Beyond the obvious homage to former band mate and founding member Syd Barrett, it’s a message of appreciation for the things we all value, and the importance of holding on to them against the pressures to give them up for things of little value, leaving us with regret. The lament of a longtime friend whose memory leaves them regretful they didn’t do more at the time to understand his peril looms large upon reflection. Another brilliant effort we’ve all come to expect from Floyd.
This song actually wasn't about Syd..Shine On was. Wish You Were Here is Roger Waters' lament about how after Dark Side of the Moon everything changed, especially between him and David Gilmour. Roger said it might more accurately be called "Wish WE Were Here," as in wishing they were the way they were when it was just a band of four guys making music, as opposed to the big business it all morphed into (which is what the song preceding this one, Have a Cigar, is about).
@@toddfrank3344 Todd, I must agree with you. I’ve also heard this explanation and for the life of me it escaped me at the time. Thanks for the clarification. It’s appreciated.
The departure of Syd Barrett really hit Roger Waters hard. Not just because he was his friend, Waters fell compelled to take the creative reigns and direction of the group personally. It caused a lot of disharmony, but it also made for some of the greatest music of the 20th century.
Here is the really weird part - "the band were completing the mix of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" when an overweight man with shaven head and eyebrows entered, carrying a plastic bag. Waters did not recognize him. Gilmour presumed he was an EMI staff member. Wright presumed he was a friend of Waters, but realized it was Barrett. Mason also failed to recognize him and was "horrified" when Gilmour identified him.
We had this played at my sons funeral Christmas 2019 . He used to play this on the guitar and sing it out by the firepit lots of great memories and now some sad ones listening to this song
Asia & BJ- Great reaction to "Wish you were here"- I remember buying this album in 1975, and listening to it with my brother, Marvin. A few years later he was killed in a plane crash at O'Hara Airport in 1979. This song always reminds me of him, wishing he was here.
I used this song for my son's ring tone when he was deployed to Baghdad. I can't help it, but I damn near cry every time I hear it. Thankfully, my son came home.
Asia and BJ, what a piece of brilliance you have chosen to listen to. This is one of my "go-to" songs I refer many to when they think the new stuff they listen to is the greatest thing in music. This song hits me deeply personally because 1) I will always choose a "lead role in a cage" before ever participating in a war and 2) this was the last song I played on my guitar before being diagnosed with a medical condition that has deteriorated my joints. Keep rocking and educating the youngsters who discover music through your efforts!👍👍
The walk on part in the war refers to fighting for human rights as opposed to a lead role in a cage-a singer being bound and owned by recording obligations and seeking the limelight. Maybe just my take.
@@brentbeardsley655 We know what it means, like the Heart song "Barracuda" (according to Ann and Nancy) about the execs in the record business they dealt with. I was born during the time of the Vietnam War draft. Also, many of my friends were either in Operation Desert Storm or in the wars after 9/11. With that said, when war is so close in someone in their life, at a certain age, they have to face a choice that might happen in the future. I vowed since before I register for selective service that I was not going to participate in any war. That meant even if it was not the popular choice (walk-on part) and I would face jail, torture, or even execution (a lead role in a cage).
@@lewistasso8866 brother the line has nothing to do with a real war. Its choosing to take a small roll in something grand as opposed to a lead role in something that cages you. Essentially just living for something greater than yourself despite your fears.
Props for learning to play this song! I learned the intro years ago, but never the whole song, as it was just too advanced for me. It sounds deceptively simple, but I quickly found myself learning about hammer-ons, pull-offs, and that quick pair of double slides. Also, don't mind those who disagree with your interpretation of "lead role in a cage." The song can mean different things to different people, and personally, I used to think that line might have referred to Muhammad Ali.
As soon as I heard this song in college, I felt like it was a message to my father. I lost him in a car accident when I was 11 and he was only 41. I really wish he'd been here through some of my though times. Today is also his birthday. He would've been 72. Thanks for the reaction 💖🦋
This song hits me hard for many reasons, but one of the lines that always gets me "Did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage". Addiction is a hell of a thing. Peace!
I had thought of this particular line as possibly an anti-war sentiment, something to the effect of: “Did you choose to go to jail rather than accept being drafted?”
@@MattSkosh interesting - I always thought of it as refusing to fight for what you believe in and instead exchange it for a comfortable life with no freedom. Either way, I think it is my favourite PF line.
For Pink Floyd, this song is so simple, and short. But somehow it is even more impactful. While the song isn’t really about death, more about the mental or emotional absence of someone who is physically there, but not there in other ways…. I couldn’t take my eyes off the Kobe picture in the background. Right before watching this, i saw a Facebook memory pop up on my page from three years ago. And the combination of this song and the Kobe picture made me cry all over again.
Never has there been a band that so brilliantly creates a mood and atmosphere that goes straight to your soul and then lyrics that keep you thinking long after the song is over.
My favorite Pink Floyd song. Always think of my son who died a few years ago when I hear this. He was so young, but was absolutely brilliant in his music knowledge. 💕
One of my favorite lines in music history " did you exchange a walk-on part in the war, for lead role in a cage" This song is Beautiful. It's beautifully written. It's lyrically excellent. And pretty timeless. Absolutely love this one
I grew up with a mother who was paranoid schizophrenic-my childhood was very difficult but also wonderful. When she was sane, she was angelic. When not, she was angry, paranoid and aggressive. She was also a great pianist. It reminds me of Aristotle who said, “there is no great genius without some touch of madness.” God bless y’all! I love your kindness and humor. K
FROM GOOGLE: The song is about Syd Barrett, the original frontman and chief songwriter of the Floyd, who left the group in 1968 after his mental and physical health and reliabity deteriorated thanks to heavy drug use.
Yeah I don't know what other drugs he was doing but I know they said a lot of acid and then he just kind of lost it and Shine On You Crazy Diamond is supposed to be about him
Yes… I’ve always heard this song was about Syd. FYI… Syd Barrett had a full blown mental breakdown and I believe he was diagnosed schizophrenic. So it was like he was here but not here mentally. That’s always been what I have heard.
the band was in studio for rehearsal waiting when their manager came in and said "somethings happened to sid" he was living in a commun and was found after either taking too much or getting some bad acid , and fried his brain . the line in shine on you crazy diamond, " nobody knows where u are, how near or how far." is quite literal unfortunately. he couldve been fully aware but incapable of understanding or just as likely swimming in outer space w a rainbow twinkie swinging from a winibego comet on its way to a resort nebula.
This song makes me think of a great friend who passed away the night I saw Floyd. We asked him to come to the show with us and he declined . RIP Chris and to all passed too soon friends .
“Smile from a veil” means that some people hide behind their smile, and wear a happy face like armor, never letting you see that they’re really vulnerable and hurting.
Another incredible tune by Pink Floyd. This song was played at my best friends funeral, it was amazing and melancholy. The effect was overwhelming, I may even request this when my time here is done.
I’m not a huge Pink Floyd fan, but this song is awesome. Love everything about it. David Gilmore is an amazing musician and his singing is very emotional. Love it!
You’re both right. The 1st verse is about the choices we make and whether or not we see what’s right in front of our eyes. The 2nd is about Syd Barret, a founding member of the band whose story is a sad tragedy. He lost his mind, wandered away from everyone and everything and eventually died alone in obscurity. David Gilmore, who you just don’t expect to hear playing an acoustic guitar (at least not back then) was the one who took Syd’s place in the band. This is the only Pink Floyd song I ever learned to play all the way through. I know I do it wrong, but every time I’ve ever played it for anyone they told me they liked it. Much love ❤️
Hi coming from Nottinghamshire 🏴 when Growing up listening to Rock Music especially PINK FLOYD now aged 66 I am still listening to PINK FLOYD Dark side of the 🌒 was in The U S Album charts at Number one for 975 weeks
Just found your channel. Love you both ❤️ From a soon to be a 61 year old shot out, busted ass white guy. My older sister, 64, passed away yesterday. No. Words. Thank you for this song. Be well and be kind to each other.
One of the greatest poems set to music. Lyrical genius meets musical excellence. A tour de force of the music world. ________________ And disciplinary remains mercifully Yes and um, I'm with you Derek, this star nonsense Yes, yes Now which is it? I am sure of it So, so you think you can tell Heaven from hell? Blue skies from pain? Can you tell a green field From a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell? Did they get you to trade Your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change? Did you exchange A walk-on part in the war For a leading role in a cage? 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 ----------- Exquisite
This song is about Syd Barrett, the original singer and guitarist of Pink Floyd. Barrett was basically kicked out of PF for burning himself out on drugs. This led to David Gilmore joining and forming the classic lineup that did Dark side of the moon, Wish you were here, Animals, and The Wall albums.
This song was played at my brother's funeral last year. He took his own life and I think I will never get over it. I wish he was still here, I really miss him.
Pink Floyd has written some of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard, with some of the most thoughtful lyrics to go with the music. That dudes in their 20s could pull this off amazes me. Such incredible artistry, talent, intelligence, and compassion leaves me awestruck.
BJ you're totally spot on - Pink Floyd has always had this amazing ability to draw on intensely personal and emotional life experiences and present them in a way we all immediately identify with. Most of their songs deal with regret or loss in friendships, romantic, or family relationships, or other human universal experiences. Nobody else sounds like Pink Floyd, they are really something.
This song gained a place close to my heart during my first years of college, after my best friend from high school and I left each other behind and moved to different schools on opposite sides of the country. It's still one of my favorites.
The "smile/veil" referencing follows in the theme of underlying elements, "can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail, a smile from a veil..." in which I think he's referring to an actual smile from the soul as opposed to the smiles we present even when there's pain or torment within. "So you think you can tell heaven from hell," hints at this prior, it's really an inspired lyrical procession.
Wish You Were Here and Shine on You Crazy Diamond were homages by David Gilmore Roger Watters nick mason and Rick wright to the founder of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett. Sid was the inspirational genius who started the band in 1965. Unfortunately he did his share of psychedelic drugs and eventually lost to insanity. He left the band in 1968 because of mental illness. The band never forgot him or his vision. He died in 2006.
This is the first song of pink floyd I was hooked on with this album in the 70s. That unmistakable guitar intro gets me every time. The line " we are just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year. " is such a great line. Check out the live pulse concert of 1994. It's incredible.
When I 1st met my wife we lived 600 miles apart. We traveled back and forth for over 2 years to see each other every chance we got and this was our song. We have been together for 20 years now. 🥰 "Two lost souls living in a fish bowl year after year" but not anymore.
You really must start from the beginning with Pink Floyd to appreciate their pure genius.. way before their time… I’m jealous I wish I could experience them again for the first time…start with their very first album..
One Of My Fav. Song Lyrics…”Were Just 2 Lost Souls Swimming In Fish Bowl..Year After Year..Running Over The Same Old Ground…But What Have We Found?? Same Old Fears”
When I first heard this song in 1975 it reminded me of my older brother that had came back from Nam a few years earlier and it was as though I was looking at him through a veil. He was killed in a single car wreck a few months later. He was probably back in the jungle right before the rollover. He would tell me that he would go back often. RIP Brother. I still remember you, always will. Loved the song and reaction. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I like the way they took a common line from a holiday (vacation) post card, "Wish you were here," that you might send to a friend back home, and turned it into a masterpiece on changes in life and deep feeling of loss (previously mentioned Syd Barret).
Amazing when I hear this song no matter what part of the world it is played people sing the lyrics. song about wishing Sid would get back in the present. No one had seen him in yrs, as they were recording in Abbey Road studios Sid just walk in out of the blue and no one recognized him for several minutes. he had change that much even in his eyes. Dave said like the light went out of him.
BJ love the Malcolm Tee! This Pink Floyd album was loosely based around the loss of one of the original members of the band Rodger Stu Barrett who was the principal singer and songwriter on the band’s first two albums and several singles during their early psychedelic era.
Love the fact you've done this. Pink floyd are one of those bands everyone has heard of but nobody listens to...but when you do you realise why their album dark side of the moon was in the charts for 14 years ! ❤
This song is kind of special to me. When I was in boot camp, I was so stressed out, and as much as I loved music, this was the only song that I could remember the lyrics to. Once i graduated boot camp, all the lyrics to my favorite songs came flooding back. But why this song stayed with me is still a mystery.
Believe it or not, Either one of you can play these chords in one day. Actually you'd be surprised how easy a lot of these classic rock songs are easy to learn. Of course the solos require a lot of know how. Never too old.
A 50 plus lady here from the UK. I so love you two... my favourite reaction channel. You guys are so sweet together..... you make me smile . Asia is so pretty and BJ so handsome. A beautiful couple.
Pink Floyd is the best band of all time if you take all aspects of musicianship, creativity and lyrics into account. I really don't think there's a close second.
First time I made it over here I've been checking out all your movies and really loving your stuff Thanks for all you do. Wow just checked out your playlist, a lot of great stuff for me to check out. However, I can't believe I didn't see any Steely Dan.... Just about everything they produced is gold... Oh so sweet. You will LOVE them. Their Aja LP is used by high end stereo shops to demonstrate the equipments capabilities. I'm not sure you'd find anyone who would say steely Dan has a bad song They really have just done everything two guys that have just brought in the best of the best to support them and produced many great albums. I hope you consider them one day.
My dad singing this to me and my sister when we were babies to get us to sleep, funny how it comes around, that now hes not here and I would give anything to hear that again, all I can do is keep it alive and sing this to my son
I saw them in concert 4 times . The Pulse tour , The Wall , Dark Side tour & Roger Waters live in Berlin when the Berlin wall came down . Brian Adams did a pretty good job on that .
Syd Barrett just miraculously showed up the day Pink Floyd was recording & working on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" completely hairless including eye brows with a toothbrush & a bag of candy. No one recognized him for the longest time. Much of Pink Floyd music & ideas stem from Syd, the band's life or Roger's up bringing.
I honestly feel that Dark side of the Moon is an album, perhaps the only one I can say this about, that should be listened to uninterrupted from end to end. It's a true masterpiece (not the only Floyd album in this category) from a band that somehow developed a sound so unique that it has lasted the eons of time. It's great too to see new fans discovering the magic of their music. FYI - It also reminds me of how old I am. Bummer but that's life.
The veil is a metaphor as to truth and reality honestly versus falsehoods. It was about missing Syd Barrett one of the founding members who passed away in 08. I like the fact they used classical guitars I think they were Resonators, a call-out as his life resonates with them still. You would know one if you saw it. They were the old school blues guitars and that too is a reference to the past. Nice you got me...in my feels. A Resonator guitar has a tin center piece that gives it a distinct sound.
This is mostly references to Syd Barrett, their leading founding member who through a combination of mental issues and massive doses of LSD became lost mentally and wandered out of the group.
The song is written about Syd Barret, one of the founding members and early creative force of PF, who, unfortunately, suffered from a psychotic break and eventual nervous breakdown. Because of his condition he was forced out of the group in 1968. He and Roger Waters were very close friends. The last time they saw him he dropped by the studio unannounced, with a glazed look on his face and didn’t seem to recognize anyone there. If you want to get a taste of the band with his input you need to listen to “Piper At The Gates Of Dawn”, or “Saucerful Of Secrets”. Their first two albums.
FYI the guitar chords were “borrowed” from Van Morrison’s Almost Independence Day which was released 2 years before Wish came out. As a huge Floyd & Van Morrison fan it shocked me when I found out a couple years ago. If anyone else knew this plz comment below
An ode to the founder of Pink Floyd. Syd Barrett. Whom, it is said to have unfortunately taken one too many acid trips and never came back. Another ode to Barrett is the tune, Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Both songs are from the same album. Wish You Were Here....
After the mega selling album "Dark Side of the Moon" some fans and Critics slaged WYWH, but they were so Wrong! A Masterpiece along right next to DSOTM!
This is one of "those songs" that shouldn't be listened to out of context! This whole album tells a story and the song really can't appreciated without hearing what came before it!
I've seen P.F. Live 4 times, Most incredible shows ever. If you want to watch the best three man band and greatest drummer and have never seen them before start with this .........“Rush - The Real History of Rush / Tom Sawyer: Time Machine Tour 2011: Live In Cleveland”
When y'all watch Pink Floyd, they should always be watched live. You miss so much when u don't c them perform!! They have to be seen to be Fully appreciated!!They r an experience that u don't get watching lyric videos!! Start out with anything from pulse 94 live!!
Agreed that they should be experienced live, but only after having taken in the studio versions. There are so many nuances and aspects that are often missed when watching the live performances, even if Floyd always takes care to include those nuances live.
love you guys for trying out music that might be outside of your comfort zone.......i discovered this music when i was 12. i feel like im still discovering it
Pink Floyd dedicated several songs to a former band member and founder Syd Barret, "Whish you were here", "Shine on you, crazy diamond", "Nobody home". He left the band due to a combination of mental illness and drugs. He was the driving force behind the experimental nature of the band, the long intros and the amazing guitar new sounds (for that time). Although their best pieces were written after Syd left the band, he was always a source of inspiration for them, especially for Roger Waters.
Yes,I think this song. Maybe, this whole album is about Syd.And he did ,for lack of better terms, go crazed and suffer mental issues. Which people say was related to large amounts of LSD. So, wish you were here. Could be not just the physical absence of Syd not in the band. But him not really there in his mind as well. The song also by them. SHINE ON CRAZY DIAMOND. Is on record as being about Syd. Great song. Yall should do a video on that one!! Anyways, Syd Barret did really interesting and wild solo work after Pink Floyd I think. Big fan of Pink Floyd and Syd. Great song choice! And as always. Another great video. 👍
You people who do reaction videos have no idea how important you are, I watch watch alot of other people that do reaction videos, you are bringing connection to us all. Love you Asia and BJ, I also love Tom MacDonald and Adam Calhoun, and I'm a big supporter of Andrew and Tristan Tate. Thanks for all you do.
Another great reaction from 2 delightful people. Appreciate you both. Your channel is a regular part of my day. I saved your reaction video to "Pirates Of The Caribbean -- Black Pearl" to watch later. Looking forward to that.
30k views in a day! Asia, it hit you deep coz that's the Floyd sound. You can close your eyes to their songs, and it's like your high when you're not. It's on another plane I believe. Nothing else like them. ♡
I think it has a little bit to do with Syd Barrett but I read an interview with Rodger Waters talking about how difficult it was after writing Dark Side of the Moon be creative and how the tensions in the band really started. And the "you" in wish you were here was their creativity without tension. Another one of those songs it's infinitely interpretable, leaving it up to the listener to give it meaning. Which makes it even more beautiful
A smile from a veil. Can you see the truth in people. the whole thing is about has sociaty fooled you to thinking good is bad, Hot air for a cool breeze....Are you able to tell the difference or has sociaty made the hot air ( factorys, Citys) so common you cant even remember what a cool summer beeze look like.
Beyond the obvious homage to former band mate and founding member Syd Barrett, it’s a message of appreciation for the things we all value, and the importance of holding on to them against the pressures to give them up for things of little value, leaving us with regret. The lament of a longtime friend whose memory leaves them regretful they didn’t do more at the time to understand his peril looms large upon reflection. Another brilliant effort we’ve all come to expect from Floyd.
Good explanation!
This is a very adult/mature song
This song actually wasn't about Syd..Shine On was. Wish You Were Here is Roger Waters' lament about how after Dark Side of the Moon everything changed, especially between him and David Gilmour. Roger said it might more accurately be called "Wish WE Were Here," as in wishing they were the way they were when it was just a band of four guys making music, as opposed to the big business it all morphed into (which is what the song preceding this one, Have a Cigar, is about).
@@toddfrank3344 Todd, I must agree with you. I’ve also heard this explanation and for the life of me it escaped me at the time. Thanks for the clarification. It’s appreciated.
@@toddfrank3344 that's interesting.
The departure of Syd Barrett really hit Roger Waters hard. Not just because he was his friend, Waters fell compelled to take the creative reigns and direction of the group personally. It caused a lot of disharmony, but it also made for some of the greatest music of the 20th century.
Just clear....juste simple...just perfect....Thanks John From France :)
Actually Syd was good friend of Gilmours. They went to school together.
It´s not only Waters that it hit, it was the rest of the band.
Here is the really weird part - "the band were completing the mix of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" when an overweight man with shaven head and eyebrows entered, carrying a plastic bag. Waters did not recognize him. Gilmour presumed he was an EMI staff member. Wright presumed he was a friend of Waters, but realized it was Barrett. Mason also failed to recognize him and was "horrified" when Gilmour identified him.
Waters has said this song wasn't written about Syd. However, Gilmour says he thinks of Syd when he sings it.
We had this played at my sons funeral Christmas 2019 . He used to play this on the guitar and sing it out by the firepit lots of great memories and now some sad ones listening to this song
Asia & BJ- Great reaction to "Wish you were here"- I remember buying this album in 1975, and listening to it with my brother, Marvin. A few years later he was killed in a plane crash at O'Hara Airport in 1979. This song always reminds me of him, wishing he was here.
Damn. That must hit you in the feels every time.
I used this song for my son's ring tone when he was deployed to Baghdad. I can't help it, but I damn near cry every time I hear it. Thankfully, my son came home.
My Dad and I were such Pink floyd fans. I played this at his memorial service last year.
You pretty much got it. The story of Syd Barrett is worth a read. Well done guys.
Yes - They both got the gist of this song on the first hear.
Asia and BJ, what a piece of brilliance you have chosen to listen to. This is one of my "go-to" songs I refer many to when they think the new stuff they listen to is the greatest thing in music. This song hits me deeply personally because 1) I will always choose a "lead role in a cage" before ever participating in a war and 2) this was the last song I played on my guitar before being diagnosed with a medical condition that has deteriorated my joints. Keep rocking and educating the youngsters who discover music through your efforts!👍👍
idem
The walk on part in the war refers to fighting for human rights as opposed to a lead role in a cage-a singer being bound and owned by recording obligations and seeking the limelight. Maybe just my take.
@@brentbeardsley655 We know what it means, like the Heart song "Barracuda" (according to Ann and Nancy) about the execs in the record business they dealt with. I was born during the time of the Vietnam War draft. Also, many of my friends were either in Operation Desert Storm or in the wars after 9/11. With that said, when war is so close in someone in their life, at a certain age, they have to face a choice that might happen in the future. I vowed since before I register for selective service that I was not going to participate in any war. That meant even if it was not the popular choice (walk-on part) and I would face jail, torture, or even execution (a lead role in a cage).
@@lewistasso8866 brother the line has nothing to do with a real war. Its choosing to take a small roll in something grand as opposed to a lead role in something that cages you. Essentially just living for something greater than yourself despite your fears.
Props for learning to play this song! I learned the intro years ago, but never the whole song, as it was just too advanced for me. It sounds deceptively simple, but I quickly found myself learning about hammer-ons, pull-offs, and that quick pair of double slides. Also, don't mind those who disagree with your interpretation of "lead role in a cage." The song can mean different things to different people, and personally, I used to think that line might have referred to Muhammad Ali.
As soon as I heard this song in college, I felt like it was a message to my father. I lost him in a car accident when I was 11 and he was only 41. I really wish he'd been here through some of my though times. Today is also his birthday. He would've been 72. Thanks for the reaction 💖🦋
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I play the guitar in a Pink Floyd Tribute band.. TREMENDOUS 🔥
This song hits me hard for many reasons, but one of the lines that always gets me "Did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage". Addiction is a hell of a thing. Peace!
One of the best lines ever written.
I had thought of this particular line as possibly an anti-war sentiment, something to the effect of: “Did you choose to go to jail rather than accept being drafted?”
@@MattSkosh interesting - I always thought of it as refusing to fight for what you believe in and instead exchange it for a comfortable life with no freedom. Either way, I think it is my favourite PF line.
For Pink Floyd, this song is so simple, and short. But somehow it is even more impactful. While the song isn’t really about death, more about the mental or emotional absence of someone who is physically there, but not there in other ways…. I couldn’t take my eyes off the Kobe picture in the background. Right before watching this, i saw a Facebook memory pop up on my page from three years ago. And the combination of this song and the Kobe picture made me cry all over again.
Never has there been a band that so brilliantly creates a mood and atmosphere that goes straight to your soul and then lyrics that keep you thinking long after the song is over.
My favorite Pink Floyd song. Always think of my son who died a few years ago when I hear this. He was so young, but was absolutely brilliant in his music knowledge. 💕
One of my favorite lines in music history " did you exchange a walk-on part in the war, for lead role in a cage"
This song is Beautiful. It's beautifully written. It's lyrically excellent. And pretty timeless. Absolutely love this one
I grew up with a mother who was paranoid schizophrenic-my childhood was very difficult but also wonderful. When she was sane, she was angelic. When not, she was angry, paranoid and aggressive. She was also a great pianist. It reminds me of Aristotle who said, “there is no great genius without some touch of madness.” God bless y’all! I love your kindness and humor. K
FROM GOOGLE: The song is about Syd Barrett, the original frontman and chief songwriter of the Floyd, who left the group in 1968 after his mental and physical health and reliabity deteriorated thanks to heavy drug use.
Yeah I don't know what other drugs he was doing but I know they said a lot of acid and then he just kind of lost it and Shine On You Crazy Diamond is supposed to be about him
Yes… I’ve always heard this song was about Syd. FYI… Syd Barrett had a full blown mental breakdown and I believe he was diagnosed schizophrenic. So it was like he was here but not here mentally. That’s always been what I have heard.
the band was in studio for rehearsal waiting when their manager came in and said "somethings happened to sid" he was living in a commun and was found after either taking too much or getting some bad acid , and fried his brain . the line in shine on you crazy diamond, " nobody knows where u are, how near or how far." is quite literal unfortunately. he couldve been fully aware but incapable of understanding or just as likely swimming in outer space w a rainbow twinkie swinging from a winibego comet on its way to a resort nebula.
This song makes me think of a great friend who passed away the night I saw Floyd. We asked him to come to the show with us and he declined . RIP Chris and to all passed too soon friends .
Pink Floyd's music has always been messages to the world. Their long intros were magical. Never in a hurry to end a song.
Thanks. Another great song by Pink Floyd is ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL PART 2 live at the PULSE CONCERT.
Thank you so much for the support!!
“Smile from a veil” means that some people hide behind their smile, and wear a happy face like armor, never letting you see that they’re really vulnerable and hurting.
Asia & BJ, you'll love their "Young Lust", "Us And Them" and "On the Turning Away"!!
The live version of On the Turning Away is definitely best.
@@M63Tod Absolutely! Pink Floyd's best song--bar none--from the 2019 remastered version of "Delicate Sound of Thunder"! 🎸🎸🎸
Best mood band out of seventies! So smooth and classy! Love them!
Glad you enjoy it!
Another incredible tune by Pink Floyd. This song was played at my best friends funeral, it was amazing and melancholy. The effect was overwhelming, I may even request this when my time here is done.
I’m not a huge Pink Floyd fan, but this song is awesome. Love everything about it. David Gilmore is an amazing musician and his singing is very emotional. Love it!
You’re both right. The 1st verse is about the choices we make and whether or not we see what’s right in front of our eyes. The 2nd is about Syd Barret, a founding member of the band whose story is a sad tragedy. He lost his mind, wandered away from everyone and everything and eventually died alone in obscurity. David Gilmore, who you just don’t expect to hear playing an acoustic guitar (at least not back then) was the one who took Syd’s place in the band. This is the only Pink Floyd song I ever learned to play all the way through. I know I do it wrong, but every time I’ve ever played it for anyone they told me they liked it. Much love ❤️
Hi coming from Nottinghamshire 🏴 when
Growing up listening to Rock Music especially PINK FLOYD now aged 66 I am still listening to PINK FLOYD
Dark side of the 🌒 was in
The U S Album charts at
Number one for 975 weeks
Just found your channel. Love you both ❤️
From a soon to be a 61 year old shot out, busted ass white guy. My older sister, 64, passed away yesterday. No. Words.
Thank you for this song. Be well and be kind to each other.
Pink Floyd's magic has always been its bluesy sound and poetic (and metaphorical) lyrics.
One of the greatest poems set to music. Lyrical genius meets musical excellence. A tour de force of the music world.
________________
And disciplinary remains mercifully
Yes and um, I'm with you Derek, this star nonsense
Yes, yes
Now which is it?
I am sure of it
So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from hell?
Blue skies from pain?
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
Did they get you to trade
Your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
Did you exchange
A walk-on part in the war
For a leading role in a cage?
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
-----------
Exquisite
This song is about Syd Barrett, the original singer and guitarist of Pink Floyd. Barrett was basically kicked out of PF for burning himself out on drugs. This led to David Gilmore joining and forming the classic lineup that did Dark side of the moon, Wish you were here, Animals, and The Wall albums.
It's not about Syd, alot of people say it is but it's not , wrong song. Shine on is .
@@danjames5552 Well, Waters said it was,so.....
@@brianmcmaster5112 no he did not , he never said that at all . Not once did he ever say that .
I am in floods of tears everytime I listen to this one. I'd give ANYTHING to have another hour with my incredible parents...
The whole album is like a story, which this is only a small part. You should listen to the entire album. Love it! It's groundbreaking!
Wish You Were Here is my favorite Pink Floyd album. Every song is awesome.
This song was played at my brother's funeral last year. He took his own life and I think I will never get over it. I wish he was still here, I really miss him.
Pink Floyd has written some of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard, with some of the most thoughtful lyrics to go with the music. That dudes in their 20s could pull this off amazes me. Such incredible artistry, talent, intelligence, and compassion leaves me awestruck.
This has my favorite lyric of all time: “Did you exchange, a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage?”
BJ you're totally spot on - Pink Floyd has always had this amazing ability to draw on intensely personal and emotional life experiences and present them in a way we all immediately identify with. Most of their songs deal with regret or loss in friendships, romantic, or family relationships, or other human universal experiences. Nobody else sounds like Pink Floyd, they are really something.
This song gained a place close to my heart during my first years of college, after my best friend from high school and I left each other behind and moved to different schools on opposite sides of the country. It's still one of my favorites.
C'est la magie des Pink Floyd, John, chacun trouve une raison d'écouter et de réécouter leurs chansons.... Amitiés.
The "smile/veil" referencing follows in the theme of underlying elements, "can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail, a smile from a veil..." in which I think he's referring to an actual smile from the soul as opposed to the smiles we present even when there's pain or torment within. "So you think you can tell heaven from hell," hints at this prior, it's really an inspired lyrical procession.
Wish You Were Here and Shine on You Crazy Diamond were homages by David Gilmore Roger Watters nick mason and Rick wright to the founder of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett. Sid was the inspirational genius who started the band in 1965. Unfortunately he did his share of psychedelic drugs and eventually lost to insanity. He left the band in 1968 because of mental illness. The band never forgot him or his vision. He died in 2006.
You finally got around to reacting to one of the most memorable thought provoking songs in music history! Great Reaction both of you..
Another timeless classic from Floyd ❤️
This is the first song of pink floyd I was hooked on with this album in the 70s. That unmistakable guitar intro gets me every time. The line " we are just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year. " is such a great line. Check out the live pulse concert of 1994. It's incredible.
When I 1st met my wife we lived 600 miles apart. We traveled back and forth for over 2 years to see each other every chance we got and this was our song. We have been together for 20 years now. 🥰 "Two lost souls living in a fish bowl year after year" but not anymore.
You really must start from the beginning with Pink Floyd to appreciate their pure genius.. way before their time… I’m jealous I wish I could experience them again for the first time…start with their very first album..
Pink Floyd.......never go wrong with them, incredible and timeless
One Of My Fav. Song Lyrics…”Were Just 2 Lost Souls Swimming In Fish Bowl..Year After Year..Running Over The Same Old Ground…But What Have We Found?? Same Old Fears”
This song really has an elegant simplicity. Three verses, no chorus. But the lyrics hit exactly the spot they were aiming for.
When I first heard this song in 1975 it reminded me of my older brother that had came back from Nam a few years earlier and it was as though I was looking at him through a veil. He was killed in a single car wreck a few months later. He was probably back in the jungle right before the rollover. He would tell me that he would go back often. RIP Brother. I still remember you, always will.
Loved the song and reaction.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I like the way they took a common line from a holiday (vacation) post card, "Wish you were here," that you might send to a friend back home, and turned it into a masterpiece on changes in life and deep feeling of loss (previously mentioned Syd Barret).
Amazing when I hear this song no matter what part of the world it is played people sing the lyrics. song about wishing Sid would get back in the present. No one had seen him in yrs, as they were recording in Abbey Road studios Sid just walk in out of the blue and no one recognized him for several minutes. he had change that much even in his eyes. Dave said like the light went out of him.
BJ love the Malcolm Tee! This Pink Floyd album was loosely based around the loss of one of the original members of the band Rodger Stu Barrett who was the principal singer and songwriter on the band’s first two albums and several singles during their early psychedelic era.
Love the fact you've done this. Pink floyd are one of those bands everyone has heard of but nobody listens to...but when you do you realise why their album dark side of the moon was in the charts for 14 years ! ❤
This song is kind of special to me. When I was in boot camp, I was so stressed out, and as much as I loved music, this was the only song that I could remember the lyrics to. Once i graduated boot camp, all the lyrics to my favorite songs came flooding back. But why this song stayed with me is still a mystery.
Believe it or not, Either one of you can play these chords in one day. Actually you'd be surprised how easy a lot of these classic rock songs are easy to learn. Of course the solos require a lot of know how. Never too old.
A 50 plus lady here from the UK. I so love you two... my favourite reaction channel. You guys are so sweet together..... you make me smile . Asia is so pretty and BJ so handsome. A beautiful couple.
Thank you so much 🤗
Pink Floyd is the best band of all time if you take all aspects of musicianship, creativity and lyrics into account. I really don't think there's a close second.
First time I made it over here I've been checking out all your movies and really loving your stuff Thanks for all you do.
Wow just checked out your playlist, a lot of great stuff for me to check out. However, I can't believe I didn't see any Steely Dan.... Just about everything they produced is gold... Oh so sweet. You will LOVE them. Their Aja LP is used by high end stereo shops to demonstrate the equipments capabilities. I'm not sure you'd find anyone who would say steely Dan has a bad song They really have just done everything two guys that have just brought in the best of the best to support them and produced many great albums. I hope you consider them one day.
I cannot describe the magic of Pink Floyd. I always appreciate you reacting to them.
My dad singing this to me and my sister when we were babies to get us to sleep, funny how it comes around, that now hes not here and I would give anything to hear that again, all I can do is keep it alive and sing this to my son
I saw them in concert 4 times . The Pulse tour , The Wall , Dark Side tour & Roger Waters live in Berlin when the Berlin wall came down . Brian Adams did a pretty good job on that .
Everyone shuts their eyes when they listen to Floyd... Love it
Syd Barrett just miraculously showed up the day Pink Floyd was recording & working on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" completely hairless including eye brows with a toothbrush & a bag of candy. No one recognized him for the longest time. Much of Pink Floyd music & ideas stem from Syd, the band's life or Roger's up bringing.
I've seen Floyd a couple of times and been a fan for years and believe me when I tell you….They are deep.
I honestly feel that Dark side of the Moon is an album, perhaps the only one I can say this about, that should be listened to uninterrupted from end to end. It's a true masterpiece (not the only Floyd album in this category) from a band that somehow developed a sound so unique that it has lasted the eons of time. It's great too to see new fans discovering the magic of their music. FYI - It also reminds me of how old I am. Bummer but that's life.
The veil is a metaphor as to truth and reality honestly versus falsehoods. It was about missing Syd Barrett one of the founding members who passed away in 08. I like the fact they used classical guitars I think they were Resonators, a call-out as his life resonates with them still. You would know one if you saw it. They were the old school blues guitars and that too is a reference to the past. Nice you got me...in my feels. A Resonator guitar has a tin center piece that gives it a distinct sound.
Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever put to paper... It says so much, yet is so simple.
Probably in their top 5 most popular songs. This is a must for beginner guitarists, like stairway to heaven and smoke on the water.
This is mostly references to Syd Barrett, their leading founding member who through a combination of mental issues and massive doses of LSD became lost mentally and wandered out of the group.
Beautiful song. The live version from Pulse is magnificent. The acoutistic guitars are spellbinding, especially from the Guitar God, Dave Gilmour!
IMO, a musical masterpiece.
The song is written about Syd Barret, one of the founding members and early creative force of PF, who, unfortunately, suffered from a psychotic break and eventual nervous breakdown. Because of his condition he was forced out of the group in 1968. He and Roger Waters were very close friends. The last time they saw him he dropped by the studio unannounced, with a glazed look on his face and didn’t seem to recognize anyone there.
If you want to get a taste of the band with his input you need to listen to “Piper At The Gates Of Dawn”, or “Saucerful Of Secrets”. Their first two albums.
FYI the guitar chords were “borrowed” from Van Morrison’s Almost Independence Day which was released 2 years before Wish came out. As a huge Floyd & Van Morrison fan it shocked me when I found out a couple years ago. If anyone else knew this plz comment below
Iv'e always lived my life like an open book.
Most others read like a mystery novel.
One of their most endearing songs to this day.
Asia, it appears, and I hope, this was therapeutic for you. I agree with you.. a sense of loss and longing is universal. I Wish You Well.
An ode to the founder of Pink Floyd. Syd Barrett. Whom, it is said to have unfortunately taken one too many acid trips and never came back. Another ode to Barrett is the tune, Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Both songs are from the same album. Wish You Were Here....
After the mega selling album "Dark Side of the Moon" some fans and Critics slaged WYWH, but they were so Wrong! A Masterpiece along right next to DSOTM!
This is one of "those songs" that shouldn't be listened to out of context! This whole album tells a story and the song really can't appreciated without hearing what came before it!
You don't need to have rules for listening to music dude
Tu as raison..... Merci :)
And yet this is a staple of classic rock radio, all by itself
@@xmathmanx IMO..... and in certain cases... You do
@@xmathmanx Rule 1: Turn it up!
Rule 2: Turn it UP!
I've seen P.F. Live 4 times, Most incredible shows ever. If you want to watch the best three man band and greatest drummer and have never seen them before start with this .........“Rush - The Real History of Rush / Tom Sawyer: Time Machine Tour 2011: Live In Cleveland”
When y'all watch Pink Floyd, they should always be watched live. You miss so much when u don't c them perform!! They have to be seen to be Fully appreciated!!They r an experience that u don't get watching lyric videos!!
Start out with anything from pulse 94 live!!
Agreed that they should be experienced live, but only after having taken in the studio versions. There are so many nuances and aspects that are often missed when watching the live performances, even if Floyd always takes care to include those nuances live.
love you guys for trying out music that might be outside of your comfort zone.......i discovered this music when i was 12. i feel like im still discovering it
regarding the veil reference - veils were traditionally worn for mourning. You may also like shine on you crazy diamond which is also about Syd Barret
The long intros have a purpose, to put you in a meditative state, from which point the music can touch your emotions more.
Pink Floyd dedicated several songs to a former band member and founder Syd Barret, "Whish you were here", "Shine on you, crazy diamond", "Nobody home". He left the band due to a combination of mental illness and drugs. He was the driving force behind the experimental nature of the band, the long intros and the amazing guitar new sounds (for that time). Although their best pieces were written after Syd left the band, he was always a source of inspiration for them, especially for Roger Waters.
The arrangement is perfect, as are the lyrics and David Gilmour's vocals. Great choice!
One of my favorite song of all time, great reaction
Yes,I think this song. Maybe, this whole album is about Syd.And he did ,for lack of better terms, go crazed and suffer mental issues. Which people say was related to large amounts of LSD. So, wish you were here. Could be not just the physical absence of Syd not in the band. But him not really there in his mind as well. The song also by them. SHINE ON CRAZY DIAMOND. Is on record as being about Syd. Great song. Yall should do a video on that one!! Anyways, Syd Barret did really interesting and wild solo work after Pink Floyd I think. Big fan of Pink Floyd and Syd. Great song choice! And as always. Another great video. 👍
This song throughout my life, wether through deaths or just mileage, guitar plucking my heart strings
You people who do reaction videos have no idea how important you are, I watch watch alot of other people that do reaction videos, you are bringing connection to us all. Love you Asia and BJ, I also love Tom MacDonald and Adam Calhoun, and I'm a big supporter of Andrew and Tristan Tate. Thanks for all you do.
Their most personal album, as it was a tribute to their former bandleader and friend Syd Barrett
Another great reaction from 2 delightful people.
Appreciate you both. Your channel is a regular part of my day.
I saved your reaction video to "Pirates Of The Caribbean -- Black Pearl" to watch later.
Looking forward to that.
My first self bought cassette back in my youth mid 70s. Wish u were here. 🤗❤️🇧🇻
30k views in a day!
Asia, it hit you deep coz that's the Floyd sound. You can close your eyes to their songs, and it's like your high when you're not. It's on another plane I believe. Nothing else like them. ♡
This song gives me goose bumps, and I've heard it many, many times
I think it has a little bit to do with Syd Barrett but I read an interview with Rodger Waters talking about how difficult it was after writing Dark Side of the Moon be creative and how the tensions in the band really started. And the "you" in wish you were here was their creativity without tension. Another one of those songs it's infinitely interpretable, leaving it up to the listener to give it meaning. Which makes it even more beautiful
The whole “ Dark side of the moon” is incredible!
Not from Dark Side
Not the same album bud
G.O.A.T. Anything Pink Floyd is wonderful! Thanks u 2.
A smile from a veil. Can you see the truth in people. the whole thing is about has sociaty fooled you to thinking good is bad, Hot air for a cool breeze....Are you able to tell the difference or has sociaty made the hot air ( factorys, Citys) so common you cant even remember what a cool summer beeze look like.
This is a tribute to Syd Barrett, the smile through a veil reference was about not being able to see things clearly….beautiful song
One of my top 5 fav albums from them is " ANIMALS " 🐷 Pigs ( three different ones ) 🐷 . Basically the whole album and live in Pompeii
8:35 keep playing the wind part after wish You Were Here then Shine On You Crazy Diamond parts 6-9 will follow.