The song and album was dedicated to their original band concept leader Syd Barrett who suddenly exhibited schizophrenic symptoms which crippled him mentally. The first verse was referring to asking him if he sees the difference between the topics mentioned anymore. Then the second verse is referring to the empathy and loss of him in their band as a person and friend. "Wish You Were Here"
The other sad thing is the long standing animosity in the band will give you different responses on a subject from different band members. I went to the Pink Floyd exhibition in Toronto and it was not only visually and sonically amazing, it was very informative on all albums with 100's of interviews with all band members then and now. If it comes by where ever you live be sure to check it out. @@philipbarnaba9105
No, the song was not written about Syd. The only song on the album about him is "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". As Waters and Gilmour have said about the album: Waters: "There’s one song that’s about Syd, but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent." Gilmour: “Although “Shine on you crazy diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.” These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
For me, this song is completely impossible to not listen to once I hear it start. A short and simple masterpiece of a song. It doesn't get much better. RIP Syd.
"Shine on you crazy diamond" is also about Syd Barrett, and about how wonderful he had been, and about how he wasn't himself anymore. "Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun ... Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky."
The intro is basically someone in their home, or bedroom, looking for something to listen to on the radio. Hence the multiple stations run through because they're turning the tuning knob on the radio, until finally they alight upon a song they like, and then start to play along with their own guitar. That's why initially the guitar is mono and quite far away sounding.
Short Wave Radio Band is what it sounds like to me even though I have hardly spent any time listening to SW Radio ..When that guitar comes in you can hear a surreal whine from the radio waves that goes along with the melody of the guitar and that is what makes it so good for a start .
I give you folks credit for not knowing the sound of a rotary tuner. Most people under 40 don’t even know what a rotary tuner is much less what one sounds like. They also don’t know the range of barely there stations you can hear on one.
The hum from short wave is spot on. You should listen to the WHOLE album.. each whole album. Someone posted that to play a Pink Floyd like a single is like opening a book and reading a page at random.
@@stevedavis5704 It's a cultural thing, being a kid growing up in the 60's and 70's you know exactly what the intro is, youngsters have no idea and don't get it.
My Dad introduced me to Pink Floyd in the 80s with his record collection. Huge fan of The Wall album, and that eventuslly got me to this album. This now hits me emotionally after losing my Dad a couple years ago. Wish He Were Here.
The beginning was meant to be someone running through stations on an old radio and finally landing on the start of Wish You Were Here playing on the radio, interference and all. After a verse or so you hear David join in, playing along with the radio. Brilliant intro!!!!
This song is about “someone.” Namely their first lead singer. Syd Barrett. Who sadly got ahold of some bad acid, and spent the rest of his life as a vegetable.
NO he take good LSD just too much of it and he already had mental issues which didn't help. More like he was hanging out with a bad crowd, as Mason later said about SB.
The intro is from the days when you had to actually tune to radio stations manually. This takes me back to when I was 14/15 years old in 1978 and was just getting into PF. This is one of my favorites and listened to it endlessly figuring out the meaning to the album. PF did such a good job with the spatial arrangements that always sound so good through headphones. I can spend an entire evening listening to in order Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. They all have to do with the formation of Pink Floyd and Syd Barretts journey through drug addiction. Syd actually showed up at the studio while they were recording it.
The instrument your hearing that's mimicking the guitar is not an instrument that's David Gilmour vocalizing along with the guitar! This is one you should definitely watch from the Pulse concert so you can see what I'm talking about!! For most it's a jaw-dropping moment when you see him actually vocalizing!
I never really got that line. I'm thinking now that the lead role in a cage is a P.O.W. But the walk on part? Was that going home or walking to where you'll be stationed/advancing on the enemy.
@@JoeThornhill - I think the war part is a metaphor for chaos, and the walk-on part is mostly as an observer, in the background. But if it is about Syd, it’s about his mind - how chaotic and troubled his mind was (evidently). Perhaps the war is a metaphor for schizophrenia. And the cage are the drugs to try to quell the chaos.
To me that's just some incredible poetry. It's a way to use a small amount of words to evoke profound mixtures of feelings and emotions. Even outside of the context of them missing their former bandmate, it's powerful just as it is which is probably why it became yet another hit for them. I think it's kind of fascinating that you are going on this journey and becoming more knowledgeable about this era, and I've seen it happen with other reactors as well. It's really pretty amazing. I'm around 60 years old and have been a musician and a music lover my whole life, and even when I was very young I found myself always exploring music from before my time as well as the current stuff and the latest stuff. I always had a Fascination for it and it also involved trying to understand the culture of that era, whether it was my parents or my grandparents era.
The wind at the end of the track blends into the beginning of Shine On You Crazy Diamond (VI - IX) which is the end of the record, and serves as a bookend with Shine On You Crazy Diamond (I - V). Those two tracks are super interesting and you should absolutely consider listening to the rest of the record.
This such an iconic LP. Another Great Concept Album from the Greatest Band Ever. If you venture back to live pulse 94 give The Song High Hopes a Listen.
I love Pink Floyd, one of my favorite bands & Wish You Were Here on any given day is my favorite from them! It's even unique for Pink Floyd in terms of the tone & message...it's a beautiful tribute to Syd Barrett who was one of the founding members of the band. I wrote a paper in college about its meaning, significance & why it was written...that's how much I love this song!! Ive lost a lot of loved ones recently so this song always hits hard...gets me everytime I hear that opening & I just have to sing along with it! 😎😎😎
I can never understand that intro…This is my second favorite Pink Floyd song! The 🎸 is just gorgeous in this whole song, actually this entire album, which my husband and I have in surround!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 We listen to this every Friday evening!!❤❤ Glad you reacted to it! Thanks for reacting to it!👍👍
Phil & Sam This is a tribute to Pink Floyd's founder, Syd Barrett who went into mental illness before Pink Floyd gotten big. Syd left the band for treatment. He died in 2006. There is another song for Syd called Shine On Crazy Diamond.
No, contrary to what you think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this: Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent." Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.” These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
In 1965 I was 16 it was the beginning of a fantastic magical musical journey for my generation born in deganwy Wales in great Britain you can imagine there was so much musical talent emerging back then to name but a few pink floyd obviously zeppelin genesis moody blues kinks stones beatles the who queen the list goes on I'm 74 years young now and I still listen to most of them pink floyd I rarely go a day without listening to some of their incredible music I think we were a very lucky generation if you get to it I recommend you listen to echoes at the gdansk concert not to be missed you need to listen to it a few times to appreciate its complexity and musical prowess and genius goes without saying just one of my favourite tracks enjoy and rock on
I look at the beginning as that is him playing on the radio and years pass and he hears it again and he is wishes he could relive the early years. Just my take.
Pink Floyd,like Jethro Tull,p or Alan Parsons Project,should be listened to by album only,you wouldn’t open a thrilling and complex book a few pages in,read 15 pages and hope to understand what’s going on would you. Animals by PF is an excellent example,from 1st note and lyric to last,the story unfolds and makes sense. My favourite Floyd album among many favourites. The track “Dogs” is a masterpiece tour de force that has to be listened to from that album.
Echoing what everyone has already said, this song is about former band member Syd Barrett. I suggest looking up a bit about Syd, and maybe checking out one of the albums he wrote with Pink Floyd.
The Pulse concert is great. But I am a bigger fan of the Delicate Sound of Thunder tour. Biased because I was there at the concert when it was recorded. Next song I would love to hear One Of These Days live from the Delicate Sound of Thunder.
The other great track is 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' which also refers to Syd. You really do need to listen to the whole album to understand the depth of meaning involved.
Wrong again guys, there was a lot of depth in those lyrics. You guys really need to put your listening ears on and have some depth of soul when you do your reactions. Pfft. Just another one of your lousy reaction reviews.
The first musical notes heard are of a radio dial being moved, Tchaikovsky's 'Fourth Symphony' barely audible for a few notes. The dial is moved again and a newscast can be heard, but only certain words are understood, “disciplinary remains mercilessly”, “with you Derek, this nonsense”, “is it”, “I'm sure of it”.
You are on point that sometimes (often) Pink Floyd tunes need to be understood in context. For example, the last lyrics of time relate to people in a church on their knees and then transitions into Great Gig in the Sky (GGITS) which gives voice to t b e 5 stages of dying (denial, anger, negotiation, regret, and finally acceptance). Think about it. Also, Comfortably Numb was the 2nd song of the encore and the 22nd song of the concert. "Run Like Hell" followed CN and was the concert closer. Recommend checking it out!!
Contrary to what they and you think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this: Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent." Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.” These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
First started listening to Pink Floyd in 1969 ( Ummagumma album ) then by '71 with the "Meddle" Album I was hooked. I was able to see them Live in '77 and '79. They are a sit down listen to the full album start to finish. Same with the "Moody Blues"
The song and album 'Wish you were here' was about Pink Floyd's original guitarist/ vocalist/ songwriter/ founder Syd Barrett, who wrote and recorded the band's 1967 debut album 'Piper at the Gates of dawn' ...but Syd suffered a mental breakdown from drug abuse and was out of the band by 1968 as they recorded a 2nd album 'Saucerful of secrets'... David Gilmour (guitar/ vocals) was also a close friend of Syd Barrett, who replaced him in Pink Floyd... Roger Waters (bass/ vocals) wrote the lyrics in 1975 about his lost friend and former bandmate Syd... the epic 'Shine on you crazy diamond' (which is most of the album) was a tribute to Syd. The strange thing that occurred while the band was recording 'Wish you were here'... a fellow turned up in the studio that none of the members recognized - it was Syd Barrett. He had gained weight, shaved all his hair and eyebrows and was "jumping up and down, brushing his teeth" (according to keyboardist Richard Wright) ... The 4 members of Pink Floyd were devastated to see how far gone he was, but he disappeared before they could do anything to help him... Pink Floyd were rich and famous at that point, but the man who started the band was a shell of his former self. When Pink Floyd released 'The Wall' movie in 1982, there r scenes depicting the movie's central character 'Pink' shaving off his hair and eyebrows and becoming a deranged performer... Another scene showed the character sitting in a chair staring into space while a cigarette burned through his fingers - Roger Waters had apparently seen Syd in that state. Syd Barrett reportedly walked back to Cambridge around 1977 and spent the rest of his life under the care of his family and mental institutions... He had apparently deteriorated from diabetes in his last years and passed away in 2006. Pink Floyd always made sure his family collected his royalty checks from early Pink Floyd songs that he had written . 'Wish you were here' was also a sharp dig against the music industry - the album cover showed 2 men in suits shaking hands, but 1 of them was on fire (It was about getting 'burnt' by the music business) ... Pink Floyd was selling millions of copies of their 1973 album 'Dark side of the Moon'... but may not have been paid what they had earned. Roger Waters had known Syd Barrett from school in Cambridge, England... and they became close friends. David Gilmour was also a close friend who knew him when they were kids... When he became a university student in London around 1965, he and Roger formed Pink Floyd w/ fellow students Bob Klose, Richard Wright and Nick Mason... Klose soon left and Pink Floyd wrote original songs that Syd was composing and the band was signed in 1967 on the strength of the single 'Arnold Layne'... But as Pink Floyd toured for their first album, Syd had apparently consumed too many drugs and was spaced out... He couldn't perform without behaving oddly and made touring a difficult prospect. By 1968, Syd could no longer remember the songs he was writing and Pink Floyd decided to ask David Gilmour to come in and learn the songs... One day, they decided not to pick him up for shows they were playing. Syd Barrett released 2 solo albums in the late 60's before disappearing from public view. In 1994, the Pink Floyd video for 'High Hopes' depicted a giant statue of Syd Barrett's head being carried in the open - it was Gilmour's nod to his lost friend.
It's about Syd, like much of their music is about Syd or heavily inspired in some way. Syd may have only been in the band for 11 months, however the the GHOST of Syd never really left at all.
Floyd is arguably one of the 5 most important bands of the post WW11 English rock bands. Started has a trippy, avant garde project, after Syd Barrett left in '67, and Dave Gilmore became a permanent member they moved more twords introspective and progressive themes. They are regarded has essential listening.
Roger Waters has said his favorite line he ever wrote was: Did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage. Let your mind dig deep into that line.
about the lyrics a walk-on part of the wall to a lead role in a cage, Roger Waters says the “walk on part in the war” refers to a small, insignificant role in the grand scheme of things, while the “lead role in a cage” refers to a life of luxury and comfort that is ultimately unfulfilling and limiting. he actually says “All [my] songs are encouraging me; I guess I write them for me,” Waters explains during a new documentary, Pink Floyd: The Story Of Wish You Were Here. “It’s to encourage myself not to accept a lead role in a cage, but to go on demanding of myself that I keep auditioning for the walk-on part in the war, ‘cause that’s where I want to be. I wanna be in the trenches. I don’t want to be at headquarters; I don’t wanna be sitting in a hotel somewhere. I wanna be engaged.”
This album plus Dark Side of the Moon and animal, than the wall are all concepts album! They must all be listened to from beginning to end without interruption! Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here! Are to me there’s greatest album!
There are several documentaries about Pink Floyd here on TH-cam, but my favorite of them is "Which One Is Pink". It's about an hour long, and since you're interested in them, I recommend giving that one a watch.
What's always interesting about Pink Floyd is that behind each song there is an interesting story. Behind the recording of this song, we can learn that various versions attracted the attention of the band. There was, among other things, a version with violin, replacing David Gilmour's guitar, since Stéphane Grapelli who was present in the studio at that time was one of the possible alternatives. To learn more, search: Pink Floyd - The Record Producers: 2-3) Wish You Were Here
Merry Christmas, Phil & Sam! Would you please tell me if, and if, possibly when, are you going to check out Frank Marino "It's Begun to Rain Live At the Agora Theater"? You are truly missing out on an amazing performance. Love your reactions, stay safe, and be well! ✌️ ☮️ 🔥🎵🎶🎸🎄❤️
Probably the cruelest thing about their former bandmate Sid Barrett’s condition was that between the onset of schizophrenia and the psychedelic drugs he used, he was still there, but his mind was pretty well gone.
Contrary to what many think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this: Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent." Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.” These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
If you look for and attend the Pink Floyd exhibit touring many cities you will find that it features hundreds of opinions from all 4 members on the Syd tragedy and 1 song is specifically about him, while several songs, lyrics and albums are "inspired" by his tragedy but meant to apply to anyone touched by this kind of issue, and this is one such song. Their flow through theme is "Empathy".
Ostensibly it is, of course, about Syd Barrett. However, the details of the "AM Radio" mono sound at the beginning, in my mind, is like a distant autobiographical memory/recording of the past. The past self plays and the current self replies. It's a memory of the younger self. This interpretation also works well in: "how i wish, how i wish you were here we're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year running over the same old ground what have we found? the same old fears... wish you were here." This could certainly be interpreted as the older person speaking towards a separate (younger) version of himself (as I've gotten older, what have I found? The same old fears. Wish I was younger and knew then what I know now). The beauty of music is one can apply the work to their own circumstances. But yeah, the song is, officially, simply about Syd.
Contrary to what you may think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this: Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent." Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.” These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
The sounds at the end of 'Have a Cigar' and the beginning of 'Wish You Were Here' were picked up randomly from a radio, recorded from Gilmour's car. As far as the lyrics go, this is what I can make of it- "Disciplinary remains merciful" "Yes and not with you Derek, this star nonsense." "Yes, yes" "Now which is it?" "I am sure of it"
The Pulse concert version is excellent - where you can see how David is doing scat with the guitar solo... And the opening is supposed to be an AM radio broadcast and someone fiddling with the tuning dial and comes across this song. David explains it in this interview: th-cam.com/video/9G91HQRSKW4/w-d-xo.html (David Gilmour Talks About Wish You Were Here) He explains the opening of this song at time 6:35
i so LUV that this was **Made By ZeppelinBigFan** cuz it makes me feel like i am not alone in the fact that ONLY **Led Zeppelin** & **Pink Floyd** (for me at least) are the only two bands that have the power to bring me to THAT place where ever that place is where Time & Space disappear & i am no longer here it is like an out of body experience no longer aware of your surroundings & yea just off in this nowhere (cept its **Beautiful**) place/space it is a **GloriousMagicalGift** tho there are indeed some other artists that make this happen for me as well but not as consistently & constantly as with **Zep** & **Floyd** **Thank YOU** for listening to this **Happy Holidays To You & ALL** **PixieTwirlsWhilstJugglinCandyCanes**
Syd Barrett, the founder of Pink Floyd suffered from schitzephrenia and during the "legal" period of LSD in London in 1965-66 he had spent a very long time taking massive LSD doses. He eventually eroded into madness, not being recognizable to his own band mates and friends. David Gilmour (guitar master) was brought in to replace him.
Back in high school, I translated this song into Latin: Qui volo, qui te adesse volo Sumus animi duo natantes in aquario Annum post annum Currentes super idem solum Quid impetavimus? Idem metus. Te adesse volo.
My dad used to sing this to me and my sister to help us sleep, I did the same for my son which is beautiful, but now has a somber tone as we we wish dad was still here, the memories will live on forever ❤ great reaction my dudes!
This one and Time hit me deeper every year. P.S. I had never considered before how reactors have to be careful not to hear something they might want to do a reaction video to. Now I'm laughing at the prospect of being at a party or something and yelling, "No! Turn it off! I haven't heard this one yet!" 😂
I noticed turning up your volume to try and hear the first part…. Why wouldn’t be WIDE OPEN from the rip? I’ve always wondered how people listen to music that isn’t cranked up⁉️⁉️
Like what's been said, it was a dedication to Syd Barrett, who, because of all his acid intake, went schizophrenic. My favorite song off my favorite album by them. Was a sophomore in college when this came out.
And they're all wrong as this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this: Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent." Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.” These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
Most people don't realize, until they see a live version, David is vocally harmonizing with the lead guitar parts. With Floyd you often have to remember context of time. The Vietnam War hadn't been over that long before.
This is one of my top 3 bands all time (if I ever HAD to pick). I LOVE these lyrics. I also love that you two are exploring music from my distant past, when I was hearing it live or "just released." Great reaction!
It's funny that the younger generations do not recognize turning an old car radio dial through all the stations. It is in many movies, but that was the sound in the beginning. It's Pink Floyd, you are not supposed to think too hard. You just say "woah, that was deep" lol
I believe that the song is for Sid Barrett. he was one of the founding members of the band, and songwriter as well. Sad had problems with drug use that lead to mental issues as well. David Gilmour was added to the band to replace Sid.
The song and album was dedicated to their original band concept leader Syd Barrett who suddenly exhibited schizophrenic symptoms which crippled him mentally. The first verse was referring to asking him if he sees the difference between the topics mentioned anymore. Then the second verse is referring to the empathy and loss of him in their band as a person and friend. "Wish You Were Here"
The other sad thing is the long standing animosity in the band will give you different responses on a subject from different band members. I went to the Pink Floyd exhibition in Toronto and it was not only visually and sonically amazing, it was very informative on all albums with 100's of interviews with all band members then and now. If it comes by where ever you live be sure to check it out. @@philipbarnaba9105
Syd
@@philipbarnaba9105
No, the song was not written about Syd. The only song on the album about him is "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". As Waters and Gilmour have said about the album:
Waters: "There’s one song that’s about Syd, but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent."
Gilmour: “Although “Shine on you crazy diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.”
These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
great info Brother, Merry Christmas
@@raymo6795 No worries, best wishes to you too.
For me, this song is completely impossible to not listen to once I hear it start. A short and simple masterpiece of a song. It doesn't get much better. RIP Syd.
One of RnR's most hauntingly beautiful songs.
"Shine on you crazy diamond" is also about Syd Barrett, and about how wonderful he had been, and about how he wasn't himself anymore. "Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun ... Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky."
That's the only song about Syd; the title track wasn't written about him.
The intro is basically someone in their home, or bedroom, looking for something to listen to on the radio. Hence the multiple stations run through because they're turning the tuning knob on the radio, until finally they alight upon a song they like, and then start to play along with their own guitar. That's why initially the guitar is mono and quite far away sounding.
Short Wave Radio Band is what it sounds like to me even though I have hardly spent any time listening to SW Radio ..When that guitar comes in you can hear a surreal whine from the radio waves that goes along with the melody of the guitar and that is what makes it so good for a start .
I give you folks credit for not knowing the sound of a rotary tuner. Most people under 40 don’t even know what a rotary tuner is much less what one sounds like. They also don’t know the range of barely there stations you can hear on one.
The hum from short wave is spot on.
You should listen to the WHOLE album.. each whole album. Someone posted that to play a Pink Floyd like a single is like opening a book and reading a page at random.
It's David Gilmour inside his car in the parking lot. They brought their entire recording equipment to capture this radio-style effects.
@@stevedavis5704 It's a cultural thing, being a kid growing up in the 60's and 70's you know exactly what the intro is, youngsters have no idea and don't get it.
Led Zeppelin sits atop the Pantheon of Rock Gods, but Pink Floyd is from another planet, like no other.
Well put. You gave both bands their due respect without belittling one from the other.
My Dad introduced me to Pink Floyd in the 80s with his record collection. Huge fan of The Wall album, and that eventuslly got me to this album. This now hits me emotionally after losing my Dad a couple years ago. Wish He Were Here.
The beginning was meant to be someone running through stations on an old radio and finally landing on the start of Wish You Were Here playing on the radio, interference and all. After a verse or so you hear David join in, playing along with the radio. Brilliant intro!!!!
Any song from Pulse is 🔥🔥🔥 Remember it was 1994 and still to this day The greatest live Full Production concert Ever ❤️✌🏼
This song is about “someone.”
Namely their first lead singer. Syd Barrett. Who sadly got ahold of some bad acid, and spent the rest of his life as a vegetable.
Syd was not a vegetable he had mental health problems but lived a quiet life in Cambridge.
@@Jan-xn3kzhe was schizophrenic and he did OD on acid which sent him over the edge. But you’re right, not a vegetable.
Well , it's before my time is not a valid excuse . High School kids today know that this song is about Syd Barrett .
NO he take good LSD just too much of it and he already had mental issues which didn't help. More like he was hanging out with a bad crowd, as Mason later said about SB.
This song wasn't written about Syd, as both Waters and Gilmour have said.
The intro was a pre intro that leads into the nostalgic moment
The intro is from the days when you had to actually tune to radio stations manually.
This takes me back to when I was 14/15 years old in 1978 and was just getting into PF. This is one of my favorites and listened to it endlessly figuring out the meaning to the album.
PF did such a good job with the spatial arrangements that always sound so good through headphones.
I can spend an entire evening listening to in order Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall.
They all have to do with the formation of Pink Floyd and Syd Barretts journey through drug addiction.
Syd actually showed up at the studio while they were recording it.
The instrument your hearing that's mimicking the guitar is not an instrument that's David Gilmour vocalizing along with the guitar! This is one you should definitely watch from the Pulse concert so you can see what I'm talking about!! For most it's a jaw-dropping moment when you see him actually vocalizing!
Love the line about exchanging a walk on part in a war for a lead role in a cage. So profound.
Absolutely. That line has a deep resonance.
One of the greatest lyrics ever, no doubt.
a bit of foreshadowing from Roger's past, that comes back with full force on "The Wall"
I never really got that line. I'm thinking now that the lead role in a cage is a P.O.W. But the walk on part? Was that going home or walking to where you'll be stationed/advancing on the enemy.
@@JoeThornhill - I think the war part is a metaphor for chaos, and the walk-on part is mostly as an observer, in the background. But if it is about Syd, it’s about his mind - how chaotic and troubled his mind was (evidently). Perhaps the war is a metaphor for schizophrenia. And the cage are the drugs to try to quell the chaos.
To me that's just some incredible poetry. It's a way to use a small amount of words to evoke profound mixtures of feelings and emotions. Even outside of the context of them missing their former bandmate, it's powerful just as it is which is probably why it became yet another hit for them.
I think it's kind of fascinating that you are going on this journey and becoming more knowledgeable about this era, and I've seen it happen with other reactors as well. It's really pretty amazing.
I'm around 60 years old and have been a musician and a music lover my whole life, and even when I was very young I found myself always exploring music from before my time as well as the current stuff and the latest stuff. I always had a Fascination for it and it also involved trying to understand the culture of that era, whether it was my parents or my grandparents era.
The wind at the end of the track blends into the beginning of Shine On You Crazy Diamond (VI - IX) which is the end of the record, and serves as a bookend with Shine On You Crazy Diamond (I - V). Those two tracks are super interesting and you should absolutely consider listening to the rest of the record.
That wind you hear is the "steel breeze."
They are all about Sid Barrett.
For this album you really need to listen to the whole thing uninterrupted as it was meant to be. The songs flow into each other. Great reaction!!!!
This such an iconic LP.
Another Great Concept Album from the Greatest Band Ever.
If you venture back to live pulse 94 give The Song High Hopes a Listen.
My first introduction to Pink Floyd was The Wall in 1979, was 6 years old and fell in love immediately, the movie is great too! 👍
I love Pink Floyd, one of my favorite bands & Wish You Were Here on any given day is my favorite from them! It's even unique for Pink Floyd in terms of the tone & message...it's a beautiful tribute to Syd Barrett who was one of the founding members of the band. I wrote a paper in college about its meaning, significance & why it was written...that's how much I love this song!! Ive lost a lot of loved ones recently so this song always hits hard...gets me everytime I hear that opening & I just have to sing along with it! 😎😎😎
It is the first song every guy in the frat house learned to play.
Dark Side of the Moon is a journey and I highly recommend as a full album review. It is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest albums all time.
I can never understand that intro…This is my second favorite Pink Floyd song! The 🎸 is just gorgeous in this whole song, actually this entire album, which my husband and I have in surround!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 We listen to this every Friday evening!!❤❤
Glad you reacted to it! Thanks for reacting to it!👍👍
Phil & Sam
This is a tribute to Pink Floyd's founder, Syd Barrett who went into mental illness before Pink Floyd gotten big. Syd left the band for treatment. He died in 2006. There is another song for Syd called Shine On Crazy Diamond.
No, contrary to what you think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this:
Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent."
Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.”
These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
A number from the Pulse concert? My suggestion is "Run Like Hell"!
A song by Pink Floyd I think you'll like from the Pulse concert is One Of These Days.
In 1965 I was 16 it was the beginning of a fantastic magical musical journey for my generation born in deganwy Wales in great Britain you can imagine there was so much musical talent emerging back then to name but a few pink floyd obviously zeppelin genesis moody blues kinks stones beatles the who queen the list goes on I'm 74 years young now and I still listen to most of them pink floyd I rarely go a day without listening to some of their incredible music I think we were a very lucky generation if you get to it I recommend you listen to echoes at the gdansk concert not to be missed you need to listen to it a few times to appreciate its complexity and musical prowess and genius goes without saying just one of my favourite tracks enjoy and rock on
I look at the beginning as that is him playing on the radio and years pass and he hears it again and he is wishes he could relive the early years. Just my take.
Pink Floyd,like Jethro Tull,p or Alan Parsons Project,should be listened to by album only,you wouldn’t open a thrilling and complex book a few pages in,read 15 pages and hope to understand what’s going on would you.
Animals by PF is an excellent example,from 1st note and lyric to last,the story unfolds and makes sense.
My favourite Floyd album among many favourites.
The track “Dogs” is a masterpiece tour de force that has to be listened to from that album.
actually chicago do a good 'wish you were here' too not quite the rock gods of this but its just as chill and vibey but a more beachy feel.
Wish you were here from pulse is really good! Good reaction
Echoing what everyone has already said, this song is about former band member Syd Barrett. I suggest looking up a bit about Syd, and maybe checking out one of the albums he wrote with Pink Floyd.
The Pulse concert is great. But I am a bigger fan of the Delicate Sound of Thunder tour. Biased because I was there at the concert when it was recorded. Next song I would love to hear One Of These Days live from the Delicate Sound of Thunder.
Watch David Gilmour “In any tongue” live at Pompeii .
Magnificent
I love this song. Its my favorite Pink Floyd song and second is 'Hey You.'
Wish You Were Here is the best out of many many amazing songs
yes listening to this whole album from start to finish is an eye opening experience to say the least!
The Pulse concert version of Wish You Were Here is outstanding.
The other great track is 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' which also refers to Syd. You really do need to listen to the whole album to understand the depth of meaning involved.
Wrong again guys, there was a lot of depth in those lyrics. You guys really need to put your listening ears on and have some depth of soul when you do your reactions. Pfft. Just another one of your lousy reaction reviews.
If you listen very close during the intro, you can hear water percolating and a small cough. That is the sound of a water bong.
The first musical notes heard are of a radio dial being moved, Tchaikovsky's 'Fourth Symphony' barely audible for a few notes. The dial is moved again and a newscast can be heard, but only certain words are understood, “disciplinary remains mercilessly”, “with you Derek, this nonsense”, “is it”, “I'm sure of it”.
First song I learned to play on guitar
Just watching two people experience this song makes me cry.
You are on point that sometimes (often) Pink Floyd tunes need to be understood in context. For example, the last lyrics of time relate to people in a church on their knees and then transitions into Great Gig in the Sky (GGITS) which gives voice to t b e 5 stages of dying (denial, anger, negotiation, regret, and finally acceptance). Think about it.
Also, Comfortably Numb was the 2nd song of the encore and the 22nd song of the concert. "Run Like Hell" followed CN and was the concert closer. Recommend checking it out!!
Welcome to the pink floyd machine
This is the same as most Pink Floyd albums. You need to listen to the entire album in a sitting to understand the songs.
About Syd Barrett as everyone else has mentioned. You really should listen to the whole album. It’ll make more sense if you do. Thanks guys.
Contrary to what they and you think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this:
Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent."
Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.”
These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
Founded is 1965, I'm watching this at 6:30 pm cst, still at the intro.
First started listening to Pink Floyd in 1969 ( Ummagumma album ) then by '71 with the "Meddle" Album I was hooked. I was able to see them Live in '77 and '79. They are a sit down listen to the full album start to finish. Same with the "Moody Blues"
The song and album 'Wish you were here' was about Pink Floyd's original guitarist/ vocalist/ songwriter/ founder Syd Barrett, who wrote and recorded the band's 1967 debut album 'Piper at the Gates of dawn' ...but Syd suffered a mental breakdown from drug abuse and was out of the band by 1968 as they recorded a 2nd album 'Saucerful of secrets'... David Gilmour (guitar/ vocals) was also a close friend of Syd Barrett, who replaced him in Pink Floyd... Roger Waters (bass/ vocals) wrote the lyrics in 1975 about his lost friend and former bandmate Syd... the epic 'Shine on you crazy diamond' (which is most of the album) was a tribute to Syd.
The strange thing that occurred while the band was recording 'Wish you were here'... a fellow turned up in the studio that none of the members recognized - it was Syd Barrett. He had gained weight, shaved all his hair and eyebrows and was "jumping up and down, brushing his teeth" (according to keyboardist Richard Wright) ... The 4 members of Pink Floyd were devastated to see how far gone he was, but he disappeared before they could do anything to help him... Pink Floyd were rich and famous at that point, but the man who started the band was a shell of his former self.
When Pink Floyd released 'The Wall' movie in 1982, there r scenes depicting the movie's central character 'Pink' shaving off his hair and eyebrows and becoming a deranged performer... Another scene showed the character sitting in a chair staring into space while a cigarette burned through his fingers - Roger Waters had apparently seen Syd in that state.
Syd Barrett reportedly walked back to Cambridge around 1977 and spent the rest of his life under the care of his family and mental institutions... He had apparently deteriorated from diabetes in his last years and passed away in 2006. Pink Floyd always made sure his family collected his royalty checks from early Pink Floyd songs that he had written .
'Wish you were here' was also a sharp dig against the music industry - the album cover showed 2 men in suits shaking hands, but 1 of them was on fire (It was about getting 'burnt' by the music business) ... Pink Floyd was selling millions of copies of their 1973 album 'Dark side of the Moon'... but may not have been paid what they had earned.
Roger Waters had known Syd Barrett from school in Cambridge, England... and they became close friends. David Gilmour was also a close friend who knew him when they were kids... When he became a university student in London around 1965, he and Roger formed Pink Floyd w/ fellow students Bob Klose, Richard Wright and Nick Mason... Klose soon left and Pink Floyd wrote original songs that Syd was composing and the band was signed in 1967 on the strength of the single 'Arnold Layne'... But as Pink Floyd toured for their first album, Syd had apparently consumed too many drugs and was spaced out... He couldn't perform without behaving oddly and made touring a difficult prospect. By 1968, Syd could no longer remember the songs he was writing and Pink Floyd decided to ask David Gilmour to come in and learn the songs... One day, they decided not to pick him up for shows they were playing.
Syd Barrett released 2 solo albums in the late 60's before disappearing from public view.
In 1994, the Pink Floyd video for 'High Hopes' depicted a giant statue of Syd Barrett's head being carried in the open - it was Gilmour's nod to his lost friend.
The wind sounds at the end is the lead in to the next track, the second part of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'
the opening is a person turning the dial on his radio settling on a guitar playing and he picks up his guitar and plys along.
I bet PinkFloydBigFan wouldn't have messed up the lyrics.
Best album ever , darkside is 2nd best for me.
To me, “here” means in the moment. Living life as an active participant, not a helpless bystander.
From Pulse "Time" would be a great choice!
You will love "The Rocket Man" by The Spotnicks - (1962)
It's about Syd, like much of their music is about Syd or heavily inspired in some way. Syd may have only been in the band for 11 months, however the the GHOST of Syd never really left at all.
I love the old guy cough at the beginning. I told my wife, no 10 year old coughs like that.
You are correct on the concept thinking. Best band ever live.
My first self bought cassette as a kid Pink Floyd Wish you were here. I was 12 ish 74 ish.😈😎🇧🇻
Floyd is arguably one of the 5 most important bands of the post WW11 English rock bands. Started has a trippy, avant garde project, after Syd Barrett left in '67, and Dave Gilmore became a permanent member they moved more twords introspective and progressive themes. They are regarded has essential listening.
1966? Anyway, i think the song could be both about the original singer and about the band falling into the record industry's expectations.
Playing with a song on the radio at the beginning,
Sam had some serious Pink Floyd stank face goin on!!! All time great track.
Money live pulse is great with an extended version. The whole pulse concert is fire. High Hopes is amazing
I saw some video of theirs when I was a teen of Shine on You Crazy Diamond I think when they lit a cigarette on a lazer
Pink Floyd - "High Hopes"🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Roger Waters has said his favorite line he ever wrote was: Did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage. Let your mind dig deep into that line.
about the lyrics a walk-on part of the wall to a lead role in a cage, Roger Waters says the “walk on part in the war” refers to a small, insignificant role in the grand scheme of things, while the “lead role in a cage” refers to a life of luxury and comfort that is ultimately unfulfilling and limiting. he actually says “All [my] songs are encouraging me; I guess I write them for me,” Waters explains during a new documentary, Pink Floyd: The Story Of Wish You Were Here. “It’s to encourage myself not to accept a lead role in a cage, but to go on demanding of myself that I keep auditioning for the walk-on part in the war, ‘cause that’s where I want to be. I wanna be in the trenches. I don’t want to be at headquarters; I don’t wanna be sitting in a hotel somewhere. I wanna be engaged.”
This album plus Dark Side of the Moon and animal, than the wall are all concepts album! They must all be listened to from beginning to end without interruption!
Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here! Are to me there’s greatest album!
There are several documentaries about Pink Floyd here on TH-cam, but my favorite of them is "Which One Is Pink". It's about an hour long, and since you're interested in them, I recommend giving that one a watch.
What's always interesting about Pink Floyd is that behind each song there is an interesting story.
Behind the recording of this song, we can learn that various versions attracted the attention of the band.
There was, among other things, a version with violin, replacing David Gilmour's guitar, since Stéphane Grapelli who was present in the studio at that time was one of the possible alternatives.
To learn more, search: Pink Floyd - The Record Producers: 2-3) Wish You Were Here
Shine on you crazy diamond live pulse concert, that's the one you need to react to
Merry Christmas, Phil & Sam! Would you please tell me if, and if, possibly when, are you going to check out Frank Marino "It's Begun to Rain Live At the Agora Theater"? You are truly missing out on an amazing performance. Love your reactions, stay safe, and be well! ✌️ ☮️ 🔥🎵🎶🎸🎄❤️
Probably the cruelest thing about their former bandmate Sid Barrett’s condition was that between the onset of schizophrenia and the psychedelic drugs he used, he was still there, but his mind was pretty well gone.
Contrary to what many think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this:
Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent."
Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.”
These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
If you look for and attend the Pink Floyd exhibit touring many cities you will find that it features hundreds of opinions from all 4 members on the Syd tragedy and 1 song is specifically about him, while several songs, lyrics and albums are "inspired" by his tragedy but meant to apply to anyone touched by this kind of issue, and this is one such song. Their flow through theme is "Empathy".
Ostensibly it is, of course, about Syd Barrett. However, the details of the "AM Radio" mono sound at the beginning, in my mind, is like a distant autobiographical memory/recording of the past. The past self plays and the current self replies. It's a memory of the younger self. This interpretation also works well in:
"how i wish, how i wish you were here
we're just two lost souls
swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
running over the same old ground
what have we found? the same old fears...
wish you were here."
This could certainly be interpreted as the older person speaking towards a separate (younger) version of himself (as I've gotten older, what have I found? The same old fears. Wish I was younger and knew then what I know now).
The beauty of music is one can apply the work to their own circumstances.
But yeah, the song is, officially, simply about Syd.
Contrary to what you may think, this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this:
Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent."
Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.”
These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
React to AC DC "Beating around the bush".
5:58… Hits me Hard, Every time…
Formed in 1965 with the name sigma 6 and had many other names before they settled on the name pink floyd.
This is my favorite Floyd Album. Have a cigar is bomb 🔥Much love from Canada ❤️🇨🇦
The sounds at the end of 'Have a Cigar' and the beginning of 'Wish You Were Here' were picked up randomly from a radio, recorded from Gilmour's car.
As far as the lyrics go, this is what I can make of it-
"Disciplinary remains merciful"
"Yes and not with you Derek, this star nonsense."
"Yes, yes"
"Now which is it?"
"I am sure of it"
The Pulse concert version is excellent - where you can see how David is doing scat with the guitar solo... And the opening is supposed to be an AM radio broadcast and someone fiddling with the tuning dial and comes across this song. David explains it in this interview:
th-cam.com/video/9G91HQRSKW4/w-d-xo.html (David Gilmour Talks About Wish You Were Here) He explains the opening of this song at time 6:35
i so LUV that this was **Made By ZeppelinBigFan** cuz it makes me feel like i am not alone in the fact that ONLY **Led Zeppelin** & **Pink Floyd** (for me at least) are the only two bands that have the power to bring me to THAT place where ever that place is where Time & Space disappear & i am no longer here it is like an out of body experience no longer aware of your surroundings & yea just off in this nowhere (cept its **Beautiful**) place/space it is a **GloriousMagicalGift** tho there are indeed some other artists that make this happen for me as well but not as consistently & constantly as with **Zep** & **Floyd** **Thank YOU** for listening to this **Happy Holidays To You & ALL** **PixieTwirlsWhilstJugglinCandyCanes**
Syd Barrett, the founder of Pink Floyd suffered from schitzephrenia and during the "legal" period of LSD in London in 1965-66 he had spent a very long time taking massive LSD doses. He eventually eroded into madness, not being recognizable to his own band mates and friends. David Gilmour (guitar master) was brought in to replace him.
Pink Floyd uses tons of effects, even just a clip from the television as background noise. It is not meant to be analyzed it is just sound effect.
Back in high school, I translated this song into Latin:
Qui volo, qui te adesse volo
Sumus animi duo natantes in aquario
Annum post annum
Currentes super idem solum
Quid impetavimus? Idem metus.
Te adesse volo.
My dad used to sing this to me and my sister to help us sleep, I did the same for my son which is beautiful, but now has a somber tone as we we wish dad was still here, the memories will live on forever ❤ great reaction my dudes!
He's tuning the radio, then the guitar comes on the radio, he plays along with it
This one and Time hit me deeper every year.
P.S. I had never considered before how reactors have to be careful not to hear something they might want to do a reaction video to. Now I'm laughing at the prospect of being at a party or something and yelling, "No! Turn it off! I haven't heard this one yet!" 😂
I noticed turning up your volume to try and hear the first part…. Why wouldn’t be WIDE OPEN from the rip? I’ve always wondered how people listen to music that isn’t cranked up⁉️⁉️
ONE OF THE GREATS BY THE FLOYD 67? DAMMIT IM OLD
Like what's been said, it was a dedication to Syd Barrett, who, because of all his acid intake, went schizophrenic. My favorite song off my favorite album by them. Was a sophomore in college when this came out.
And they're all wrong as this song was NOT written about Syd Barrett. And here are the quotes from the band to indicate this:
Waters, who wrote the lyrics, has said: “There’s one song that’s about Syd (“Shine on You Crazy Diamond”), but the rest of it isn’t. It’s a much more universal expression of my feelings about absence. Because I felt that we weren’t really there. We were very absent."
Gilmour also added: “Although “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is the one that is specifically about Syd, and “Wish You Were Here” has a wider remit, I can’t sing it without thinking about Syd.”
These quotes appear out of their own mouths at 14:08 and 53:17 on the DVD “The Story of Wish You Were Here”.
Most people don't realize, until they see a live version, David is vocally harmonizing with the lead guitar parts. With Floyd you often have to remember context of time. The Vietnam War hadn't been over that long before.
This is one of my top 3 bands all time (if I ever HAD to pick). I LOVE these lyrics. I also love that you two are exploring music from my distant past, when I was hearing it live or "just released." Great reaction!
Do Sorrow from pulse concert US and Them from pulse, Keep Talking from pulse also. Run Like Hell from pulse
It’s about the original singer who quit the band, they wish be was still with them
It's funny that the younger generations do not recognize turning an old car radio dial through all the stations. It is in many movies, but that was the sound in the beginning. It's Pink Floyd, you are not supposed to think too hard. You just say "woah, that was deep" lol
I believe that the song is for Sid Barrett. he was one of the founding members of the band, and songwriter as well. Sad had problems with drug use that lead to mental issues as well. David Gilmour was added to the band to replace Sid.
Have you tried Another Brick In The Wall. It's really good.