The Meaning Behind The Song: Sorrow by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is known for their psychedelic music with deep meanings which has made an impact in music history. Their album, “A Momentary Lapse of Reason,” released in 1987 featured the track “Sorrow.” The song has a melancholic melody that creates an emotional connection with the listener. The song portrays the struggle of a person who is dealing with the pain of losing a loved one.
The Lyrics Explained
The lyrics of Sorrow convey the emotions of a person who is struggling with the loss of a loved one. The lines ‘The sweet smell of a great sorrow lies over the land’ represent the burden of sadness that the person is carrying with them. The person is feeling the weight of their grief and this is causing them to struggle in their daily life. They find it hard to accept the fact that they have lost someone dear to them, as is clear with the line ‘I’m aching in the places where I used to play’.
The lyrics also talk about the struggle to let go of the pain and move on. ‘The endlessness that you fear in the night, white angels stand guard’ represent the fear of the person of moving on and forgetting the memories of their loved one. The person is afraid of losing the connection they shared with the person, hence the idea of ‘white angels stand guard’ is introduced to represent the sense of protection.
The Music and Melody
The melody of the song was crafted by David Gilmour, the lead guitarist of Pink Floyd. It is a powerful chord with an intense riff that sets the tone of the song to be melancholic. The progression of the song starts with a slow pace instrumental that builds up to an intense chorus. The song features a guitar solo that is regarded as one of the most emotional guitar solos in music history.
The Journey of Pink Floyd’s Music
Pink Floyd’s music has had a significant impact on the music industry. The band was formed in 1965, and their music explored themes such as mental health, politics, and social issues. Their music was experimental and innovative, and they incorporated elements of psychedelic rock, blues, and jazz in their sound. They became known for their concept albums such as The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here, which told a story through the music.
Pink Floyd’s music was influential in shaping the music of the 1970s and 80s. They inspired future artists such as Radiohead, Muse, and Oasis. Their music has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
FAQs
What was the inspiration behind Sorrow?
The song was written by David Gilmour and is inspired by the loss of Syd Barrett. Syd Barrett was a former member of Pink Floyd and was an important contributor to the band’s sound. He left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues, and his departure had a significant impact on the band’s music.
What was the reaction of the audience to “Sorrow?”
The song was well-received by critics and fans. It became one of the popular tracks from the album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason.” The song was performed during the band’s “Momentary Lapse of Reason” tour, and it was regarded as one of the highlights of the performance.
What is the connection between Sorrow and Syd Barrett?
David Gilmour has acknowledged that the song was inspired by Syd Barrett. He has said that the song is a tribute to Barrett and his influence on Pink Floyd’s music. Gilmour has also said that the song is about the pain of losing someone close to you and not being able to let go of the memories.
What is the significance of the guitar solo in the song?
The guitar solo in “Sorrow” is regarded as one of the most emotional guitar solos in music history. The solo is played by David Gilmour, and it highlights the intensity of the song. The solo is a reflection of the emotions that the person is feeling about losing their loved one.
What is the album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” about?
“A Momentary Lapse of Reason” is Pink Floyd’s thirteenth studio album. The album explores the themes of loss, isolation, and the human condition. The album was regarded as a comeback for the band, as it was their first album without founding member Roger Waters.
What is the message behind the song “Sorrow?”
The song is about the pain of losing a loved one and the struggle to move on. The song portrays the emotions of a person who is dealing with grief and the fear of forgetting the memories of their loved one.
What is the difference between Syd Barrett’s music and Pink Floyd’s music?
Syd Barrett’s music was experimental and psychedelic, and he incorporated elements of folk, blues, and jazz in his sound. Pink Floyd’s music also explored psychedelic themes, but they incorporated rock and roll elements into their sound. Pink Floyd’s music was more structured and had a more polished sound than Syd Barrett’s music.
Why is Pink Floyd’s music influential in the music industry?
Pink Floyd’s music was influential in shaping the music of the 1970s and 80s. Their music was experimental and innovative, and they incorporated elements of psychedelic rock, blues, and jazz into their sound. They were also known for their visual and theatrical performances, which added to the experience of their music. Their concept albums such as Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, and Wish You Were Here, told a story through their music and inspired future artists.
Why is “Sorrow” regarded as a standout track on the album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason”?
“Sorrow” is regarded as a standout track on the album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” because it showcases David Gilmour’s talent as a songwriter and guitarist. The song is a reflection of the emotions of a person dealing with loss, and the guitar solo highlights the intensity of the song.
What is Pink Floyd’s legacy in music?
Pink Floyd’s legacy in music is their contribution to psychedelic and progressive rock. They explored themes such as mental health, politics, and social issues in their music, and their experimentation with sound and visuals influenced future artists. Their music has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
What other tracks by Pink Floyd are similar to “Sorrow?”
Tracks such as “Wish You Were Here,” “Comfortably Numb,” and “High Hopes” are similar to “Sorrow.” They explore themes of loss, isolation, and the human condition, and they incorporate elements of experimental rock, blues, and jazz.
What is the impact of Pink Floyd’s music on mental health awareness?
Pink Floyd’s music was influential in raising awareness about mental health issues. The band’s frontman Syd Barrett struggled with mental health issues, and his departure from the band inspired their music to explore themes of mental health and the human condition. Tracks such as “Wish You Were Here” and “Comfortably Numb” are examples of the band’s exploration of mental health issues.
What is the impact of Pink Floyd’s music on the use of visuals in live performances?
Pink Floyd’s music was accompanied by visual performances that added to the experience of their music. The band incorporated elements such as light shows, animations, and film into their stage performances, which influenced future artists to incorporate visuals into their live shows.
