by the vocals or didn't find the instrumentation particularly amazing but couldn't help but be emotionally drawn to the music is why Pink Floyd will ALWAYS be regarded as one of the best bands ever. This is the magic that they touch peoples lives with. Every PF fan can probably vividly remember some of the best or worst moments of their lives because they're tied to PF which has provided a soundtrack for their life. I don't presume to speak for everyone but that is definitely my experience. You have only touched the very surface with Wish You Were Here.
Pink Floyd even tho they don't overwhelm you with crazy instruments or vocals they were able to capture the essence of feeling and emotion and were able to make a song that rode on that and sounded good. Not many artists can do that and Pink Floyd happens to be able to portray and use that medium thru their music which is really dope for the listeners to take heed of and capture while they listen to their music. Really dope of Pink Floyd for that record and I liked the way y'all touched upon those things as well Lost In Vegas Great Job.
...not that Pink Floyd weren't beyond overwhelming with crazy instruments and vocals, but even when they did, they still found a way to let everything breathe, and could really put the "space" in "space rock"....
They were a complete package of Music,Visual Arts,Live Concerts and etc... that made them on top of the most lists you can find out there. There were many other musicians who mostly focused on a singular section of that package such as instrumental works and Musical Complexity with a beautiful lyrical theme like King Crimson,ELP,Camel,Caravan,Gentle Giant and so many others that lacked the other parts of the package like their visual works,music clips,cinematic works and concerts.
PF does have some crazy instrument parts looking at Echoes and Atom Heart Mother in particular, and some of their earlier albums like A Piper at the Gates of Dawn or A Saucerful of Secrets do some crazy instrumental songs, but these instrumentals still capture the emotion reflected by the song/ album.
The opening makes more sense if you listen to Have A Cigar because the two songs link up and you can hear the TV stations being changed until Wish You Were Here starts.
Yes, what oculamervosa said!!!!! Except it's a radio being tuned across stations, not a TV. David talked about that in a interview about WYWH, and said the idea was of a guitar playing on the radio, and a guy in the room joins in on his own guitar.
Joshy, that's interesting that you thought it was a record scratch. I can totally see how it could be heard that way! In fact, the sound of the radio static could easily be interpreted as the "crackle and pop" of a vinyl record! As I thought even more about this, it got even more interesting to me. With the first song ("Have A Cigar") being all about the band's experiences with record company execs, who were giving the band the ol' shuck and jive about "everybody else is just GREEN! Have you seen the chart? It's a hell of a start. It could be made into a monster if we all pull together as a team", etc. And then, as it "flashes forward" into "Wish You Were Here", I actually can picture either Roger or Dave (the artist) turning on their radio at home, after the meeting with the execs.....and their song is on the radio. The artist tunes across the dial, hearing brief snippets of other programming, then tunes in another channel playing their song! Resigned, and somewhat defiant, the artist joins in, playing over the rather simple guitar strums on the radio, with his own real-time stunning licks. It comes across as if it could have actually HAPPENED just that way in real life. ;)
Pink Floyd is a band that changed my view on music and made me a "free thinker" after mostly listening to Metal for many years. I think Porcupine tree is one of a few bands that embraces the heritage of Pink floyd so you should check them out.
Mic Zen Check out "Airbag" in case you don't know them, sometimes a bit too much of a Floyd rip off, but a great find for me when I heard anything from Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson and Pink Floyd!
I've never heard of Porcupine Heritage. I'll have to check them out. I don't know what all you've heard of Floyd's stuff, but some of their older stuff was actually pretty heavy. For the time it was made anyway. Check out The Nile Song if you don't already know it.
Thanks for the recommendation Facelss man. Haven't heard of Airbag before! Rick Williams, They are called Porcupine Tree. They have disbanded now but the singer, Steven Wilson, is still making some great solo albums.
Wish You Were Here was for original frontman Syd Barrett, who lost his mind to schizophrenia, and ironically showed up at the sessions for the WYWH album. In such a state that his former bandmates didn't recognize him. Syd is a sad story.
The absent person that is referred to at the start of this song is Syd Barret - who was the original front-man of Pink Floyd. His drug mis-adventures had such a devastating personal impact that he could no longer perform or deal with the public. After quiting the music industry in the early 70s he became a recluse. He died about 10 years ago. According to the band, when they were recording this album Syd visited the studio and they didn't recognize him. It had only been a few years, but he had completely changed. Keep up the great work - and shout-out to the free thinkers.
I just came across this reaction, and it's been three years so I doubt anyone will see this comment. But your comments are right on. The emotion and feeling from such a simple song. The feeling of loss but also a feeling of hope, as the song itself is a continuation of Syd's legacy. The words are all Roger Waters but the emotion that comes across is all David Gilmour. What's interesting about this song in particular is how simple and understated it is. Almost every other Pink Floyd song is a sonic experiences, so many sounds, layers, production, etc. This song, which I think is their greatest, strips all of that away.
It's a song that you're not missing someone painfully, but when you think about that person.....you're not crying tears of pain. You're remembering the really fun times that you had.
I’ve been a fan for 40 years after hearing the “Wall” in high school. My oldest brother asked me years ago, “what is this thing you have for Pink Floyd?” I told him that listing to them allows me to get high without smoking up! I knew I found the right spouse as well, in 1993, our first anniversary I bought her diamond earrings, she bought me the Pink Floyd box set...true love...27 years and going strong!
The intro to 'Wish You Were Here'...well if you listen to the album, you will hear that between the ending of the previous track on the album - 'Have a Cigar', and the beginning of the track 'Wish You Were Here', that there is a sound effect of a person dialing an old radio, going briefly from one radio station to another, and then the person dials in a radio station that is playing what sounds like the song 'Wish You Were Here' sounding all static-like, as well as being heard through what sounds like an old transistor radio...it is then that David (Gilmour) begins to play over that old radio...this was an obvious effect the band created...I just thought I'd explain to you guys, since you're not too familiar with Pink Floyd, and their experimental sound.
bang on! I hope they picked up on this! It's the classic tone I did (and many other young guitarists) growing up...listen to the song on ur radio, try to play along. In this case it was pure genius 1 take, reacting to a rhythm section.
The song's about Syd Barret, the original founder, & Lead songwriter for Pink Floyd, who got too far gone with qualudes & other intoxicants. He was last in the band in the 1960s. He actually turned up at the studio when they were recording this song, and none of them recognised him any more. You should look the whole situation up, as it's a crazy journey
Or preexisting mental health issues such as schizophrenia. In 40% of men and 23% of women diagnosed with schizophrenia, the condition manifested itself before the age of 19. Syd's self medication probably didn't help matters much and probably made things worse with an undiagnosed, untreated mental disorder.
Pink Floyd always seems emotionally charged, regardless of the tempo or subject matter. Their music is iconic, I know the lyrics to most of the songs. There is an empathetic quality, because there were few bands at the time which used the same dynamic for the 'Floyd' sound. I would liken it to The Grateful Dead, as an example, and that Pink Floyd may have drawn from the earliest music of the Dead. Both sounds and lyrics have impacted those whom have been effected by life. Some bands of the present leave one to think Hey, that song speaks directly to me, and my plight. Pink Floyd has an energy that connects to you, and is relevant despite the era you are in.
The most powerful lyric in the song for me is, "did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in the cage". Kinda like, a coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero only one.
Man, you guys are right on with your take on this tune. The song was written for Syd Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd who took one too many LSD trips and just did not return completely. The whole album is a very poignant tribute to a lost friend. Oh, and the proffered Kleenex was trick.
Do yourself a favor, guys. Set aside an hour and 35 minutes and listen to the entire Pink Floyd album The Wall. If you seek powerful music that evokes emotional responses, it is your Holy Grail.
Indy Spotes This! Of you want to fully appreciate Pink Floyd you have to listen to their complete albums, just like you would watch an entire movie and not just a part of it
Indy Spotes Amen..my friend! These guys should have done that before offering ANY explanations of this tribute song, to the founding member ...Syd Barrette....RIP
Great suggestion but I would say the best album to listen through is DSOTM, just the way the songs and themes flow through the album is incredible. Of course that's only my opinion and listening through any Pink Floyd album would be a good use of anyone's time.
They played this at my best friend's funeral a couple of weeks ago... I broke down. I had known him since 2nd grade. No one expects to lose their best friend at 23 years old. We played in a band together and he was the best damn drummer I have ever known. I know i have been bugging you guys to react to twelve foot ninja but If you could react to something by led zeppelin that would be amazing. They were his favorite band and had a huge influence on his drumming. Thanks guys great vid.
Ryan Patershall I played this at my father's funeral right after I gave the eulogy. I will always remember those couple of minutes "hanging out" with my Pop!! He was a great man.....and I will miss him!
Ryan Patershall Sorry for your loss brother!Love and Light to you and yours during this difficult time and beyond...and to anyone else who lost a loved one!Peace & Blessings
Guys. Read up on the song. You called it damn near perfectly. I'm binging on this channel right now. Its the most fun I've had in awhile! I love music too! ✌️✌️❤️❤️
+Spadez Creationz As nutty as the world is right now, it's awesome to just hang out with new friends and listen to music, even if it is over the Internet! We all think we're so different until music starts playing. Then we all just enjoy it together! Music is magic. We can be from opposite sides of the world and unite in song. It's pretty amazing when you think about it! 🤓
I recently saw a documentary where Roger said it's not. SOYCD is completely about Syd, and weirdly, Syd walked in to the studio while they were working on that song. It was the first time any of them had seen him in years. Shaved head and brows, obese. None of them recognized him. WYWH is about the band seeming fractured after Dark Side and Roger feeling himself divided. It alludes to Syd as well but it isn't about him.
The entire album is about the music industry tearing them apart SOYCD is about Sid, and in a documentary that I watched Roger said that Wish You Were Here was not necessarily about Sid but there are parts talking about him.
Dude was spot on about his analogy about someone being mentally lost! Sid Barrett, original singer from p floyd lost his mid permanently from psychologists
I wouldn't necessarily agree because I think every song on this album besides Shine On Pts 6-9 work on their own without needing the context to get what's going on. Tracks like Hey You, Comfortably Numb, Time, Us and Them, Money, Dogs, etc. I think all work on their own too.
You were speaking of not being blown away vocally; one of the greatest vocal accomplishments in history is Clare Torry on Pink Floyd’s “Great Gig In The Sky”. The story of her creating those vocals is also a Floyd legend. I’d love to see you guys react to it. However even if you don’t do a reaction, do yourself a favor and listen to it. Clare’s vocals are almost surreal and are in fact so spectacular that when Floyd toured they normally had THREE backup vocalists to preform the song; because it’s extremely difficult for ONE person to ever replicate. (Yes I’m a Pink Floyd nerd Lololol)
It does sound like something he would write. He was such an amazing pianist and musician. It was honor to see them perform this and many other songs live when I seen them. They are my favorite band.
Rob Brkn They have been my favorite band my whole life. I received my first Pink Floyd album 45 years ago when I was 6; my uncle gave me a little known album of theirs “Obscured By Clouds”. I’ve loved them from that moment on.
YES! Let's keep on the prog rock route: Steven Wilson- The Raven that Refused to Sing, Drive Home, or Routine (with film clips) Porcupine Tree- Anesthetize
I always scroll through cause I don't get to see what you guys played.. as often as I can. Absolutely love this song . Requested THIS many times. Xoxo. My mom was pregnant with me when this song came out.. always had an appreciation for all music & I've been in complete awe at my parents style since forever
George really got the emotional and inspiritional side that has Floyd's music. Every time you hear them is drags you to a place really away from reality. kudos for that interpretation. As some pink floyd lovers has said, you guys got listen the whole albums to get the brilliance in their music.
I don't know if anyone else mentioned this, but the reason the first part sounded like it came from a different song is because Roger Waters -- who wrote the lyrics and music -- had it recorded through an old-style 1930s-1940s sound system, complete with electronic whine and static pops, just to include the feeling that something just wasn't... right... so you're reacting exactly how he wanted you to react.
Thanks for sharing this moment with us. For a guy born in -58 it´s good to see young people finding out about Pink Floyd. Since you guys really enjoy hearing musicians pouring their soul into their music you should listen to "The great gig in the sky". :-)
The song was written about a dear friend and former band member that lost his mind so-to-speak. The friend became mentally ill. His name was Syd Barrett. So you were on the right track. Like your show, enjoyable
Every song on the album's Dark Side of the Moon, Wish you were here and The Wall blend into each other to create stero listening experience. They're great escapism album's.
My former husband was shot in Jan of 2018. After 7 months in the hospital he took a sudden turn for the worst and became brain dead. After taking him off life support, this was the song that was playing when he finally stopped breathing. It will forever change the way I hear this song. Soar high in heaven Ryan 💔
Having that guitar hook repeat is a great example of a "Less is more" feel. Some dont notice but he is singing note for note with guitar solos . All around magic. Music from the soul that hits the soul.
The song is about Syd Barrett. The original singer and founding member of the group. He also named the band. He did too much acid and lost his mind and as a result the band had to move on from him. The song is the bands tribute to him. I really love you guys for picking this song. Keep spreading the love and enjoy the ride.
The whole album is a tribute to him
Very much it's missing someone who physically is still around but they aren't the same as they were.
BIKE would be a great song for them to react to!
Also, Syd actually showed up to the studio while they were recording this album, disheveled and unrecognizable from his years in the band. They were listening to playback of Shine On You Crazy Diamond when came in. Nobody knew it was him at first, and when Roger noticed, he was brought to tears.
SOYCD/and the title track, yes... But Welcome to the Machine, and Have a Cigar were more in response to the negative reactions the band had to the aftermath of them "breaking big" with Dark Side of the Moon
Quote from Dave Mustaine "David Gilmore can do more with one note than most people can do with an entire fretboard"
AS YT My old guitar teacher used to tell me that what you don’t play is every bit as important as what you do play.
@@2yoyoyo1Unplugged All about the "negative" space. Learn this and stand out from the crowd. Well said brother
Nietzsche
#Truth
Yes, and the same thing can be said of Peter Green.
Gentlemen, I have to thank you for this. This was mine and my late wife's song. We bonded over this song when we were kids, and after more than 20 years and a tremendous life together, I still can't help but smile and cry every time I hear this song. She died from cancer nearly two years ago now, and goddamn, I wish she was here still. She brought light and happiness to every person she met. Respect, George and Ryan.
I had this played at my dad's funeral nearly 2 years ago, and now I have a forearm tat that says Wish You Were Here. God bless man ! Still hard to listen to this song without breaking down
Lithium Black demanufacture
5
Hang in there soldier, condolences.
Thank you.
Condolences and respect, brother.
To my daughter I lost 28 years ago... 💕
This song has helped me so many times. One day I will see her again🙏🏻
Sorry to hear that dude I no your pain I lost my diamond this song makes me cry thinking of her
You should add Ozzy's "See you on the other side" on your list also. Every time I hear that song I think of my brother. Who passed because of drugs.
I lost my son 2 years ago and I cry every time I hear this song... It never will get any better will it? I also wait for the day I will be with him again...
My former long time girlfriend left me the day before this was played at my niece's school concert. I had to leave and go to the bathroom to get a grip on myself. I haven't thought of this song in a positive way since. Sharing your grief has changed that for me. Thank you. It shows me the sweet part of bittersweet. Your heart is large for sharing that. It is hopeful.
I have a daughter and my heart swelled as soon as I read your comment. You will see her again.
You dont need drugs to enjoy pink floyd” you need pink Floyd to enjoy drugs”
HGH 319 🤘🏻
If u believe this list to comfortably numb with ur eyes closed
I highly disagree with half of that statement!!!
omg lmao this autta be on a t shirt ... if you make one I want one 😉
lol good one HGH
There isn't another Channel doing reactions that can even touch you guys. Thank you so much for holding true to the term unbiased and #freethinkers
This the song that helped me fall asleep after my dad passed away when i was younger. It's just so calming, wish i could see them perform it live :) great video guys!
RojoGuero they are the best at it. I was hooked when they did Megadeth Holy Wars.. I love all genres of Music. Music unites us in more ways than anything else.
David Gilmour (the guitarist) is well known for not wasting a single not in his guitar playing. Every single note serves a purpose and has an impact, which is why I think so much of Pink Floyd's music is so affecting.
Kino Lurtz and he never over does it. He’s clearly a capable guitarist but he doesn’t need to go out there and play blistering speeds. He makes every note have an impact and I don’t think there is another guitarist who does that as well as him
Seeing Pink Floyd in concert, this song starts and 60,000 people sing along with it.
That my friends is " comforting ".
I’m pretty sure it’s about a former member of Pink Floyd named Syd Barrett who had a mental breakdown due to schizophrenia and LSD which caused him to leave the band.
The album IS about Sid.
You are spot on with it being about Syd
And also Shine on you Crazy Diamond
Only Shine On is about Syd. Roger has said the rest of the album including the title track are not about Syd.
There are a ton of great documentaries on YT about Syd, the recording of this album, and more.
Michael Levine i saw that in the recording of the song, Syd visited the group and said that it wasn't original but he was also very brain damaged because of the LSD
The song is about their groups founder and original frontman. Who had a breakdown, due to mental illness and a massive use of lsd. He was one of the most kind, carring and outgoing person at that time. He ended up being locked inside his own mind.
Plus he showed up to their studio while they were writing this album (and the band did not recognize him since he got fat, shaved his head + eyebrows).
If you guys have not yet you can watch Polyphonics take on the whole story behind that album in a short video essay, pretty gutwrenching stuff tbh =/ but still an amazing song
Syd Barrett (who the entire wish you were here album was written for) was the original front man for Pink Floyd. Sadly enough, he did lose his mind and spent several years in mental institutions. While he was in these institutions he mada couple of albums which were part of his contractual obligation. 1 of them in particular is called "the Madcap Laughs". If you ever get the opportunity to listen to it. Please do. Its a true glimpse into the mind of a genius.
shine on you crazy diamond. . . . .
SOYCD is written for Syd
You are actually spot on. They are actually talking about the founder of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett. He took too much acid back in the 60's and suffered a mental breakdown. His personality deteriorated after that and he was replaced by the guitarist/singer you hear in this song. David Gilmour. Additionally the song refers to how the music industry has a tendency to take advantage of young artists both financially and artistically. This is a theme album and focuses on these topics throughout. The one you really want to listen to is Shine On You Crazy Diamond all parts. This is very instrumental but also brings out some lyrics that hit on heart strings. Also you will hear the best blues work from their guitarist David Gilmour. This is their best work.
Spot on! One of the special albums I go to when I need ground myself. My life wouldn't be the same without Pink Floyd.
the op is thinking of shine on you crazy diamond, which is about syd. this whole album is about loss,regret and of feeling lost.
This is correct, and the cover of the album was when they were in studio (WB if I remember right) and Syd showed up tripping balls, hence why he's on fire.
Amen! This is their best work.
Jason is correct... it's about Syd.
“We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year”
These are the greatest lines of any song ever made past present or future.
Fight me
Greatest is hard to quantify. Depends on my mood at the moment. They are as good as any, but there are others that are as good.
I'm torn between "hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way" and "and then one day you find, 10 years have got behind you. No one told you when to run. You missed the starting gun."
'Time' is a Pink Floyd masterpiece and it speaks to me on a personal level.
EvilMissQueenB Absolutely! Also another great line, Hotel California, some dance to remember, some dance to forget
- "I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky but why, why, why can't it be mine?"
- "I hurt myself today to see if I still feel; I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real"
- "All the voices trapped in my head, I let them all scream in the night"
- "The battle outside ragin' will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls"
- "You don't have to put up a fight, you don't have to always be right; let me take some of the punches for you, tonight"
- "A fence made of stone walls, made by theft: if the sky was on land, they'd fenced that too"
There's too much good lyrics in the world to elevate one over the others bro
It was all just fantasy. The wall was to high as you can see. No matter how he tried he could not break free. And the worms ate into his brain.
Still sends shivers down my spine.
George nailed it when he said mentioned the trade-off between technicality and feeling in music. I once heard someone describe David Gilmour's guitar solos by saying "He doesn't play a whole lot of notes, but he never plays a WRONG note."
So we’ll said. Nailed it.
I’m super impressed with George’s lyric interpretation. He got it right away. Great job on the video guys as always 👍🏻
Mallory Montenegro and he knew it was about someone lost. Possibly high. Rest In Peace Syd Barret
I was super impressed, he hit on both the drug use and mental health right off the bat.
If you watch more of their reactions, you can tell this is normal for them. The reason why I prefer these guys over any other reactors is because of their high intelligence and open mindedness.
Yeah George is a beast
@Nah mate I understand where you are coming from and have to admit my own skepticism. But I hope you are wrong. Also, I've seen him really miss at times as well.
PINK FLOYD ...DOGS will blow your mind the transitions and lyrics
Like A solider yes!!!! Animals is one of my favorite albums of all time.
Like A solider I tried to tell them this. We need to blow up their shit about this song.
I would love it if they were to do dogs, the only issue is the length of the song. Not sure if they’d be down for a 17 minute song
Animals is my favorite album from PF hands down!!
Meh, they could cut it in the breaks.
Love how Ryan always says “rest in peace grandma” every single review when he references his grandma. Respect the love he shows
Luke Oechsner real shit
That’s George
Great reaction, guys! Pink Floyd were masters of making that emotional connection with their music. George's comment, "It feels real"... that's because it very much is. This song was beautifully written, and could apply to losing someone, or something in a variety of ways (not just from death). But it was specifically written by Roger Waters (Vocals, Bass Guitar) about his friend and former bandmate, Syd Barrett. Barrett was Pink Floyd's original singer until he lost his mind (literally) just before Pink Floyd was to become very famous and successful. Barrett spent quite a long time in a mental hospital, which I think is where some of the lyrical imagery comes from. Barrett went from being a wild Rock and Roll pioneer, to a sedated ghost of a person in a short period of time. It's something that haunted Waters for a long time and a subject that is touched on various songs.
Agreed. Waters did say in an interview at one point that the song is for Syd. Pink Floyd had actually penned a few songs songs for Syd as he was missed by the band. There's actually a story about Syd showing up in the studio as they were laying tracks for Wish You Were Here and no one really knowing who he was at first because he had changed so drastically. I don't know if the story is true or not, but I've heard it a few times...
I'm pretty sure I saw that story on the series "Classic Albums"
Sorry -- was just their "The Story of Wish You Were Here" Go to 53min30 sec for the start of the Syd coming into the studio story... watch?v=wbM2_-JeDuY
Awesome! That's what I'm doing later this afternoon!
Jamie Panetta it’s true, I’m reading nick masons book and he talked about that. Kind of a bizarre story. He showed up completely unexpectedly after having no contact with the band for more than 5 years. Nobody knew who he was at first because he looked so different. They were all very surprised because they had no idea how he knew they were at that studio at that time. And if I remember correctly it was at abbey road, the same studio they had recorded their first LP
"Welcome to the Machine"... entirely, ENTIRELY different feeling, same album - for me (and probably many people) the first time a synthesizer-bass sent chills down their spine.
Certainly a worthy one though.
Its ok, we told what to dream.
Welcome to the machine
This song is about Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett. He left the band in 1968 after having messed himself up due to massive doses of LSD over a very short period of time. There is a story that says Syd randomly stopped by the studio when the band was cutting the album and the band did not recognize him. After the session they asked who the man who had stopped was. After knowing it was Syd I think they all broke down in tears. Syd is a tragic loss...sad how he never came back from his trip.
jose_el_nopal Although Syd alone wasn't to blame for his downward spiral. The band has talked about how they'd spike his morning coffee with LSD.
To be honest, Syd's schizophrenia probably had nothing to do with LSD. Schizophrenia is a genetic disorder. Psychedelics or any other drugs for that matter don't cause schizophrenia by themselves, but can trigger it in someone who has the latent genetic disposition for it and they're certainly not good for someone who's already delusional.
Musically and instrumentally this is one of their most “traditional” songs. Pink Floyd is really known for being very experimental, so you should definitely check out their other stuff.
"Meddle" was so far ahead of its time.
That is why its called progressive rock.
Echoes and Shine on You Crazy Diamond are both master clases in how to do a progressive song
"Did you exchange a walk-on part in the War for a lead role in a cage?" Shivers. Every single time.
Barnaby ap Robert really is a great line, epic.
This line makes me me think of what was to come with PF, with The Wall & The the Final Cut albums, with all those references to World War II. This line, to me, is about the so called "draft dodger" who was jailed for not wanting to fight. Who knows, it could also have even been inspired by Muhammad Ali. There's probably no greater "draft dodger" than him (and I don't blame him one bit), and he certainly played a lead role in a "cage".
It is about veterans, soldiers, pow, and mia.
Its about Muhammad Ali choosing jail over fighting in vietnam for a country he didn't respect because of social injustices.
Im only 24 but been listening to this song my whole life and somehow never caught that line thank you
The song was written for Syd Barret. However, we all relate since we’ve all had someone special in our life that chose a different path. This is the way I would interpret it.
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,
blue skies from pain.
(Just because Syd chose a different path and because he thinks he knows what he’s doing doesn’t make it true or right… on the contrary the author of the song is telling him that he is wrong)
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?
(When one is addicted to something they think they know better than everyone else. The author is trying to make Syd understand that what he’s doing is wrong, thus wants him to think twice about his life)
Do you think you can tell?
(And asks again… it’s like: are you sure you want to be doing this?)
And did they get you trade your heroes for ghosts?
(They: he’s referring to Syd’s inner voices that keep him straying… so, everything he believed earlier doesn’t stand anymore? (Syd’s beliefs that is))
Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cold breeze?
(Past experiences (good times) for new greater ones. However, the author says here that these will not be the same, what’s gone is gone)
Cold comfort for change? And did you exchange
(Again, points out to Syd that he wrongly believes that change is better than what he’s used to)
a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
(Asking if he’s exchanged something he could’ve got himself out of for a lifetime trap. In other words if it’s too late to turn back, and if the drugs have completely taken over his life)
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
(The author here gets nostalgic and wishes that Syd was there with him like the good old times)
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year,
running over the same old ground. What have we found?
(Two soul mates, the author and Syd, who went different ways. I believe that there are two fish bowls, each one trapped in their own, realising that they’re just going into circles)
The same old fears,
wish you were here.
(All those years of experience and nothing is gained, back to square one… he wishes Syd was there with him to share that moment)
this is coming from songmeanings.
James A you might want to mention to then who Syd was and why they were singing about him
He was the bands first Guitar player
James A Great share! Thanks.
He was also the main driving force in the band when they started. Wrote most-all of their lyrics. Also, he and Roger Waters basically started the band.
pink14243 and original band member and front man who withdrew from the band and public life to Cambridge. He never had anything more to do with the band, never spoke publicly about the band and died some years ago having, I think suffered partial blindness. He clearly had mental health issues that were exacerbated by heavy LSD use. The sound of the music changed when he left from a more childlike psychedelia and there is the rumour that the only time he returned was during the recording of the song "wish you were here" where he appeared briefly at the studio and left. I doubt that is true.
The "two separate songs" vibe is deliberate. It opens as if it's on a transistor radio - tinny and distant. Then it warms up...
This song has been played at endless funerals...It has so many meanings to so many different people...makes me reminisce about my Dad
Norman Bates absolutely. I think of my best friend who recently passed away at the age of 33. So sad every time I hear this.
You have my condolences Tim...My Dad was 51 when he passed away(it was so painful for the whole family) What helped(and still helps) was always remember the good time's I had with him, and push aside any of the bad or regretful times...sorry for your lost brother ✌️
I think that's called nostalgia. I'm pretty sure melancholy has a somewhat down or depressed angle to it. I also think of my father when I hear this. I'm surprised no one has mentioned, that I've seen at least, this has one of the best lines in the history of popular music. We're just two lost souls...
Norman Bates agree it same reminisce of my dad too
Im actually having this on My funeral. So is the rest of My family, Its a favorite of ours
Never clicked a video faster... almost dropped my phone haha
Me too!!
Saaaame hahaha thank you guys for reacting to this master piece!!!!! Love Floyd so much, keep up the good works guys 💯👍
Same
😂😂😂😂 me too
Me too!!
One the greatest bands of all time. Their music will never go out of style.
Lisa Rickerson “THE” best band of all time
Best4rm TheWest no one of them. Because there is so many great bands
"Did you exchange a walk-on part in a war, for a lead role in a cage?" One of my all time favorite lyrics!
Roger Waters explained that line. He basically says it's better to live life on the front lines rather than be a superstar in a cage composed by record executives.
I do believe the term ‘cage’ is European common or slang speak for theatre, or play...
Yeah basically would you rather be a small part of something bigger than yourself or be the key role of something meaningless which centres around you
@@fullheart2225 yeah, Sartre 💯
The intro is supposed to sound like someone playing a long to the radio, it's meant to be off from the rest. The song is about their original guitarist/vocalist Syd Barrett, who went completely insane and they had to fire. The meaning is simple, "Wish You Were Here" says it all.
Xero Delacroix you beat me to it. Sid maintained an influence even though he was gone from the band. Even if it was simply from his absence.
So much of everything Waters wrote was grieving for a lost mind.
Didn't know that. Thanks.
“Have A Cigar” is the track before “wish you were here”.
Now that’s a fuckin jam!
MrJj726 awesome lyrics as well man
Come in here dear boy have a cigar we're gunna go faaaar
"The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think. By the way, which one is pink?"
Hell yeah. Killer song. The rumor goes that no one in Pink Floyd could get the vocals right and someone was recording down the hall, heard their conversation, and said let me take a stab at it.
Kyle Motty kinda it was there friend Roy Harper
They wrote the album about how the industry doesn’t care about them or any other artist. They compare this to their friend syd barret who used to be the lead guitar player who went insane and disappeared, and of course how they wish he was there still.
Went insane? ..he went acid fried
thats pretty easy to say
Even with syd barret"being there", he was alive, but the abuse of lsd disconnected him from the real world.
Carter Bryson I believe Syd was present while they were recording this track. Their reaction once they realized their brother was in the control room was gut-wrenching. He was unrecognizable. It's quite sad. The opening bit is an effect btw, not a sample.
Carter Bryson and Syd wasn’t the lead guitar player... he was their lead singer for the first like two albums.
"Did u exchange a walk on part in a war...for a lead role in a cage" THAT is the deepest, most poetic, tragic lyric in rock..from the deepest band in rock...if u know the back story. And it is still the gut punch it was when it was written. It never gets old. ALSO, there's not much lyric if u think about it. Just one round of PROFOUND lyrics & that's it. As a band..they put music first. They wanted to move u with music before lyric..and they did. the lyrics are so deep & seriously emotional..but they say what they need to say & get back to the music...always
I believe they wrote this about Syd Barrett who was part of the group right before they went megafamous.. dropped a lottt of acid and eventually became schizophrenic and couldnt even maintain day to day things let alone be part of the band.
yup thats it
That's " Shine on you Crazy Diamond " not WYWH i think
Jules , Fournisseur officiel de blagues de merdes de la république d'Imhotep Shine on You Crazy Diamond (pts. 1-5 then 6-9) serve as the intro and outro for the "Wish You Were Here" album
The entire album was a tribute, almost a love letter, to Syd.
More along the lines he was schizophrenic, and dropped a lot of acid to self medicate.
Pink Floyd are definitely an "album" band, rather than individual tracks (you really should check out the rest of this album :) ). This, along with the track(s) Shine on You Crazy Diamond are about the loss of Syd Barret the original vocalist, whom whether by his own hand or with the help of others, blow his mind apart with LSD. Although at the time of the writing and recording of the this album Syd was still alive, his mind was unfortunately very much broken.
Andy H As far as the Album band goes, same couple be said about Dream Theater. When they reviewed Metropolis, they listened to the peak of the album's track.
I like how insightful they are, even though they have never listened to these songs before.
Filomatia True.
Filomatia exactly! I was thinking the same thing. We all know the story, but they’re getting it straight from the song.
Man, that's spooky how quickly you picked up on the nature of the lyrics. Good call on this. One of the greatest songs ever written.
David Gilmour, one of the best guitar players EVER
The most underrated guitar player
@@karlkinkler1635 not really, he's credited as the writer and player of one of the most legendary guitar solos of all time: comfortably numb.
Yeah but in conversations about rock guitarists, Gilmour doesnt make the conversation most times.
Gilmour Lifeson and Steve Howe are my 3 favs !!!!!
Karl Kinkler I saw David Gilmour in a magazine today
Now you need to do "Comfortably Numb" (live Pulse version)for one of the greatest and more emotional guitar solos you'll ever hear.
MetalAtog it's soo epic! Beautiful guitar solo.
YES
I primarily only listen to the Pulse version of comfortably numb
Hell yeeah
The version on Is There Anybody Out There: The Wall Live 1980-1981 is my favorite.
The greatest part of having a passion is being able to share it with others. Thank you guys for what you do!
This song really means alot to me because of my dad. He loved Pink Floyd and this song really makes me think of him. He passed away back in 2018 of October 5th. I'll never forget that date ever again because of it. And I'll especially never forget everything he shared and taught with me, music and all. My dad seemed like he wasn't a very emotional person, but loving Pink Floyd and this song is proof that he was to me.
Pink Floyd is pure class.
Deep, amazing musicianship. Not too many other bands touch them
I also recommend Dark Side of the Moon - full album listen. Even if not on your channel, just in your free time. Possibly one of the greatest albums of all time.
that's my least favorite saw dark side of the moon concert. favorite album is meddle
I fall asleep at the b side of dark side everytime lmao
Yea, cos it's so relaxing lol. Perhaps like a healing session
Yeah they are great musicians and relaxing too some degree, but to me, they get kinda boring. Live, they’re good. But I listen to music for excitement and energy. Which is why A7x, Disturbed, Metallica, and Bullet for my Valentine are my favorite bands
I saw Metallica about 4 or 5 times during the early 90's, maybe even late 80's - awesome live shows, so much energy it was incredible.But Metallica can also get kinda old if you listen to it too much. It has it's place , and it's great. Dark Side of the Moon, to me, and many is one of the best albums of all time !
I know it'd be a huge undertaking, but you guys should do a reaction to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety, start to finish. That's the best way to experience the music from that album, I feel.
I don't know if they've ever done an album in it's entirety, but DSotM, yeah! I mean, that album is chock-full of transitions, which these guys really get into!
LeoGotHisOscar , synched with The Wizard of Oz, just for kicks.
With a big bong.
While synced up to The Wizard of Oz LOL!!
maybe as a special treat for us when they hit 500k subs? great suggestion, I can't think of a more appropriate one for a full album reaction. maybe greenday - dookie or nirvana - unplugged in new york, but dark side would still be better
Porcupine Tree - Trains! Big time influenced by Pink Floyd.
Also you should do King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man, or Moonchild. They’re probably the biggest 70s prog rock band next to Pink Floyd.
MR Huggins unfortunately the Crimson reaction would be taken down immediately, as they are crazy with copyright stuff. Wish they reacted to them too
Really? That sucks. Maybe they could somehow get permission from the label.
This! If they do P.Tree, this is the tune to start with. Very accessible, but fantastic song.
When David Gilmour wrote the song he said he imagined a person listening to a AM radio and then starts to play along. Thats why is sounded static at the beginning and then the second guitar sounded clear
PINK FLOYD is the only band to make you smile and cry at the same time. What a beautiful song
michael O'Rourke let me introduce you into "radiohead"
@@JoshRojo98 still can’t get into them.
You really need to listen to the whole dark side of the moon
Nah, that would be kinda boring and tiring. That's more of a personal listening than something to react. Besides... What the hell would they say during all that time? Lol
DSOTM is overrated as fuck (still good tho)
Dark side
Pink Floyd makes concept albums. To appreciate their music more, you need to listen to the whole album.
I agree that is the best way to enjoy it fully but they are so good you can enjoy any of their songs by itself.
Absolutely agree
It's unfortunately true... you got to commit to the hour. 😁
Heckle And Slide nah, you don’t HAVE to. You highly recommend it, as do I. But Pink Floyd is so good I could enjoy them on am radio.
True. They were decades ahead of their time. They were doing things in the studio back in the 70's that people are just now figuring out, with MUCH better technology. They can make a case for best band of all time, in my opinion....but their my favorite band. I'm biased.
The fact you weren't blown away by the vocals or didn't find the instrumentation particularly amazing but couldn't help but be emotionally drawn to the music is why Pink Floyd will ALWAYS be regarded as one of the best bands ever. This is the magic that they touch peoples lives with. Every PF fan can probably vividly remember some of the best or worst moments of their lives because they're tied to PF which has provided a soundtrack for their life. I don't presume to speak for everyone but that is definitely my experience. You have only touched the very surface with Wish You Were Here.
Pink Floyd even tho they don't overwhelm you with crazy instruments or vocals they were able to capture the essence of feeling and emotion and were able to make a song that rode on that and sounded good. Not many artists can do that and Pink Floyd happens to be able to portray and use that medium thru their music which is really dope for the listeners to take heed of and capture while they listen to their music. Really dope of Pink Floyd for that record and I liked the way y'all touched upon those things as well Lost In Vegas Great Job.
...not that Pink Floyd weren't beyond overwhelming with crazy instruments and vocals, but even when they did, they still found a way to let everything breathe, and could really put the "space" in "space rock"....
They surely got music talents.
But what makes them difference is the soul in their music.
Thanx guys. It was written for former band member Syd Barrett who I believe was committed after a complete mental breakdown.
They were a complete package of Music,Visual Arts,Live Concerts and etc... that made them on top of the most lists you can find out there. There were many other musicians who mostly focused on a singular section of that package such as instrumental works and Musical Complexity with a beautiful lyrical theme like King Crimson,ELP,Camel,Caravan,Gentle Giant and so many others that lacked the other parts of the package like their visual works,music clips,cinematic works and concerts.
PF does have some crazy instrument parts looking at Echoes and Atom Heart Mother in particular, and some of their earlier albums like A Piper at the Gates of Dawn or A Saucerful of Secrets do some crazy instrumental songs, but these instrumentals still capture the emotion reflected by the song/ album.
The opening makes more sense if you listen to Have A Cigar because the two songs link up and you can hear the TV stations being changed until Wish You Were Here starts.
Yes, what oculamervosa said!!!!! Except it's a radio being tuned across stations, not a TV.
David talked about that in a interview about WYWH, and said the idea was of a guitar playing on the radio, and a guy in the room joins in on his own guitar.
MissAstorDancer radio makes sense. I always thought it was a record scratch, but i forgot about the previous song.
Joshy, that's interesting that you thought it was a record scratch. I can totally see how it could be heard that way! In fact, the sound of the radio static could easily be interpreted as the "crackle and pop" of a vinyl record!
As I thought even more about this, it got even more interesting to me. With the first song ("Have A Cigar") being all about the band's experiences with record company execs, who were giving the band the ol' shuck and jive about "everybody else is just GREEN! Have you seen the chart? It's a hell of a start. It could be made into a monster if we all pull together as a team", etc.
And then, as it "flashes forward" into "Wish You Were Here", I actually can picture either Roger or Dave (the artist) turning on their radio at home, after the meeting with the execs.....and their song is on the radio. The artist tunes across the dial, hearing brief snippets of other programming, then tunes in another channel playing their song! Resigned, and somewhat defiant, the artist joins in, playing over the rather simple guitar strums on the radio, with his own real-time stunning licks.
It comes across as if it could have actually HAPPENED just that way in real life.
;)
That is always the way I heard it, too, thank you!
I would think they would get this. Newer songs and rappers put in hiss or scratchiness to sound like a radio or vinyl.
Black Sabbath "The Wizard" You will LOVE the drums
I listen to Pink Floyd when I wanna lie on my bed and indulge in existential angst.
lilykep oh yeah?
What else is there?
Pink Floyd is a band that changed my view on music and made me a "free thinker" after mostly listening to Metal for many years. I think Porcupine tree is one of a few bands that embraces the heritage of Pink floyd so you should check them out.
Mic Zen Check out "Airbag" in case you don't know them, sometimes a bit too much of a Floyd rip off, but a great find for me when I heard anything from Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson and Pink Floyd!
I've never heard of Porcupine Heritage. I'll have to check them out. I don't know what all you've heard of Floyd's stuff, but some of their older stuff was actually pretty heavy. For the time it was made anyway. Check out The Nile Song if you don't already know it.
Thanks for the recommendation Facelss man. Haven't heard of Airbag before!
Rick Williams, They are called Porcupine Tree. They have disbanded now but the singer, Steven Wilson, is still making some great solo albums.
Wish You Were Here was for original frontman Syd Barrett, who lost his mind to schizophrenia, and ironically showed up at the sessions for the WYWH album. In such a state that his former bandmates didn't recognize him. Syd is a sad story.
The absent person that is referred to at the start of this song is Syd Barret - who was the original front-man of Pink Floyd. His drug mis-adventures had such a devastating personal impact that he could no longer perform or deal with the public. After quiting the music industry in the early 70s he became a recluse. He died about 10 years ago. According to the band, when they were recording this album Syd visited the studio and they didn't recognize him. It had only been a few years, but he had completely changed. Keep up the great work - and shout-out to the free thinkers.
I just came across this reaction, and it's been three years so I doubt anyone will see this comment. But your comments are right on. The emotion and feeling from such a simple song. The feeling of loss but also a feeling of hope, as the song itself is a continuation of Syd's legacy. The words are all Roger Waters but the emotion that comes across is all David Gilmour. What's interesting about this song in particular is how simple and understated it is. Almost every other Pink Floyd song is a sonic experiences, so many sounds, layers, production, etc. This song, which I think is their greatest, strips all of that away.
Three songs you guys should definitely check out:
Roundabout by Yes.
Fade to Black by Metallica
Highway Star by Deep Purple
Emdese Fall All classics.
Fade to Black especially!
I know, they are amazing.
They definitely need more MetallicA
Pink Floyd wrote this song for their old band mate Syd Berret.
Roundabout by Yes!
Elliot Cameron Good one!!
This is a song they absolutely have to tackle. But the long version not the short one.
I wish I could like your comment more than 1 time. They need to do this song.
Now there's a bass line!!!
YES!!!!
It's a song that you're not missing someone painfully, but when you think about that person.....you're not crying tears of pain. You're remembering the really fun times that you had.
This song is one of the greatest rock songs in history. Wish You Were Here is one of the greatest rock albums in history!!!
I've had a pretty shitty night until I saw this pop up. Damn, this is going to be great. LIV saving the day once again with great content
KayfabeTactics when they posted the One reaction on Christmas that made my shitty Christmas less shit
This is a bad choice for a Floyd song tho, it's a ballad. A fantastic one, but ppl need to hear their groove more
I clicked so quickly for this. Love you guys 💖
I’ve been a fan for 40 years after hearing the “Wall” in high school. My oldest brother asked me years ago, “what is this thing you have for Pink Floyd?” I told him that listing to them allows me to get high without smoking up! I knew I found the right spouse as well, in 1993, our first anniversary I bought her diamond earrings, she bought me the Pink Floyd box set...true love...27 years and going strong!
kiwinewf i hope i find someone who loves pink floyd as much as me someday
The intro to 'Wish You Were Here'...well if you listen to the album, you will hear that between the ending of the previous track on the album - 'Have a Cigar', and the beginning of the track 'Wish You Were Here', that there is a sound effect of a person dialing an old radio, going briefly from one radio station to another, and then the person dials in a radio station that is playing what sounds like the song 'Wish You Were Here' sounding all static-like, as well as being heard through what sounds like an old transistor radio...it is then that David (Gilmour) begins to play over that old radio...this was an obvious effect the band created...I just thought I'd explain to you guys, since you're not too familiar with Pink Floyd, and their experimental sound.
bang on! I hope they picked up on this! It's the classic tone I did (and many other young guitarists) growing up...listen to the song on ur radio, try to play along. In this case it was pure genius 1 take, reacting to a rhythm section.
Yep, that saves me from explaining it thanks thee4thdoctor :)
Loved PF transitions from song to song! How many people are going to the next tune when the radio cuts it?1?
See I would have said listen to Have a Cigar over wish you were here. But that’s bc Have A Cigar is like my jam
Spot on. Glad someone took the time to explain the opening effect.
The song's about Syd Barret, the original founder, & Lead songwriter for Pink Floyd, who got too far gone with qualudes & other intoxicants. He was last in the band in the 1960s.
He actually turned up at the studio when they were recording this song, and none of them recognised him any more. You should look the whole situation up, as it's a crazy journey
Denni Wintyr more associated with hallucinogens.
Or preexisting mental health issues such as schizophrenia. In 40% of men and 23% of women diagnosed with schizophrenia, the condition manifested itself before the age of 19. Syd's self medication probably didn't help matters much and probably made things worse with an undiagnosed, untreated mental disorder.
Pink Floyd always seems emotionally charged, regardless of the tempo or subject matter. Their music is iconic, I know the lyrics to most of the songs. There is an empathetic quality, because there were few bands at the time which used the same dynamic for the 'Floyd' sound. I would liken it to The Grateful Dead, as an example, and that Pink Floyd may have drawn from the earliest music of the Dead. Both sounds and lyrics have impacted those whom have been effected by life. Some bands of the present leave one to think Hey, that song speaks directly to me, and my plight. Pink Floyd has an energy that connects to you, and is relevant despite the era you are in.
The most powerful lyric in the song for me is, "did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in the cage". Kinda like, a coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero only one.
Man, you guys are right on with your take on this tune. The song was written for Syd Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd who took one too many LSD trips and just did not return completely. The whole album is a very poignant tribute to a lost friend. Oh, and the proffered Kleenex was trick.
Do yourself a favor, guys.
Set aside an hour and 35 minutes and listen to the entire Pink Floyd album The Wall.
If you seek powerful music that evokes emotional responses, it is your Holy Grail.
Indy Spotes This! Of you want to fully appreciate Pink Floyd you have to listen to their complete albums, just like you would watch an entire movie and not just a part of it
Indy Spotes I would watch a feature film length video of them doing that
Indy Spotes Amen..my friend! These guys should have done that before offering ANY explanations of this tribute song, to the founding member ...Syd Barrette....RIP
Great suggestion but I would say the best album to listen through is DSOTM, just the way the songs and themes flow through the album is incredible. Of course that's only my opinion and listening through any Pink Floyd album would be a good use of anyone's time.
Why The Wall? And why not just watch the video?
They played this at my best friend's funeral a couple of weeks ago... I broke down. I had known him since 2nd grade. No one expects to lose their best friend at 23 years old. We played in a band together and he was the best damn drummer I have ever known. I know i have been bugging you guys to react to twelve foot ninja but If you could react to something by led zeppelin that would be amazing. They were his favorite band and had a huge influence on his drumming. Thanks guys great vid.
TFN : One Hand Killing, Video Review!
No quarter
Ryan Patershall I played this at my father's funeral right after I gave the eulogy. I will always remember those couple of minutes "hanging out" with my Pop!! He was a great man.....and I will miss him!
Ryan Patershall Sorry for your loss brother!Love and Light to you and yours during this difficult time and beyond...and to anyone else who lost a loved one!Peace & Blessings
Hugs to you. 🙏❤️
Guys. Read up on the song. You called it damn near perfectly. I'm binging on this channel right now. Its the most fun I've had in awhile! I love music too! ✌️✌️❤️❤️
Tommy Culver now I'm binging on it lol
+Spadez Creationz As nutty as the world is right now, it's awesome to just hang out with new friends and listen to music, even if it is over the Internet! We all think we're so different until music starts playing. Then we all just enjoy it together! Music is magic. We can be from opposite sides of the world and unite in song. It's pretty amazing when you think about it! 🤓
They do that constantly. These dudes pick up on lyrics so well it's uncanny.
Dave Gilmour, probably one of the best guitarist's of his time.
All-Time*
Of any time.
The Grudge By Tool!!!!!!!!
Judith by a Perfect Circle!!!!!!!
Great reaction dudes, my all time favorite bands are Tool and Pink Floyd
They were singing about Sid Barett...The founder of Pink Floyd...He was in a mental hospital at the time...very perceptive of you guys!!
Except the song is not about Syd.
but it is tho i thought
I recently saw a documentary where Roger said it's not. SOYCD is completely about Syd, and weirdly, Syd walked in to the studio while they were working on that song. It was the first time any of them had seen him in years. Shaved head and brows, obese. None of them recognized him.
WYWH is about the band seeming fractured after Dark Side and Roger feeling himself divided. It alludes to Syd as well but it isn't about him.
The entire album is half a lament to Syd and the other half their frustration and feeling fractured
The entire album is about the music industry tearing them apart SOYCD is about Sid, and in a documentary that I watched Roger said that Wish You Were Here was not necessarily about Sid but there are parts talking about him.
Dude was spot on about his analogy about someone being mentally lost! Sid Barrett, original singer from p floyd lost his mid permanently from psychologists
Mind not mid
I think you mean psychedelics, not psychologists. ;)
SchwarzeWitwe2 yes i did! It auto corrected and i did not check! Lol
Too much LSD is what happened.
After 25 years now I know why my dad used to listen this song in balcony with a 🚬 & 🥃 .... #Priceless
finally a reaction channel with actual reactions
Listen to the album , how they transition in to this song is sooo fuckin genius .
I agree. The whole "Wish You Were Here" album needs to be heard from start to finish. There is a "flow" that is really great.
You should listen to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond parts 1-9"
Omg i wish they would,thats the #1 song i always wanted to see these guys do!!!!!
Welcome to the Machine would be my pick
If you do shine on you crazy diamond do the live version from Delicate Sound of Thunder.
Few other pieces of music make me FEEL as much as Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
One of my all time favorite songs. It will never get old.
Speaking of oldies but goldies. What about some Jimi Hendrix?
Hell yea
I’d be down for that. Big time.
Voodoo Child
It’s time
See my train coming
PF isn't a track band, you have to play the whole record to give the context. Makes them less ideal for this format.
I wouldn't necessarily agree because I think every song on this album besides Shine On Pts 6-9 work on their own without needing the context to get what's going on. Tracks like Hey You, Comfortably Numb, Time, Us and Them, Money, Dogs, etc. I think all work on their own too.
Like Days of Future Past
melancholy is the word you are looking for , for that feeling that makes you reminisce but not in a depressed way
EliteXP Gaming you're exactly right.
EliteXP Gaming Or perhaps nostlagia!
Melancholy literally means sad. Nostalgia is the word.
“Oh by the way, which one’s Pink?”
Here, have a cigar...
Lorenzo Rosso you’re gonna go far
@@mommyslilstinker HA!
ronald reagan you’re gonna fly high,
you're never gonna die
You were speaking of not being blown away vocally; one of the greatest vocal accomplishments in history is Clare Torry on Pink Floyd’s “Great Gig In The Sky”. The story of her creating those vocals is also a Floyd legend. I’d love to see you guys react to it. However even if you don’t do a reaction, do yourself a favor and listen to it. Clare’s vocals are almost surreal and are in fact so spectacular that when Floyd toured they normally had THREE backup vocalists to preform the song; because it’s extremely difficult for ONE person to ever replicate. (Yes I’m a Pink Floyd nerd Lololol)
When she sings in that song I can actually feel it to the point it brings tears to my eyes.
Rob Brkn It truly is such a powerful song. Made all the more moving because Richard Wright wrote it.
It does sound like something he would write. He was such an amazing pianist and musician. It was honor to see them perform this and many other songs live when I seen them. They are my favorite band.
Rob Brkn They have been my favorite band my whole life. I received my first Pink Floyd album 45 years ago when I was 6; my uncle gave me a little known album of theirs “Obscured By Clouds”. I’ve loved them from that moment on.
"If you hear me whispering...You are dying."
YES! Let's keep on the prog rock route:
Steven Wilson- The Raven that Refused to Sing, Drive Home, or Routine (with film clips)
Porcupine Tree- Anesthetize
Gus Richards omg, yes! Routine is so damn sad.
Gus Richards hell yea. Or fear of a blank planet.
Routine with video...tears for years
GHOST - CIRICE
I finally heard that song and I get it. Very good song and great band.
I always scroll through cause I don't get to see what you guys played.. as often as I can. Absolutely love this song . Requested THIS many times. Xoxo. My mom was pregnant with me when this song came out.. always had an appreciation for all music & I've been in complete awe at my parents style since forever
Pink Floyd - Comfortably numb... The guitar solo is considered one of the best in the history... so maybe you should try it...
Adrian Cojocaru They said at the beginning that they’ve heard that song before.
I think the solo in TIME is the best in history.
@Rountree1985: Oh, sorry, than!
George really got the emotional and inspiritional side that has Floyd's music. Every time you hear them is drags you to a place really away from reality. kudos for that interpretation. As some pink floyd lovers has said, you guys got listen the whole albums to get the brilliance in their music.
I don't know if anyone else mentioned this, but the reason the first part sounded like it came from a different song is because Roger Waters -- who wrote the lyrics and music -- had it recorded through an old-style 1930s-1940s sound system, complete with electronic whine and static pops, just to include the feeling that something just wasn't... right... so you're reacting exactly how he wanted you to react.
Dark side of the moon
Thanks for sharing this moment with us. For a guy born in -58 it´s good to see young people finding out about Pink Floyd. Since you guys really enjoy hearing musicians pouring their soul into their music you should listen to "The great gig in the sky". :-)
I 100% agree with “Great Gig In the Sky”!
The song was written about a dear friend and former band member that lost his mind so-to-speak. The friend became mentally ill. His name was Syd Barrett. So you were on the right track.
Like your show, enjoyable
HailRider chemical man, they’ll fry your brain
No, it wasn't just about that, it was also about how shitty the music industry was.
Every song on the album's Dark Side of the Moon, Wish you were here and The Wall blend into each other to create stero listening experience. They're great escapism album's.
Endless River is another great escape album.
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
My former husband was shot in Jan of 2018. After 7 months in the hospital he took a sudden turn for the worst and became brain dead. After taking him off life support, this was the song that was playing when he finally stopped breathing. It will forever change the way I hear this song. Soar high in heaven Ryan 💔
If you know the back story, it's a very sad song.
Porcupine Tree - Arriving Somewhere But Not Here
100% agree. :D
Fuck yeah man! I love that song!
yeeeeeeees please
Fav porcupine tree tune.
Anesthetize
Living Colour - Cult of personality
André Criado great suggestion
Or Faith No More "Epic"
Or Love Rears Its Ugly Head!
This would probably be a review, not a reaction. They generally listen to songs for reaction... songs they haven't heard.
YES
Having that guitar hook repeat is a great example of a "Less is more" feel. Some dont notice but he is singing note for note with guitar solos . All around magic. Music from the soul that hits the soul.