Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here
I am sure this song sparks memories for many people. For me this is a sad story about the death of my mother-in-law after battling cancer for several years. The day of the funeral was surreal to say the least. My wife was obviously devastated and I managed to get through the speech I gave at the eulogy. Then following funeral service, we all drove in the funeral procession to the cemetery. The very first song that played on the radio was Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here. It seemed as if the DJ knew exactly what to play at hat very moment. To this day (~6 years later) my wife and I have a hard time listening to that song. This is a testament to how much songs can play a part in the memory of a loved one lost. I am sure this theme will be repeated over and over as we discuss songs.
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A sad memory indeed. WYWH reminds me of the time I owned an LP well before its release. Here in the UK, DJ Nicky Horne played the entire album on his radio show, weeks before it was in the shops and I was there (along with others, no doubt) with my cassette recorder! By the time it was released it hardly seemed worth buying but I did anyway - it's what music is all about.
ReplyDeleteGreat start to your new blog.
Hi music obsessive. First let me say I am giddy with getting my first comment. Thank you very much. That being said, I love how music plays such a role in peoples lives to the point where we sometimes take it for granted. Its always there but only sparked when we hear the song. I am sure as I go on with this blog more and more memories are going to flood in. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteSpring of 1999, I was spending my final semester of college in a really cool off-campus program in Chicago. The city literally was our classroom. During the program's spring break in early April. My then-girlfriend flew in from NJ. We went to the Pink Floyd Welcome to the Machine Laser light show at the Museum of Science & Industry. I remember it being rather warm and a bit sticky as it was unseasonably warm for April in Chicago and the Museum had not yet turned on their AC. I remember kissing my girlfriend during Wish You Were Here. The relationship ended up not panning out. But of all the relationships I've been in that didn't end up working out, that one ended the most amicably. We had some great times while we were dating that I will always look back on fondly and this is one of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the story Perplexio. This is one of those songs I really believe that most people over a certain age have a story for. It cuts across all demographics and really tugs at the heartstrings of people for both happy and sad memories.
ReplyDeleteI've read that the song was written for original Pink Floyd member, Syd Barrett. Barrett actually showed up at the studios while the album was being recorded. He'd shaved his head and put on a lot of weight. At first his former bandmates didn't recognize him. He commented on the material being recorded what he did and didn't like about it. I believe I read that it was Roger Waters who first realized it was Syd.
ReplyDeleteI have read that same story. I always thought that Shine on You Crazy Diamond was the song dedicated to Syd. He was a troubled soul indeed. Their first couple of albums had some really weird lyrics. Arnold Layne, Apples and Oranges, The Scarecrow, etc. The band really second guessed themselves after he left. But the rest they say is history. I only got to see them for the Division Bell tour. It was a magical concert.
ReplyDeleteThe whole album is a tribute to Syd. To some extent or another all the songs are about or tributes to him.
ReplyDeleteBut you're right about Shine On You Crazy Diamond, perhaps moreso than any other song on the album, that one is about Syd.