About the song
Pink Floyd’s epic 1975 track “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a mesmerizing journey through sound and emotion. Divided into multiple parts, the song serves as a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, exploring themes of mental illness, loss, and nostalgia.
With its atmospheric soundscapes, intricate guitar work, and haunting vocals, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a masterpiece of progressive rock. The band’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with David Gilmour’s soulful guitar solos and Roger Waters’ poignant lyrics, creates a mesmerizing listening experience that captivates from start to finish.
Clocking in at over 25 minutes in its full version, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a testament to Pink Floyd’s musical innovation and artistic vision. The song’s haunting beauty and emotional depth have made it a timeless classic, beloved by fans and critics alike.
Video
Lyric
[Part 2 (3:53-6:26): Instrumental]
[Part 3 (6:26-8:40): Instrumental]
[Part 4 (8:40-11:08)]
[Verse 1: Roger Waters]
Remember when you were young
You shone like the Sun
[Refrain: Roger Waters & David Gilmour]
Shine on, you crazy diamond
[Verse 2: Roger Waters]
Now there’s a look in your eyes
Like black holes in the sky
[Refrain: Roger Waters & David Gilmour]
Shine on, you crazy diamond
[Chorus 1: Roger Waters]
You were caught in the crossfire of childhood and stardom
Blown on the steel breeze
Come on, you target for faraway laughter
Come on, you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine
You reached for the secret too soon
You cried for the Moon
[Refrain: Roger Waters & David Gilmour]
Shine on, you crazy diamond
[Verse 4: Roger Waters]
Threatenеd by shadows at night
And exposed in the light
[Refrain: Roger Waters & David Gilmour]
Shinе on (Shine on), you crazy diamond (You crazy diamond)
[Chorus 2: Roger Waters]
Well, you wore out your welcome with random precision
Rode on the steel breeze
Come on, you raver, you seer of visions
Come on, you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine
[Part 5 (11:08-13:31): Instrumental]
[Part 6 (0:00 – 4:38): Instrumental]
[Part 7 (4:38 – 6:02)]
Nobody knows where you are
How near or how far
[Refrain: Roger Waters & David Gilmour]
Shine on you crazy diamond
[Verse 6: Roger Waters]
Pile on many more layers
And I’ll be joining you there
[Refrain: Roger Waters & David Gilmour]
Shine on you crazy diamond
[Chorus 3: Roger Waters]
And we’ll bask in the shadow of yesterday’s triumph
And sail on the steel breeze
Come on, you boy child, you winner and loser
Come on, you miner for truth and delusion, and shine!
[Part 8 (6:02 – 9:00): Instrumental]
[Part 9 (9:00 – 12:27): Instrumental]