You guys should look up the backstory to this song. It’s essentially about their original singer and primary songwriter, Syd Barrett, who had to leave the band before they really blew up due to severe mental health issues. It’s a tragic, but fascinating, story. And this is only half the song. This opens the album and the other half closes the album.
Polyphonic did a great video on the album if anyone wants to get some context for this song. It's only 8 minutes. th-cam.com/video/kJC-cFKP770/w-d-xo.html
During the recording session for this album, Syd showed up, unannounced, surprising the band. It was hard for his former band members to recognize him. That's how much time and his mental problems had changed him.
I am a African American woman who traveled with the Grateful Dead. Total Psychonaut. I am rare. I was often the only black woman at shows with 1000s of attendees mostly white men. My music knowledge is deep. I have to say that I am so incredibly honored to witness my fellow black brothers exploring sound without prejudice. To watch the opening of the mind is .... I can’t find a word for it. Exquisite. It brings tears to my eyes. I love my black brothers and I have so much respect for the willingness to expand your being. Something I never thought I would be able to witness. And yes seeing Pink Floyd live is ... man, it’s a travel through the galaxy without leaving the earth. Rx Headphones. Plant medicine. And you will hear the layers of the mind. Btw: it was improv... yep this song was improvised. If you ever want some recommendations on music that will blow your mind. I’m happy to share what I know. The wall by Pink Floyd is a very serious insight to what is currently happening to us. Thank you for this . I don’t know if anyone will read this comment or care however this episode has healed my heart. I am so proud of my black brethren. Free your mind and your ass will follow
@@jwichman9 LOL Do you kneel for them too? What exactly makes 1. you think you speak for all White men and 2. you think her "perspective" is more "moving" than a White man's? You both sound like racists to me.
I randomly discovered these guys today and subscribed immediately. These are two amazing young men and I love listening to them share with each other and with us. Thank you for your words. This white former flower child who made it to 70 this year was moved.
What strikes me about this solo even more than most of his is the dynamic shaping of the individual phrases. Soft-loud-soft in a three or four note phrase. Like he's channeling BB King. Or when he goes into the high, screaming registers, he reduces the volume, so it CRIES instead. It's just gorgeous.
If you remember when you were very young, but somewhat cognizant, certain feelings flash up to me of that time of pure innocense, the vitality of joy, and a heart-written sense of purpose. I'd always sensed it back then, but, this song, and the cannabis, reeeaaally brings that sacred energetic feeling we all had once, back. The inner child--or something more, i don't know.
It really hit me when you said that you could just be hanging out with your Dad listening to this, with no conversation. I drove my Dad to the airport, maybe 10 years ago+ with this playing in the car. Not a word was spoken until the lyrics, and Dad asked who this was and that he liked it. He is a Vietnam vet and of an age that I assumed he would have heard Pink Floyd. It remains to this day the only song that I know we like together.
That’s really cool. And you’re right, there’s a weird synchronicity that happens when you just enjoy music with someone without speaking to each other. My dad used to play Dark Side of the Moon on long drives and sometimes we’d listen to the entire record (30-40 min) without uttering a single word to one another. Recently, neuroscience has shed light on a few things regarding how brain waves synchronize when processing music. There’s a great book on it called “Your Brain on Music.”
Ryan you're incredible: you didn't know the backstory but you summarized it perfectly: "sounds like a dedication to somebody", that's exactly what it is.
Nobody would complain if you do an entire album review. Having said that, I totally understand if it might be overwhelming for you guys to react for that long. If there's an album you should review though, THIS IS THE ONE.
@@leerobbo92 Or Dark Side. Or The Wall. Pink Floyd are definitely made for this type of thing. I really never try and listen to a Pink Floyd song out of the context of the rest of the album.
@@Funktaro5 That's fair, although I think The Wall and Animals work better as full album experiences than Wish You Were Here or Dark Side, personally. Those are the two that I almost religiously go back to in that respect, whereas I'll tend to go back to Welcome to the Machine or Wish You Were Here (the single)/ Time, Money or Breathe more often than I will their respective albums.
@@BorkJoergen Story I heard he took LSD once and sent him into permanent psychosis. He was the heart of the band, very poetic, very sensitive and naturally absurd.
Everyone talks about Gilmour’s guitar work, but for me this track (and indeed the whole album) is a testament to Rick Wright’s genius on keyboards. His finest work in Floyd, in my opinion
When Gilmour went to Pompei few years ago, this song was a HUGE request from the audience. Gilmour apologised and he said that he cannot perform this song, because it's a dialogue between keyboards and guitar, making clear that without Wright it was impossible. This give me a new key in listening this song. Good job guys.
Richard Wright is the unsung hero of Pink Floyd!! Waters and Gilmore get well deserved attention. Meanwhile Mason and Wright go by unnoticed. Wright especially adds so much to the brilliance of Floyd. (Not a direct comparison by any means, but it reminds me a bit of how an outstanding guitarist like Alex Lifeson is still the third most celebrated musician in a three man band.)
On other tracks like in echoes the whole album or albums before echoes yes, here he is great but best ones are the other in this track for me. And best is the guitar and bass.
Correct, it is dedicated to a person, whose name is hidden in the title: (S)hine On (Y)ou Crazy (D)iamond Syd Barrett was a founding member of the band and was considered by his bandmates to be the most talented musician among them. They were forced to kick him out of the band when he began suffering from severe mental illness brought on by his overindulgence in LSD. A very tragic story. This song has 9 parts, comparable to "movements" in a classical music composition. You just listened to Part 1 through Part 5. I highly recommend that you also listen to Part 6 - 9, which IMHO surpasses 1 - 5. I think that if Mozart were alive today, this is the type of music he would produce.
Amen, I was about to leave almost the same exact comment but I I think you said it better than I would have. Syd was a true legend and genious his story is so sad and this song captures the emotions of his life and story a true musical genius that most people don't even know about. Shine on you crazy diamond.
I personally don’t think 6-9 surpass parts 1-5 but I whole-heartedly agree with everything else you said. They’re certainly a fitting end. A few extra notes though for anyone else, including George and Ryan: Shine on You Crazy Diamond are the bookends for the Wish You Were Here album with Welcome to the Machine (haunting and progressive), Have a Cigar (perhaps my favorite solo), and Wish You Were Here (practically a country song) in the middle. Even if they don’t do a full reaction I hope they just listen to it end to end. I know many will say Dark Side but, to me, this was pinnacle Floyd.
@@doofinator4285 That's cool, everybody has different tastes. Having trained on piano, I personally love Richard Wright's keyboards work in 6 - 9. I think his contributions to this album are his best work.
You can tell this really touched Ryan. Interesting how it reminded him of his father who passed. I’d imagine he’d shed a tear if he was alone. It’s an extremely powerful piece of art.
"You just don't hear this any more, you don't hear music composed with this much attention to detail, with this much purpose anymore". Boom, nailed it, and you are not even out of the intro. :-)
This song is dedicated to Syd Barrett S - (shine) on Y- (you) crazy D - (diamond) Break down every other word it spells out his name. It's dedicated to him going insane or already become insane. Truly a masterpiece with so much depth, thought, meaning and emotional behind what I truly feel is on Pink Floyd's top 5 songs of all time. Thank you guys for a great reaction. (Sorry for the late response)!!!
@@LysergiaBandOfficialyeah but it’s just known that it spells Syd which is the name of one of the founders (syd barret) who left due to mental illness and came back to the studio when pink Floyd was recording The Wall an album before this one and the band didn’t recognize Syd anymore, so three of the 5 songs in this album (wish you were here) are dedicated to him
If there's one rock album ever written that deserves a full listen through, it's Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon. I know not everyone would be interested in a 60+ minute video reacting to your first listen, but I can't think of a better way to experience that album for the first time. George mentioned just sitting and listening to a song, and so many Pink Floyd albums work so well for that. Sit and listen and absorb it, without other distractions. You'll appreciate them so much more that way.
@@kennethmiller2333 I'm pretty sure that the true way to really listen to Floyd is to just queue up ALL their albums and sit silent in a dark room and just binge it back to back.. I feel like by the end you'd just be a puddle on the floor
Oh I bet it would get a decent number of views, maybe not as many as a 12-minute video but a full "DSOTM" reaction/review would get a whole lot of views in my estimation, and if it was watched in full and split into a side A. and side B. in Post-Production it would get a ton more views though I don't know the fella's editing ability so I don't know how feasible that would be....
My father has passed away a few days ago. This song to me express the feeling of missing him (in Portuguese: saudade) specially with the melodies, and solos.
So very sorry for your loss I hope things will get better for you. My dad passed this year the day before father's day. 😢 I was devastated from his loss but the week before he passed he was in terrible pain. Even though it was devastating knowing he is with God gives me peace. And that he no longer has to hurt. He was my hero I was always my daddy's little girl. He was amazing. I only have happy memories now but there are times I feel his presence. I know he will be watching over me always. God bless you.
This is a Masterpiece. It's one of the greatest songs ever recorded and was written about Syd Barrett the founder of Pink Floyd. Syd took to much LSD in the late 60's and lost his marbles. I attended TWO nights of the Pulse tour in April 1994 at the Rose Bowl 20th row dead center both nights, It was the best concerts of my life and I've seen over 600. Two of my top ten concerts, the other eight were Pink Floyd "The Wall" Tour 1980 at the LA Sports Arena, Roger Waters and David Gilmore on solo tours! Pink Floyd is the GREATEST BAND EVER!!! GOATS!!!!
I attended the concert at Rose Bowl in 1994 as well, and attended concert on both nights. It was an experience that I cannot describe in words, especially this was my first Pink Floyd concert ever
So cool that Ryan says the guitar is singing. In an interview many years ago, guitarist Gilmour said he'd never had very fast fingers. So instead of playing fast/ fancy, he just tries to "make the guitar sing." 💙
Man, David Gilmour was, is, and will always be one of the most expressive guitarists in rock history. His playing is, certainly as you said, beautiful.
My mom (who is now 81), in her 30's took me as a kid to the Planetarium in the Bay Area in the 70's. The light show was streamed on the ceiling to this album. Cool for a 12 year old kid. Good times!
As a formally trained retired performer with composer and arranger friends... You write for the gig and the audience. This audience is laying on the couch with headphones on, ready to be somewhere else. Floyd is precise and intentional with the addition of every color and texture. And under it all is the groove that gets a little faster and or harder. Build it up to your "shout chorus" as we call it in the jazz tradition. I hadn't listened to this in ages, and I was struck again at Gilmore's bluesy finesse. Shaping each phrase. The way he backs off the volume in the screaming range of the instrument, and makes it cry instead. Like he's channeling BB King. Just a masterpiece.
David Gilmour is my favorite guitarist of all time. It’s not just about the notes he choses, but the space he leaves between them. He proves that you don’t have to cram a hundrd notes in a few measures to be a master gutarist. All his solos are about feeling, not showing off his skill.
When they said "It sounds like the guitar is singing " I said out loud "yes"! This is why Gilmour is my favorite guitarist, and I'm not a child of the classic rock years, I'm a 90's grunge, metal, and punk rock kid.
I've always been convinced that Pink Floyd creates long intros to allow the listeners imagination to begin creating their own setting and interpretation
Check out Fela Kuti. Different genre, but definitely falls into the long intro drawing the listener in philosophy. It’s like an inversion of the standard formula, the solos are at the beginning and the lyrical verses are at the end.
The entire album is about Syd Barrett, the band literally wishing he was there. The songs between the two halves of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (which has "SYD" hidden in the title) are about the soul-crushing nature of the music industry ("Welcome to the Machine" and "Have a Cigar") and someone missing a friend presumably consumed by it ("Wish You Were Here"). The wild thing is that Barrett actually showed up at the studio while Pink Floyd was recording the album. This bald, disheveled middle-aged man wandered into the studio, and it took the band several minutes to realize it was him. He stayed for a bit then left, and it was the last time the band saw him before his death.
@bob wood No, no it's not. At all. It's a microcosm of the theme of the album, which is presence vs absence and whether or not it's possible to be both simultaneously. The one line in the song about having a walk on part in the war or a lead role in a cage isn't central to the song itself.
The reason I like and follow this channel is because Ryan and George both have great personalities that shine through in the videos. They're the kind of people you'd like to hang out with. I also find their comments to be insightful and entertaining. But for "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," they mostly sat there quietly and drank it in. I understand that. It is a masterpiece.
@@mrmanakin9684 lol ur tryin so hard to be different you little hipster. If ur a huge floyd fan then it makes sense that you prefer their less popular stuff. But DSOTM definitely does NOT suck
Ryan, your story about enjoying music in silence with your dad brought tears to my eyes. My mom passed away and I would do the same thing with her. I'm a bit on the spectrum and it was my way of communicating my thoughts and emotions to her. I watched the entire Pink Floyd the Wall movie with her. Only now am I realizing how cool it is that she would watch such a film with her teenage son. Love you guys and all that you do. Been a fan since you first reacted to Rush YYZ!
Floyd didn't care how long their songs were. I like the fact that you guys did the same with your reaction. You're my favorite reaction channel. Keep it up please and listen to the second half of Shine that ends the album. It's a bit funky, full of R&B, Gilmore guitar and that space cadet vibe that we love.
My band has been working on this song for a few months now for an upcoming Christmas show. Our drummer is fighting lung cancer and feels this will be a our last show with him. It has been quite the emotional journey for all of us.
@@boogabuga7657 Sorry for your loss. My drummer is going through radiation right now and we can see the toll it's taking on his energy level. He is staying optimistic and determined to keep on playing for as long as he can. We are all there for him.
I fell in love with Pink Floyd when I was thirteen years old! I’m sixty two now and they are still my favorite band ever. Watch the Pulse Tour and Gilmour’’s magic and gain a whole new level in musical appreciation!
One of the things I love the most about Pink Floyd is their patience. They don't hurry or rush to get to the point, they give each part it's due, however long that may be. In the age of the "3-4" minutes rule, I love it.
You definitely state their truth. They knew that they had a particular story to tell, and wanted to tell the complete story with all of the necessary details included. I've been listening to this band since 1970, and it never gets boring.
@@davebeach2343 I think that's true with a lot of the great prog bands...Yes comes to mind, say with a song like Awaken...they just took their time with the music, never in a rush...they made you listen and get absorbed with the music.
As a musician, "pacing" is entirely based on feel. Regardless of what a label says, if it feels wrong it's probably wrong. Pink Floyd were/are world class musicians that knew EXACTLY what they were doing and how to make it happen. Masters of their craft on a level few reach. They felt/feel the song first and foremost, and their blues roots are proudly worn and displayed at a high level, composed from their hearts and souls, not a guideline or anything like that. This whole record is composed in a way that lets you feel what they felt, to a degree at the least, and understand what they felt about the world as well as being a tribute to one of their own.
Poor Syd. “Remember when you were young? You’d shine like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond. Now there’s a look in your eyes. Like black holes in the sky…”
So much said with so little. The image painted in syllables. Extreme economy of language. Only the masters can do it. James Hetfield does it. John Prine. Neil Young. Masters of the craft.
“Black holes in the sky” is a sort of double entendre. While referring to the emptiness in his eyes from his mental break, it also refers to what happens to your eyes when taking LSD; they dilate. Extraordinarily. Syd was a fan and, unfortunately, some speculate may have spurred on his poor mental health.
Pink Floyd has always been about experiencing the journey their music takes us on. I could see by your reactions that you experienced it as well. You guys do a great job, my vote is to leave the full length reaction
As far as the length of a song goes from the musicians stand point, you nailed it George. It's just the feeling. You don't think about the time. You get so caught up in the music and you play what you feel. The music will carry. When you are in that mode you just let it ride. Time isn't a factor.
From what I remember hearing about this song it's about their original singer Sid Barrett who apparently went crazy. It dedicated to him. Not sure how true that is, just what I've heard.
@@FatMaul Yeah. No one knows how much the acid did for his illness but it's surely stuff you shouldn't experiment with if you're mentally unstable. Syd could stand passive a whole show towards the end of his membership in the band. The origin of this song came from Syd turning up at a rehearsal long after he was in the band. Fat, short haired, black holed eyes and not very reachable. No one recognised him at first. Don't even think any conversation took place until he stolled away after a while. He had been the creative driving force if the band... That context makes this song hit even harder...
legend of a song. A lot of people dont have enough patience to listen this long song, but I love how you guys appreciate music you don't normally listen to.
I'm one of those people , i just can't listen to 10 plus minute song's , feel the same about some Allman Brothers song's which i'm a big fan of them. But i lose interest , i have to be in a certain frame of mind to tolerate these songs...
According to all interviews, books and documentaries I've seen on the band: Roger Waters was a master of timing; David Gilmour was able to come up with unique melodies, in the case of this song, he said "the riff just 'fell' out of my guitar when just messing around"; Richard Wright had a jazz musician's background and ear and knew how to choose those moving and emotional chords; and Nick Mason had the feel for when to fill in with drums/percussion. Together they were a very special combination.
Most of the time, their best material is when the members all contribute in equal amounts. Too much Waters and you get "The Final Cut". Remove Waters, more Gilmour you get "A Momentary Lapse of Reason".
This album was my introduction to rock music in 1976, when my neighbour shoved it in my hand said 'Listen to this!' It changed my life. Music has been part of me ever since. David Gilmore is one of the few guitarists who has feeling in his playing. Playing fast is technically proficient but playing with feeling is divine.
Cool reaction, Pink Floyd were masters at constructing music , never in a rush , drawing you in , making you contemplate life. They knew when to transition , when to pause , then layer in another sound you never expected. Not to mention waiting 8 minutes for lyrics , but never annoying you if those vocals don't arrive. Absolute legends
This song is homage to Syd. The story of Syd showing up during a mixing session for this song is amazing. Nobody recognized him until Gilmour eventually identified him. Waters broke down in tears at the sight of his former band leader and friend. Syd was overweight and had a shaved head and eyebrows. Sad and beautiful at the same time.
Slightly incorrect. Wish You Were Here was recorded in 1975 but Syd lived on in self chosen isolation in Cambridge, England until his death in 2006 from pancreatic cancer. IIRC it had a surge in popularity in the wake of Syd's death.
Thanks for this epic song guys. ((Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun Shine on you crazy diamond)) This song is dedicated to Syd Barret, notice the title, (S)hine On (Y)ou Crazy (D)iamond. one of the original founders of the band. He wrote most of Pink Floyd’s debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and appeared on their second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. In this lines the band remember the big influence that he have on the music that they play. His demons was drugs, fame and mental illness. And before them, Syd really shine and the vision that he put inside the band, is the foundation of the incredible sound of Pink Floyd. __________ ((Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky Shine on you crazy diamond)) This look in his eyes that seem black holes in the sky refers to the large dilation of the pupils that people have while tripping under the effects of LSD. Blackened eyes filled completely with the silent madness of an individual that is tortured inside himself. Many of the members noted him having such this strange look in his eyes that reflect the declining of mental health of Syd. But at the end of all Syd Barrett was a big giant Diamond, that will continue to shine in the legacy he left as a great innovator in music. __________ ((You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom, Blown on the steel breeze)) The description of his character is all here. A crossfire between a children, that don’t have self discipline, and a big star of music, that can have any thing he want. Like big quantities of LSD. Blown on the steel breeze is an implicit reference to Syd being symbolised by the leaf in the song Dark Globe. In this song the band, represented by the willow tree, drops the leaf Syd, leaving him to the steel (cold) breeze (wind). Leaving someone out in the cold means excluding someone. Blowing off someone means to ignore it. Syd was blown off by the band, as their parting occurred with the band simply not picking up Syd one day. __________ ((Come on you target for faraway laughter, Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!)) Sometime when Sid is on the stage, he start playing different tunes or strumming on one chord the whole show. And people from the audience, make laughters for this behaviours, that happen with spotlight that show Syd in this weak way. The lights show the nudity of Syd, and his soul and his mind. But the laughters maybe can meaning the auditory hallucinations that he can heard when he use LSD. The drugs turn Syd from an happy individual to a stranger. An inaccessible person alone inside his shell. defining Syd a martyr, the band maybe blamed theme-selves for trying to convince he to write some great song. Another big hit. But Syd was more interested in exploring different way to do his art. This was one of the major factors with LSD that lead to the deterioration of the personality and the mental health of this great artist. __________ ((You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon. Shine on you crazy diamond.)) The big goal of Syd was to discover all the secrets of the true meaning of life and all the big mysteries behind it. And he use drugs to achieve that goal. But along the way, he get a mental illness. And some really great music. We can see a reference to Dark side of the moon in this words, whose themes about madness were inspired dy Syd too. But i think that this is a strong reference to the Syd’s last Pink Floyd song Jugband Blues : “And I never knew the moon could be so big And I never knew the moon could be so blue And I’m grateful that you threw away my old shoes And brought me here instead dressed in red”. In this song Syd use the moon as a metaphor for madness. __________ ((Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light. Shine on you crazy diamond.)) Children will perceive the shadows of furniture as a monster , like we see featured in a scene in the film The Wall. As Syd was thought to be a schizophrenic, the lines communicate the idea of being afraid of what is not actually there with hallucinations. Or this shadows can be the shadows of his past, that can’t leave him. Another time the spotlight during the show appear. This light reveal all the weakness of Syd. And show his mental illness to the world. This words end with a great guitar solo, where seems like if he scream, trying to tell us the torture of his soul. Between panic for shadows and humiliation showed by lights. __________ ((Well you wore out your welcome with random precision, Rode on the steel breeze.)) A dedication to Syd like guitar player. A great innovator for this instrument. Gilmour came up with 4 notes that became the basis for this. Roger Waters thought they conveyed emotions Barrett must have been feeling, and wrote lyrics about him. This was a song very difficult to record. They redid it a few times before getting a version they liked. Come on you raver, you seer of visions, Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine! Here we can see the clear dedication of this song to a big artist. A man with a clear vision of his art, that build the foundations for a band that make the history of music. Syd was a painter too, and was the real piper, that write most of the first album Piper at the gates of dawns. But he was a prisoner too, a prisoner of the drugs that have destroyed his life.
The thing I love about Floyd is every note has a purpose, but more importantly, every space between the notes have a purpose. There's a reason why so many hard core metal fans like myself are also massive Floyd fans.
Idk, they really only have 2 great albums (dark side and wish you were here), 1 good album (animals) and 1 over rated ok album (the wall) the rest are either boring or just bad
When Mozart was composing, he had his entire orchestral composition in his head, and when he was ready, he just transcribed it on paper, without editing. That was genius at work and I think Pink Floyd comes as close to that level as anyone has in the modern era.
Love how you guys are pointing out the heavy blues and jazz influences. Music brings people together, no matter who they are or where they live in the world.
Whenever a new Pink Floyd album would come out and I would be listening to a new song I just remember it was always so exciting to wonder just what was going to come next! They still are the most unique band but back in the 70s we're almost magical!! We had very few electronic distractions back then and long songs were really enjoyed by groups of people! There was a lot of laying on the floor or a couch with eyes closed just listening to this which is the way to enjoy it! They truly are the Mozart of the twentieth century!!
Think of this song as a group of amazing musicians going through all the stages of grief together, and sharing that grief with the world. The length means nothing, as long as you say everything you mean to express. Think of the tears at a funeral for a young person full of potential that had it cut short. The memories you have of that person. The deepest wish of your heart that that person was still here - hence the title of the album. It's all of that - except that Syd was not dead. The lyrics are mourning his loss, yet inspiring him to come back and shine on. It's a masterpiece.
I was a bit apprehensive about such a long and slow song (even though I voted for it) but it looks like my worries were unfounded. I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this.
The live pulse performance of this is incredible a must watch. Shine on you, comfortably numb, time, and brain damage, are my favorite Pink Floyd songs.
First time I heard this song was on the pulse live album. What an awesome concert. Their last album was good and just love the song Louder Than Words. It's a prefect way to close the show of shows.
Pink Floyd was always the band that made you wait for it. As far as how they paced their songs, I think they really just did that how they wanted and to hell with how the label wanted them to do it. No instant gratification here, you're gonna get what we give. And enjoy the hell out of it.
Probably leave the full length reaction in my opinion. This song was new to me too and I really enjoyed listening to that intro! Love the work as always Ryan and George!! 👌
Ryan it's OK to cry to these songs man....I've listened to it 1,000 times and listening to it with you guys made me teary eyed too. You said it perfectly, it stirred up a lot of emotions with the instruments
The masters of letting notes sit, no unnecessary fills . Atmospheric music to the ninth degree. Pink Floyd will be listened to in a hundred years from now.
So glad to see you guys doing this one, because a lot of people don't have the patience for a song like this but it just grips you in like the true masterpiece it is, keep being you, guys!🤘
I couldn’t wait for the vocals to come in to see the reaction. You know the lyrics hit deep, and George is always on that. Great to see this guys.Big fan for a while now, just never chimed in. Keep up the awesomeness 👍
“The Blues had a baby, and they named it Rock n Roll.” -Muddy Waters Ain’t no musical genre out there with more soul than the blues. Bar none. Blues -> R&B -> Rock & Hip Hop. Strongest root on the musical tree.
With all due respect, I think it's because albums used to be about stories, the entire album. Think Breakfast in America, or The Wall. Only a few albums carry this from beginning to end. Wish You Were Here is one of them.
@@rg807 The Wall for sure but WYWH isn't really a narrative. It's about Syd Barrett but it isn't really a story like The Wall is. It is more like Animals where it just has an overall theme, not a plot.
David Gilmour stated in an interview that Roger Waters was very good at determining timing and instinctively knew how long each section of music should be.
wish you were here was my first pink floyd album i ever heard. and this song is my fav song from them. the slow build-up still gives me goosebumps everytime and the saxophone outro is just chef's kiss. the lyrics are also so good
Yes this song is definitely about Syd Barrett who was the principal songwriter for the first album the Piper At the Gates of Dawn album and was a great guitar player and out for that first album and subsequent tour he slowly started to kind of vanish before their eyes through madness and within less than a year so they had to hire David Gilmour to kind of come in and help rebuild the band and do Syd Barrett guitar parts but this song is for Syd and it’s a brilliant song and a sad song about someone who was so talented and as talented as the Beatles But really has not got much recognition because he only put out one album With Pink Floyd and then he put out two solo albums that which is very interesting David Gilmour actually helped produce because he still cared about his dear friend ,,,,, people that know Pink Floyd know how important Syd Barrett is and this song is kind of a love letter to Barrett and how incredible he was and could’ve been. RIP Syd. You crazy diamond
Ryan feels this instinctually and it's beautiful, welcome to Pink Floyd gentlemen. It's a song for Syd Barrett. You guys keep that shit 100 and it's why you're at 1.11M. Thanks guys!
Pink floyd has been my favorite band since childhood. I lost both my parents recently within 2 years. I feel you. This music means more to me now then it ever did. Great reaction. Wish You Were Here has been my favorite song since I've learned to appreciate music. This song isn't far off.
I've been listening to this song and album for almost 35 years. The amazing thing about this video is that through you guys I got to hear it again as if for the first time with fresh ears. Heard little things that my ear wasn't attuned to as a teenager and that I missed as an old geezer just due to it being such familiar comfort food that I stopped listening as intently as I used to. So thank you for this.
It's freaking hilarious watching you guys being bored for sooooo long haha. When we heard this back in the day we weren't sitting around analyzing it. We were doing other "things" lol!! Sometimes we were zoning out to it. We weren't waiting for the action.
On point gentlemen! Take all the greats, Beatles, Zeppelin, Elvis, you name it, in my opinion NOBODY holds a candle to Pink Floyd! Glad you went with this one!!
The look on their faces at 7:30 in is priceless! It's almost like they are thinking about space. That's what this song does to you. It's the long pauses between each note. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming.
Love how you kept pointing out the blues influence to it. If you didn't know, Pink Floyd was named after 2 blues musicians: Pink Anderson and Floyd Counciil
haven't watched the video yet, but I had to comment right away that this is my favorite song of all time. so I had to click on this as soon as i saw the notification. Edit: After watching the video, I remember why I enjoy watching people react to this song for the first time. The instruments bring out so much emotion that can be interpreted by anyone, and it's always so interesting hearing someone talk about what the song makes them feel. Thank you for reacting to this!
Yes! It was incredible live! Great sound. Great musicians. Great show. So powerful - I love David Gilmore's approach to the guitar. Every note is a poem. I'm overjoyed that you liked this. Pink Floyd helped me get through my teens!
Such a pleasant surprise to see this song pop up in my email. Glad you guys liked it. When I was in my 20s I learned how to play the whole thing on guitar. I’d come home from work at like 1am and pop on headphones, black light, and just play along. So relaxing and an emotional rollercoaster at the same time. Great way to wind down the day.
Your insights on the feelings of the music are so spot on -- without knowing the backstory, you understand what this group is doing. Love to hear your take on the second half of the song... which is on side two. This opens the album Wish You Were Here, and the second half of the song closes the album.
Just want to say , I love watching your reactions to this song. I can totally see you get right into the music and it’s great. - these days our attention spans are not the same as they used to be , but I totally see you owe it to spend the time to really take in the music.
I've been watching and following you guys since the pandemic and I'm a huge fan of some of the rock bands that you are reacting to, but I am so so happy that ypu got the chance to listen to this one. Pink Floyd and particularly Gilmour at the guitar are just something else. I love the way you appreciate great music and the way you talk about all of my favorites, Metallica, Tool, Alice in Chains, Fairh no More, Megadeath, Pearl Jam etc etc, all so different so great and so unique.
I'd love to see a reaction for Echoes. That's the single greatest piece of music I've ever heard from any rock group ever. As far as the guitar singing, yeah, David Gilmour is/was the master of that. He can squeeze more emotion out of 3 notes than most musicians can in their lifetime.
I'm upbeat mostly. Sometimes I'm down. Pink Floyd are a tonic for the downtimes. You don't talk, you just experience. I'm so proud of English musicians taking on blues and just doing our thing with it. I love blues and jazz. It took time for me to adjust to English blues rock but it grows on you so strong.
Dave Mustaine: “David Gilmour can do more with one note than most other guitar players can do with the whole fretboard." 'Nuff said.
And Mustaine is an excellent musician in his own sphere as well!
You're pretty nifty yourself there Dave, but nevertheless correct 💯
This was about a founding member Syd Barrett. And this is only the first part of this song.
Wow!!!
Syd Barrett band member that started to lose his mind
You guys should look up the backstory to this song. It’s essentially about their original singer and primary songwriter, Syd Barrett, who had to leave the band before they really blew up due to severe mental health issues. It’s a tragic, but fascinating, story.
And this is only half the song. This opens the album and the other half closes the album.
Polyphonic did a great video on the album if anyone wants to get some context for this song. It's only 8 minutes. th-cam.com/video/kJC-cFKP770/w-d-xo.html
A tribute 🤘🏼 great song
There is also the story that during the recording of "The Wall" Syd showed up and no one recognized him at first. RIP Syd.
During the recording session for this album, Syd showed up, unannounced, surprising the band. It was hard for his former band members to recognize him. That's how much time and his mental problems had changed him.
Syd was a huge inspiration for some Pink Floyd songs, including on The Wall.
I am a African American woman who traveled with the Grateful Dead. Total Psychonaut. I am rare. I was often the only black woman at shows with 1000s of attendees mostly white men.
My music knowledge is deep. I have to say that I am so incredibly honored to witness my fellow black brothers exploring sound without prejudice. To watch the opening of the mind is .... I can’t find a word for it. Exquisite. It brings tears to my eyes. I love my black brothers and I have so much respect for the willingness to expand your being. Something I never thought I would be able to witness.
And yes seeing Pink Floyd live is ... man, it’s a travel through the galaxy without leaving the earth.
Rx
Headphones. Plant medicine. And you will hear the layers of the mind.
Btw: it was improv... yep this song was improvised.
If you ever want some recommendations on music that will blow your mind. I’m happy to share what I know.
The wall by Pink Floyd is a very serious insight to what is currently happening to us. Thank you for this . I don’t know if anyone will read this comment or care however this episode has healed my heart. I am so proud of my black brethren.
Free your mind and your ass will follow
That’s awesome. I’m jealous you saw them live
To see it from a white mans perspective is almost as moving as it is to you. Music can bring us all together.
Please recommend the said music
@@jwichman9 LOL Do you kneel for them too? What exactly makes 1. you think you speak for all White men and 2. you think her "perspective" is more "moving" than a White man's? You both sound like racists to me.
I randomly discovered these guys today and subscribed immediately. These are two amazing young men and I love listening to them share with each other and with us. Thank you for your words. This white former flower child who made it to 70 this year was moved.
“It’s like the guitar is singing to me.”
Yep. You just described David Gilmour’s playing style. Great video, guys!
YES! YESYESYES!
Yeah when he sings along to the guitar on 'Wish You Were Here', it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.
What strikes me about this solo even more than most of his is the dynamic shaping of the individual phrases. Soft-loud-soft in a three or four note phrase. Like he's channeling BB King. Or when he goes into the high, screaming registers, he reduces the volume, so it CRIES instead. It's just gorgeous.
If you like singing guitars, check out AJ Ghent.
He made his guitar sound like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's singing styles.
At one point, I swear he's making the guitar sound like an alto saxaphone... and then later in the song an actual saxophone comes in! Perfect!
Pink Floyd fans know every note in this entire album by heart ❤️
Man you got it. Literally individual notes just make my heart feel so much.
Wild
So true.
I know the notes better than my back yard
DSOTMOON gets the big love but Wish You Were Here probably will always be my fav Floyd album
If you remember when you were very young, but somewhat cognizant, certain feelings flash up to me of that time of pure innocense, the vitality of joy, and a heart-written sense of purpose. I'd always sensed it back then, but, this song, and the cannabis, reeeaaally brings that sacred energetic feeling we all had once, back. The inner child--or something more, i don't know.
It really hit me when you said that you could just be hanging out with your Dad listening to this, with no conversation. I drove my Dad to the airport, maybe 10 years ago+ with this playing in the car. Not a word was spoken until the lyrics, and Dad asked who this was and that he liked it. He is a Vietnam vet and of an age that I assumed he would have heard Pink Floyd. It remains to this day the only song that I know we like together.
That’s a beautiful story
That’s really cool. And you’re right, there’s a weird synchronicity that happens when you just enjoy music with someone without speaking to each other. My dad used to play Dark Side of the Moon on long drives and sometimes we’d listen to the entire record (30-40 min) without uttering a single word to one another. Recently, neuroscience has shed light on a few things regarding how brain waves synchronize when processing music. There’s a great book on it called “Your Brain on Music.”
And my dad said, “Are you on drugs?”
What a beautiful memory.....thank you.
Ryan you're incredible: you didn't know the backstory but you summarized it perfectly: "sounds like a dedication to somebody", that's exactly what it is.
That was really beautiful I was moved af when he said that knowing the story behind this song.
Ryan gets it..
He is great for sure but I mean it isn't that tough to realize they are talking about someone...
Wait….how did you comment on this video 2 years ago?! It was uploaded 3 weeks ago 🤔
@@mikea.4477 Patreon 😇
You guys are wrong. We would actually love to watch you do a whole album even with all the stops and cuts and breaking it down.
Nobody would complain if you do an entire album review. Having said that, I totally understand if it might be overwhelming for you guys to react for that long. If there's an album you should review though, THIS IS THE ONE.
@@arvindhmani06 I dunno, I think Animals is almost made for a long-version review. Either that or Porcupine Tree's Fear of a Blank Planet.
@@leerobbo92 Or Dark Side. Or The Wall.
Pink Floyd are definitely made for this type of thing. I really never try and listen to a Pink Floyd song out of the context of the rest of the album.
I would love it. And do Animals first, lol.
@@Funktaro5 That's fair, although I think The Wall and Animals work better as full album experiences than Wish You Were Here or Dark Side, personally. Those are the two that I almost religiously go back to in that respect, whereas I'll tend to go back to Welcome to the Machine or Wish You Were Here (the single)/ Time, Money or Breathe more often than I will their respective albums.
The older I get, the more I realise just how phenomenal these guys were/are.... Dave Gilmour is a pure guitar genius.
Most tasteful.
Same here😅
Were/are 😊
This song is a requiem for Syd Barrett. A fitting tribute and farewell to a lost hero.
May he shine on in peace 😔
An acronym actually. (SYD) Syd Barrett
Shine on You crazy Diamond
Exactly ! Syd had too many drugs in his life and he was not the same person anymore.
That's their story of Syd's story, and they certainly profited from calling him "crazy" and calling that a tribute.
@@BorkJoergen Story I heard he took LSD once and sent him into permanent psychosis. He was the heart of the band, very poetic, very sensitive and naturally absurd.
Everyone talks about Gilmour’s guitar work, but for me this track (and indeed the whole album) is a testament to Rick Wright’s genius on keyboards. His finest work in Floyd, in my opinion
Agreed 👍
For me, it would be Echoes, but you're right, Rick was on point!
Wish You Were Here is my favorite Pink Floyd album, and Rick Wright’s work on the record is a huge part of that
Amen
Along with Echoes
When Gilmour went to Pompei few years ago, this song was a HUGE request from the audience. Gilmour apologised and he said that he cannot perform this song, because it's a dialogue between keyboards and guitar, making clear that without Wright it was impossible. This give me a new key in listening this song. Good job guys.
But he did play it in Pompeii, I think you’re talking about Echoes which was never played again live after Richard died
Gilmore gets the love but the keyboardist, Wright, is the unsung hero.
Richard Wright is the unsung hero of Pink Floyd!! Waters and Gilmore get well deserved attention. Meanwhile Mason and Wright go by unnoticed. Wright especially adds so much to the brilliance of Floyd.
(Not a direct comparison by any means, but it reminds me a bit of how an outstanding guitarist like Alex Lifeson is still the third most celebrated musician in a three man band.)
@@edwardofgreene great comparison, and we know how great Alex is!
On other tracks like in echoes the whole album or albums before echoes yes, here he is great but best ones are the other in this track for me.
And best is the guitar and bass.
Check out his solo album "wet dream" especially if you love the sax. Very underrated.
He passed away! I was shook. I love these guys so much.
Glad to see the youngsters getting into Pink.
Got the box set all the way from the beginning
Correct, it is dedicated to a person, whose name is hidden in the title:
(S)hine On
(Y)ou Crazy
(D)iamond
Syd Barrett was a founding member of the band and was considered by his bandmates to be the most talented musician among them. They were forced to kick him out of the band when he began suffering from severe mental illness brought on by his overindulgence in LSD. A very tragic story.
This song has 9 parts, comparable to "movements" in a classical music composition. You just listened to Part 1 through Part 5. I highly recommend that you also listen to Part 6 - 9, which IMHO surpasses 1 - 5. I think that if Mozart were alive today, this is the type of music he would produce.
Amen, I was about to leave almost the same exact comment but I I think you said it better than I would have. Syd was a true legend and genious his story is so sad and this song captures the emotions of his life and story a true musical genius that most people don't even know about. Shine on you crazy diamond.
Well put, Rocca.
I personally don’t think 6-9 surpass parts 1-5 but I whole-heartedly agree with everything else you said. They’re certainly a fitting end.
A few extra notes though for anyone else, including George and Ryan: Shine on You Crazy Diamond are the bookends for the Wish You Were Here album with Welcome to the Machine (haunting and progressive), Have a Cigar (perhaps my favorite solo), and Wish You Were Here (practically a country song) in the middle. Even if they don’t do a full reaction I hope they just listen to it end to end. I know many will say Dark Side but, to me, this was pinnacle Floyd.
@@doofinator4285 That's cool, everybody has different tastes. Having trained on piano, I personally love Richard Wright's keyboards work in 6 - 9. I think his contributions to this album are his best work.
Why do you skip "On" and "Crazy" though?
You can tell this really touched Ryan. Interesting how it reminded him of his father who passed. I’d imagine he’d shed a tear if he was alone. It’s an extremely powerful piece of art.
It was obvious he was fighting back tears.
"You just don't hear this any more, you don't hear music composed with this much attention to detail, with this much purpose anymore". Boom, nailed it, and you are not even out of the intro. :-)
This song is dedicated to Syd Barrett
S - (shine)
on
Y- (you)
crazy
D - (diamond)
Break down every other word it spells out his name. It's dedicated to him going insane or already become insane. Truly a masterpiece with so much depth, thought, meaning and emotional behind what I truly feel is on Pink Floyd's top 5 songs of all time. Thank you guys for a great reaction. (Sorry for the late response)!!!
well actually the acronym would be sycd since crazy isn't a conjunction or article.
@@LysergiaBandOfficialyeah but it’s just known that it spells Syd which is the name of one of the founders (syd barret) who left due to mental illness and came back to the studio when pink Floyd was recording The Wall an album before this one and the band didn’t recognize Syd anymore, so three of the 5 songs in this album (wish you were here) are dedicated to him
If there's one rock album ever written that deserves a full listen through, it's Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon. I know not everyone would be interested in a 60+ minute video reacting to your first listen, but I can't think of a better way to experience that album for the first time.
George mentioned just sitting and listening to a song, and so many Pink Floyd albums work so well for that. Sit and listen and absorb it, without other distractions. You'll appreciate them so much more that way.
with the best headphones you can get ahold of.. and a blunt... in a dark room.
Just so long as they remember that Eclipse and Brain Damage are meant to be one song, like We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions.
@@kennethmiller2333 I'm pretty sure that the true way to really listen to Floyd is to just queue up ALL their albums and sit silent in a dark room and just binge it back to back.. I feel like by the end you'd just be a puddle on the floor
@@Eliath1984 Depends. I'm not heading as far back as Adam Heart Mother.
Oh I bet it would get a decent number of views, maybe not as many as a 12-minute video but a full "DSOTM" reaction/review would get a whole lot of views in my estimation, and if it was watched in full and split into a side A. and side B. in Post-Production it would get a ton more views though I don't know the fella's editing ability so I don't know how feasible that would be....
My father has passed away a few days ago.
This song to me express the feeling of missing him (in Portuguese: saudade) specially with the melodies, and solos.
So sorry for your loss. May the music of Pink Floyd bring you many happy memories to come
Sorry to hear it, thats what i love about fado, saudade.
So very sorry for your loss I hope things will get better for you. My dad passed this year the day before father's day. 😢 I was devastated from his loss but the week before he passed he was in terrible pain. Even though it was devastating knowing he is with God gives me peace. And that he no longer has to hurt. He was my hero I was always my daddy's little girl. He was amazing. I only have happy memories now but there are times I feel his presence. I know he will be watching over me always. God bless you.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss
This is a Masterpiece. It's one of the greatest songs ever recorded and was written about Syd Barrett the founder of Pink Floyd. Syd took to much LSD in the late 60's and lost his marbles. I attended TWO nights of the Pulse tour in April 1994 at the Rose Bowl 20th row dead center both nights, It was the best concerts of my life and I've seen over 600. Two of my top ten concerts, the other eight were Pink Floyd "The Wall" Tour 1980 at the LA Sports Arena, Roger Waters and David Gilmore on solo tours! Pink Floyd is the GREATEST BAND EVER!!! GOATS!!!!
I attended the concert at Rose Bowl in 1994 as well, and attended concert on both nights. It was an experience that I cannot describe in words, especially this was my first Pink Floyd concert ever
So cool that Ryan says the guitar is singing. In an interview many years ago, guitarist Gilmour said he'd never had very fast fingers. So instead of playing fast/ fancy, he just tries to "make the guitar sing." 💙
Man, David Gilmour was, is, and will always be one of the most expressive guitarists in rock history. His playing is, certainly as you said, beautiful.
My mom (who is now 81), in her 30's took me as a kid to the Planetarium in the Bay Area in the 70's. The light show was streamed on the ceiling to this album. Cool for a 12 year old kid. Good times!
Such a cool mom
As a formally trained retired performer with composer and arranger friends... You write for the gig and the audience. This audience is laying on the couch with headphones on, ready to be somewhere else. Floyd is precise and intentional with the addition of every color and texture. And under it all is the groove that gets a little faster and or harder. Build it up to your "shout chorus" as we call it in the jazz tradition.
I hadn't listened to this in ages, and I was struck again at Gilmore's bluesy finesse. Shaping each phrase. The way he backs off the volume in the screaming range of the instrument, and makes it cry instead. Like he's channeling BB King. Just a masterpiece.
I get you with the BB thing, those phrased are right out of BB King's handbook!
For a yadayadayada the payoff was strangely lacking in insight. Oh, BB King? Who'd have thought?
@@banyarling Whatever man. Is this what you do? Go around looking for comments to complain about? I'm guessing this is why no one likes you.
@@klaptongroovemaster Sorry that after such an illustrious career the best analysis you could come up with was "BB King" truly inspiring
@@banyarling I don't know about "illustrious," but I obviously had more fun with mine than you are having with yours, mr. angry guitar nerd.
David Gilmour is my favorite guitarist of all time. It’s not just about the notes he choses, but the space he leaves between them. He proves that you don’t have to cram a hundrd notes in a few measures to be a master gutarist. All his solos are about feeling, not showing off his skill.
The pauses are like punctuation that gives shape
When they said "It sounds like the guitar is singing " I said out loud "yes"! This is why Gilmour is my favorite guitarist, and I'm not a child of the classic rock years, I'm a 90's grunge, metal, and punk rock kid.
Amen brother
Jerry Garcia is my other favorite when it comes to melody style soloing. Creating a story through the guitar
Well said. It's so true.
I've always been convinced that Pink Floyd creates long intros to allow the listeners imagination to begin creating their own setting and interpretation
Check out Fela Kuti.
Different genre, but definitely falls into the long intro drawing the listener in philosophy.
It’s like an inversion of the standard formula, the solos are at the beginning and the lyrical verses are at the end.
The entire album is about Syd Barrett, the band literally wishing he was there. The songs between the two halves of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (which has "SYD" hidden in the title) are about the soul-crushing nature of the music industry ("Welcome to the Machine" and "Have a Cigar") and someone missing a friend presumably consumed by it ("Wish You Were Here").
The wild thing is that Barrett actually showed up at the studio while Pink Floyd was recording the album. This bald, disheveled middle-aged man wandered into the studio, and it took the band several minutes to realize it was him. He stayed for a bit then left, and it was the last time the band saw him before his death.
*middle aged looking
No it's not...only shine on you crazy diamond is about syd. Roger specifically told us that.
Wish you were here was about the Viet nam war!
another crazy thing is pink floyd's last performance was just a year before syd passed.
@bob wood
No, no it's not. At all. It's a microcosm of the theme of the album, which is presence vs absence and whether or not it's possible to be both simultaneously. The one line in the song about having a walk on part in the war or a lead role in a cage isn't central to the song itself.
The reason I like and follow this channel is because Ryan and George both have great personalities that shine through in the videos. They're the kind of people you'd like to hang out with. I also find their comments to be insightful and entertaining.
But for "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," they mostly sat there quietly and drank it in. I understand that. It is a masterpiece.
Listen to the whole album Gentlemen.
And "The Dark Side of the Moon".
Those albums are timeless works of art.
Mind boggling and life changing.
Lest we forget Animals, or Meddle.
Dark side kinda sucks to be honest, and that's coming from a huge Floyd fan
That album changed my life.
@@nducati and the wall.
@@mrmanakin9684 lol ur tryin so hard to be different you little hipster. If ur a huge floyd fan then it makes sense that you prefer their less popular stuff. But DSOTM definitely does NOT suck
5:50 "I think this would be crazy live."
Brother... you have no idea. God bless you for listening.
Ryan, your story about enjoying music in silence with your dad brought tears to my eyes. My mom passed away and I would do the same thing with her. I'm a bit on the spectrum and it was my way of communicating my thoughts and emotions to her. I watched the entire Pink Floyd the Wall movie with her. Only now am I realizing how cool it is that she would watch such a film with her teenage son. Love you guys and all that you do. Been a fan since you first reacted to Rush YYZ!
This song has so much meaning to me, but it mostly helps me embody my late brother's spirit. Shine on, brother. RIP
Floyd didn't care how long their songs were. I like the fact that you guys did the same with your reaction. You're my favorite reaction channel. Keep it up please and listen to the second half of Shine that ends the album. It's a bit funky, full of R&B, Gilmore guitar and that space cadet vibe that we love.
My band has been working on this song for a few months now for an upcoming Christmas show. Our drummer is fighting lung cancer and feels this will be a our last show with him. It has been quite the emotional journey for all of us.
Best wishes....
We just lost our drummer to cancer. Good luck.
Prayers for him from another brother in the US who also is in the fight against hideous cancer.
@@boogabuga7657 Sorry for your loss. My drummer is going through radiation right now and we can see the toll it's taking on his energy level. He is staying optimistic and determined to keep on playing for as long as he can. We are all there for him.
@@stevedoumas7701 Best of luck to you!!
my father was buried in the sea and i have never seen the water so calm. while this song was playing. an incredibly moving moment
I fell in love with Pink Floyd when I was thirteen years old! I’m sixty two now and they are still my favorite band ever. Watch the Pulse Tour and Gilmour’’s magic and gain a whole new level in musical appreciation!
David Gilmour DEFINITELY makes the guitar "sing"! He is a genius with his tone and spacing and atmosphere
IMO, noone pulls his soul out of an instrument light Gilmour. The bends of the strings just come from deep within him.
Remember the guy who opened a restaurant on the moon? He ended up hiring Dave Gilmour to provide atmosphere.
Of course!Now they can listen to Echoes🌗😎🙏
@@JennaTills902 RIP to HIM
@@josiplilic3384 RIP to whom? David Gilmour is still very much alive. The brilliant Richard Wright is no longer with us. Same goes for Syd Barrett.
This is not a song, this is an art masterpiece!
One of the things I love the most about Pink Floyd is their patience. They don't hurry or rush to get to the point, they give each part it's due, however long that may be. In the age of the "3-4" minutes rule, I love it.
I couldn't agree more!
The band Rush used to compose music the same way up until about 1983. Loved that quality.
@@JSE2023 2112, La Villa Strangiato.
You definitely state their truth. They knew that they had a particular story to tell, and wanted to tell the complete story with all of the necessary details included. I've been listening to this band since 1970, and it never gets boring.
@@davebeach2343 I think that's true with a lot of the great prog bands...Yes comes to mind, say with a song like Awaken...they just took their time with the music, never in a rush...they made you listen and get absorbed with the music.
This whole album needs to be listened in its entirety in a darkened room with headphones and a joint....you'll be transported
Maybe even a mushroom or two
That's how we used to listen to the album Meddle, but usually with more than joint.
Black light on! Lava lamp on! Needle down!
Perfect
Shrooms on Welcome to the Machine transports you to the heavens. Pink Floyd makes every trip the best time of your life.
As a musician, "pacing" is entirely based on feel. Regardless of what a label says, if it feels wrong it's probably wrong. Pink Floyd were/are world class musicians that knew EXACTLY what they were doing and how to make it happen. Masters of their craft on a level few reach. They felt/feel the song first and foremost, and their blues roots are proudly worn and displayed at a high level, composed from their hearts and souls, not a guideline or anything like that. This whole record is composed in a way that lets you feel what they felt, to a degree at the least, and understand what they felt about the world as well as being a tribute to one of their own.
Poor Syd. “Remember when you were young? You’d shine like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond. Now there’s a look in your eyes. Like black holes in the sky…”
you got it...
Still though, Syd Wrote great music too. He had solo music that influenced many artists. He was a legend.
So much said with so little. The image painted in syllables. Extreme economy of language. Only the masters can do it. James Hetfield does it. John Prine. Neil Young. Masters of the craft.
Nobody knows where you are. How near or how far.
“Black holes in the sky” is a sort of double entendre.
While referring to the emptiness in his eyes from his mental break, it also refers to what happens to your eyes when taking LSD; they dilate. Extraordinarily.
Syd was a fan and, unfortunately, some speculate may have spurred on his poor mental health.
Pink Floyd has always been about experiencing the journey their music takes us on. I could see by your reactions that you experienced it as well. You guys do a great job, my vote is to leave the full length reaction
As far as the length of a song goes from the musicians stand point, you nailed it George. It's just the feeling. You don't think about the time. You get so caught up in the music and you play what you feel. The music will carry. When you are in that mode you just let it ride. Time isn't a factor.
From what I remember hearing about this song it's about their original singer Sid Barrett who apparently went crazy. It dedicated to him. Not sure how true that is, just what I've heard.
@Fuqutube your grandma
@Fuqutube poor baby
@@FatMaul Yeah. No one knows how much the acid did for his illness but it's surely stuff you shouldn't experiment with if you're mentally unstable. Syd could stand passive a whole show towards the end of his membership in the band. The origin of this song came from Syd turning up at a rehearsal long after he was in the band. Fat, short haired, black holed eyes and not very reachable. No one recognised him at first. Don't even think any conversation took place until he stolled away after a while. He had been the creative driving force if the band...
That context makes this song hit even harder...
Been listening to Floyd for best part of 30 years . Never gets old.. classic track
legend of a song. A lot of people dont have enough patience to listen this long song, but I love how you guys appreciate music you don't normally listen to.
I'm one of those people , i just can't listen to 10 plus minute song's , feel the same about some Allman Brothers song's which i'm a big fan of them. But i lose interest , i have to be in a certain frame of mind to tolerate these songs...
Metal is churning out epics like these every friday, it's insane. If you want one band, it would be Enslaved.
@@onairmastering ok I will check them out. 👍🤘Also if any of you are dream theater fans, their new album is so good
According to all interviews, books and documentaries I've seen on the band: Roger Waters was a master of timing; David Gilmour was able to come up with unique melodies, in the case of this song, he said "the riff just 'fell' out of my guitar when just messing around"; Richard Wright had a jazz musician's background and ear and knew how to choose those moving and emotional chords; and Nick Mason had the feel for when to fill in with drums/percussion. Together they were a very special combination.
Most of the time, their best material is when the members all contribute in equal amounts. Too much Waters and you get "The Final Cut". Remove Waters, more Gilmour you get "A Momentary Lapse of Reason".
@@bryandeschenes6153 so you didn't like any of Waters solo work? The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, Radio Kaos, Amused to Death?
This album was my introduction to rock music in 1976, when my neighbour shoved it in my hand said 'Listen to this!' It changed my life. Music has been part of me ever since. David Gilmore is one of the few guitarists who has feeling in his playing. Playing fast is technically proficient but playing with feeling is divine.
Cool reaction, Pink Floyd were masters at constructing music , never in a rush , drawing you in , making you contemplate life. They knew when to transition , when to pause , then layer in another sound you never expected. Not to mention waiting 8 minutes for lyrics , but never annoying you if those vocals don't arrive.
Absolute legends
I love that you said Gilmour's guitar playing was "singing". His tone is famous for its vocal quality.
sounds like Chris Stapleton singing
This song is homage to Syd. The story of Syd showing up during a mixing session for this song is amazing. Nobody recognized him until Gilmour eventually identified him. Waters broke down in tears at the sight of his former band leader and friend. Syd was overweight and had a shaved head and eyebrows. Sad and beautiful at the same time.
Slightly incorrect. Wish You Were Here was recorded in 1975 but Syd lived on in self chosen isolation in Cambridge, England until his death in 2006 from pancreatic cancer. IIRC it had a surge in popularity in the wake of Syd's death.
@@KiwiHelpgeek Thanks for pointing that out. I have corrected my comment.
Thanks for this epic song guys.
((Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun
Shine on you crazy diamond))
This song is dedicated to Syd Barret, notice the title, (S)hine On (Y)ou Crazy (D)iamond. one of the original founders of the band.
He wrote most of Pink Floyd’s debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and appeared on their second album, A Saucerful of Secrets.
In this lines the band remember the big influence that he have on the music that they play.
His demons was drugs, fame and mental illness. And before them, Syd really shine and the vision that he put inside the band, is the foundation of the incredible sound of Pink Floyd.
__________
((Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky
Shine on you crazy diamond))
This look in his eyes that seem black holes in the sky refers to the large dilation of the pupils that people have while tripping under the effects of LSD.
Blackened eyes filled completely with the silent madness of an individual that is tortured inside himself.
Many of the members noted him having such this strange look in his eyes that reflect the declining of mental health of Syd.
But at the end of all Syd Barrett was a big giant Diamond, that will continue to shine in the legacy he left as a great innovator in music.
__________
((You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
Blown on the steel breeze))
The description of his character is all here. A crossfire between a children, that don’t have self discipline, and a big star of music, that can have any thing he want. Like big quantities of LSD.
Blown on the steel breeze is an implicit reference to Syd being symbolised by the leaf in the song Dark Globe. In this song the band, represented by the willow tree, drops the leaf Syd, leaving him to the steel (cold) breeze (wind). Leaving someone out in the cold means excluding someone. Blowing off someone means to ignore it.
Syd was blown off by the band, as their parting occurred with the band simply not picking up Syd one day.
__________
((Come on you target for faraway laughter,
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!))
Sometime when Sid is on the stage, he start playing different tunes or strumming on one chord the whole show. And people from the audience, make laughters for this behaviours, that happen with spotlight that show Syd in this weak way.
The lights show the nudity of Syd, and his soul and his mind. But the laughters maybe can meaning the auditory hallucinations that he can heard when he use LSD.
The drugs turn Syd from an happy individual to a stranger. An inaccessible person alone inside his shell.
defining Syd a martyr, the band maybe blamed theme-selves for trying to convince he to write some great song. Another big hit. But Syd was more interested in exploring different way to do his art.
This was one of the major factors with LSD that lead to the deterioration of the personality and the mental health of this great artist.
__________
((You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond.))
The big goal of Syd was to discover all the secrets of the true meaning of life and all the big mysteries behind it.
And he use drugs to achieve that goal. But along the way, he get a mental illness. And some really great music.
We can see a reference to Dark side of the moon in this words, whose themes about madness were inspired dy Syd too.
But i think that this is a strong reference to the Syd’s last Pink Floyd song Jugband Blues :
“And I never knew the moon could be so big
And I never knew the moon could be so blue
And I’m grateful that you threw away my old shoes
And brought me here instead dressed in red”.
In this song Syd use the moon as a metaphor for madness.
__________
((Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.
Shine on you crazy diamond.))
Children will perceive the shadows of furniture as a monster , like we see featured in a scene in the film The Wall. As Syd was thought to be a schizophrenic, the lines communicate the idea of being afraid of what is not actually there with hallucinations. Or this shadows can be the shadows of his past, that can’t leave him.
Another time the spotlight during the show appear. This light reveal all the weakness of Syd. And show his mental illness to the world.
This words end with a great guitar solo, where seems like if he scream, trying to tell us the torture of his soul. Between panic for shadows and humiliation showed by lights.
__________
((Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,
Rode on the steel breeze.))
A dedication to Syd like guitar player. A great innovator for this instrument.
Gilmour came up with 4 notes that became the basis for this. Roger Waters thought they conveyed emotions Barrett must have been feeling, and wrote lyrics about him.
This was a song very difficult to record. They redid it a few times before getting a version they liked.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!
Here we can see the clear dedication of this song to a big artist. A man with a clear vision of his art, that build the foundations for a band that make the history of music.
Syd was a painter too, and was the real piper, that write most of the first album Piper at the gates of dawns. But he was a prisoner too, a prisoner of the drugs that have destroyed his life.
Dude wow. I hope you have all this content saved elsewhere so you can repost it after the record label has it taken down. Seriously. Thank you.
Syd's also the topic of "Wish You Were Here", if I'm not mistaken.
@@NorthernElevationcorrect
Thank you for that never realized shine on You crazy diamond spelled out Syd fucking Pink Floyd is amazing wow!!
Was this your college thesis? Excellent!
The thing I love about Floyd is every note has a purpose, but more importantly, every space between the notes have a purpose. There's a reason why so many hard core metal fans like myself are also massive Floyd fans.
Idk, they really only have 2 great albums (dark side and wish you were here), 1 good album (animals) and 1 over rated ok album (the wall) the rest are either boring or just bad
@@beastabuelos6421 the debut album is amazing, A Saucerful of Secrets is great too, ain't even talking about The Division Bell or Meddle
Yeah bro, im metal fan but pink floyd is up there with my favorite black metal bands
Great words. The spaces and rests is what makes tension. Bill Bruford explained it in a drummer video!
@@beastabuelos6421 No Division Bell? Really?
When Mozart was composing, he had his entire orchestral composition in his head, and when he was ready, he just transcribed it on paper, without editing.
That was genius at work and I think Pink Floyd comes as close to that level as anyone has in the modern era.
I wish I could scream this out to everyone about Pink Floyd. It's exactly what you said.
I appreciate that, thanks.@@tonirutan3665
“It’s a long intro”
Me: Smiling knowing the lyrics start about 9 min. into the song 😊
🤜🏼⚡️🤛🏼
Love how you guys are pointing out the heavy blues and jazz influences. Music brings people together, no matter who they are or where they live in the world.
This is my favorite pink floyd songs. Actually its one of the best songs ever written.
Whenever a new Pink Floyd album would come out and I would be listening to a new song I just remember it was always so exciting to wonder just what was going to come next! They still are the most unique band but back in the 70s we're almost magical!! We had very few electronic distractions back then and long songs were really enjoyed by groups of people! There was a lot of laying on the floor or a couch with eyes closed just listening to this which is the way to enjoy it! They truly are the Mozart of the twentieth century!!
When they’d play this live, in the beginning when those first four guitar notes rang out, it sent chills and ecstasy through the crowd and air.
Think of this song as a group of amazing musicians going through all the stages of grief together, and sharing that grief with the world. The length means nothing, as long as you say everything you mean to express. Think of the tears at a funeral for a young person full of potential that had it cut short. The memories you have of that person. The deepest wish of your heart that that person was still here - hence the title of the album. It's all of that - except that Syd was not dead. The lyrics are mourning his loss, yet inspiring him to come back and shine on. It's a masterpiece.
I have never clicked so fast. Why did i have to wait so long for this! This song is pure genius and soul.
Possibly the most musically talented band to ever grace a stage
No one IMO will ever have 4 master piece albums back to back like PF did. Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, WIsh You Were Here and The Wall.
@@o-REDBEARD-o and their albums before/after were almost or just as great as these.
Floyd and zeppelin are equally great for me, but i still agree brother
Esto es diferente a la música.
@@cliffemall0404 Meddle is so underappreciated.
Ryan's insight at the end of the video is so perfect! You guys really have a rare sensibility to MUSIC itself. Shine on!
I was a bit apprehensive about such a long and slow song (even though I voted for it) but it looks like my worries were unfounded. I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this.
The live pulse performance of this is incredible a must watch. Shine on you, comfortably numb, time, and
brain damage, are my favorite Pink Floyd songs.
100% true. Takes this song even to the next level. It’s a movement as much as a song.
For some reason I read all those titles as one and was very confused
First time I heard this song was on the pulse live album. What an awesome concert. Their last album was good and just love the song Louder Than Words. It's a prefect way to close the show of shows.
Can't forget poles apart and coming back to life
I would add Echoes, otherwise beautiful list
Pink Floyd was always the band that made you wait for it. As far as how they paced their songs, I think they really just did that how they wanted and to hell with how the label wanted them to do it. No instant gratification here, you're gonna get what we give. And enjoy the hell out of it.
Probably leave the full length reaction in my opinion. This song was new to me too and I really enjoyed listening to that intro! Love the work as always Ryan and George!! 👌
Ryan it's OK to cry to these songs man....I've listened to it 1,000 times and listening to it with you guys made me teary eyed too. You said it perfectly, it stirred up a lot of emotions with the instruments
You can literally feel the emotions Gilmour is expressing with the guitar. He’s one in a million, only a few can make their guitar speak!
The masters of letting notes sit, no unnecessary fills . Atmospheric music to the ninth degree. Pink Floyd will be listened to in a hundred years from now.
So glad to see you guys doing this one, because a lot of people don't have the patience for a song like this but it just grips you in like the true masterpiece it is, keep being you, guys!🤘
I couldn’t wait for the vocals to come in to see the reaction. You know the lyrics hit deep, and George is always on that. Great to see this guys.Big fan for a while now, just never chimed in. Keep up the awesomeness 👍
“The Blues had a baby, and they named it Rock n Roll.” -Muddy Waters
Ain’t no musical genre out there with more soul than the blues. Bar none. Blues -> R&B -> Rock & Hip Hop. Strongest root on the musical tree.
A Fender Stratocaster in the hands of the right person can showcase more emotion and melody than any words or vocal performance.
One of the most beautiful songs ever made.
With all due respect, I think it's because albums used to be about stories, the entire album. Think Breakfast in America, or The Wall. Only a few albums carry this from beginning to end. Wish You Were Here is one of them.
@@rg807 The Wall for sure but WYWH isn't really a narrative. It's about Syd Barrett but it isn't really a story like The Wall is. It is more like Animals where it just has an overall theme, not a plot.
David Gilmour stated in an interview that Roger Waters was very good at determining timing and instinctively knew how long each section of music should be.
Roger Waters is a genious
wish you were here was my first pink floyd album i ever heard. and this song is my fav song from them. the slow build-up still gives me goosebumps everytime and the saxophone outro is just chef's kiss. the lyrics are also so good
Yes this song is definitely about Syd Barrett who was the principal songwriter for the first album the Piper At the Gates of Dawn album and was a great guitar player and out for that first album and subsequent tour he slowly started to kind of vanish before their eyes through madness and within less than a year so they had to hire David Gilmour to kind of come in and help rebuild the band and do Syd Barrett guitar parts but this song is for Syd and it’s a brilliant song and a sad song about someone who was so talented and as talented as the Beatles But really has not got much recognition because he only put out one album With Pink Floyd and then he put out two solo albums that which is very interesting David Gilmour actually helped produce because he still cared about his dear friend ,,,,, people that know Pink Floyd know how important Syd Barrett is and this song is kind of a love letter to Barrett and how incredible he was and could’ve been. RIP Syd. You crazy diamond
Syd wrote songs on second album as well.
@@innosanto Played and sang on it too.Saucerfull of Secrets is great.
Not just the song, all of Wish You Were Here.
Ryan feels this instinctually and it's beautiful, welcome to Pink Floyd gentlemen. It's a song for Syd Barrett. You guys keep that shit 100 and it's why you're at 1.11M. Thanks guys!
Pink floyd has been my favorite band since childhood. I lost both my parents recently within 2 years. I feel you. This music means more to me now then it ever did. Great reaction. Wish You Were Here has been my favorite song since I've learned to appreciate music. This song isn't far off.
Listening to Pink Floyd is a journey that every person should take in there life
I've been listening to this song and album for almost 35 years. The amazing thing about this video is that through you guys I got to hear it again as if for the first time with fresh ears. Heard little things that my ear wasn't attuned to as a teenager and that I missed as an old geezer just due to it being such familiar comfort food that I stopped listening as intently as I used to. So thank you for this.
exactly bro
It's freaking hilarious watching you guys being bored for sooooo long haha. When we heard this back in the day we weren't sitting around analyzing it. We were doing other "things" lol!! Sometimes we were zoning out to it. We weren't waiting for the action.
On point gentlemen! Take all the greats, Beatles, Zeppelin, Elvis, you name it, in my opinion NOBODY holds a candle to Pink Floyd! Glad you went with this one!!
For me Pink Floyd is the greatest band of all time
Y para mí.
I wasn't aware that this was up for dispute
Y para mí.
100%
For everyone... Not just you
"The guitar is singing to me"
Love this.
Cheers everyone from Massachusetts, U.S.
Man when Ryan started talking about his dad, made me emotional. Shows how truly powerful music can be
When the pacing of a song is perfect, then it is perfect. This song is one of the most perfectly paced and dynamic songs ever written.
The look on their faces at 7:30 in is priceless! It's almost like they are thinking about space. That's what this song does to you. It's the long pauses between each note. Enjoy your videos, keep them coming.
Love how you kept pointing out the blues influence to it. If you didn't know, Pink Floyd was named after 2 blues musicians: Pink Anderson and Floyd Counciil
haven't watched the video yet, but I had to comment right away that this is my favorite song of all time. so I had to click on this as soon as i saw the notification.
Edit: After watching the video, I remember why I enjoy watching people react to this song for the first time. The instruments bring out so much emotion that can be interpreted by anyone, and it's always so interesting hearing someone talk about what the song makes them feel. Thank you for reacting to this!
Yes! It was incredible live! Great sound. Great musicians. Great show. So powerful - I love David Gilmore's approach to the guitar. Every note is a poem. I'm overjoyed that you liked this. Pink Floyd helped me get through my teens!
Such a pleasant surprise to see this song pop up in my email. Glad you guys liked it. When I was in my 20s I learned how to play the whole thing on guitar. I’d come home from work at like 1am and pop on headphones, black light, and just play along. So relaxing and an emotional rollercoaster at the same time. Great way to wind down the day.
Your insights on the feelings of the music are so spot on -- without knowing the backstory, you understand what this group is doing. Love to hear your take on the second half of the song... which is on side two. This opens the album Wish You Were Here, and the second half of the song closes the album.
Just want to say , I love watching your reactions to this song. I can totally see you get right into the music and it’s great. - these days our attention spans are not the same as they used to be , but I totally see you owe it to spend the time to really take in the music.
Wow. Never seen you lads “deep faces” before. An affecting band of that there is no doubt. My favourite album.
Yeah, great realizations they were having during many parts of this great, great song.
David Gilmour and Richard Wright (R.I.P.) both said that this was their favourite Pink Floyd album.
EXCELLENT choice! Timeless masterpiece, hard to believe it was recorded almost 50 years ago
I've been watching and following you guys since the pandemic and I'm a huge fan of some of the rock bands that you are reacting to, but I am so so happy that ypu got the chance to listen to this one. Pink Floyd and particularly Gilmour at the guitar are just something else. I love the way you appreciate great music and the way you talk about all of my favorites, Metallica, Tool, Alice in Chains, Fairh no More, Megadeath, Pearl Jam etc etc, all so different so great and so unique.
I'd love to see a reaction for Echoes. That's the single greatest piece of music I've ever heard from any rock group ever. As far as the guitar singing, yeah, David Gilmour is/was the master of that. He can squeeze more emotion out of 3 notes than most musicians can in their lifetime.
Leave the video how it is, it's a perfect video you guys made.
I assume you already saw it on patreon?
@@TheLegendofGumby yeah this was literally their first Patreon post
Yeah I saw it on there.
It’s almost like watching someone listening to Pink Floyd. Mesmerized.
I'm upbeat mostly.
Sometimes I'm down.
Pink Floyd are a tonic for the downtimes.
You don't talk, you just experience.
I'm so proud of English musicians taking on blues and just doing our thing with it.
I love blues and jazz.
It took time for me to adjust to English blues rock but it grows on you so strong.