Shine On You Crazy Diamond lyrics and chords
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd is a deeply emotional, multi-part song from their 1975 album "Wish You Were Here". Written by Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Richard Wright, the song is widely regarded as a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, who had to leave the band due to mental health struggles exacerbated by drug use.
Song Meaning and Themes
Notable Lyrics"Come on, you target for faraway laughter,
Come on, you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!"
These lines reflect both the admiration and tragedy of Barrett’s story, portraying him as a legendary figure whose brilliance was overshadowed by struggles.
Musical Composition
Legacy
Song Meaning and Themes
- Tribute to Syd Barrett:
Syd Barrett, one of Pink Floyd’s founding members, was known for his musical genius and creativity but also suffered from severe mental health issues. His decline, largely attributed to LSD use and possible schizophrenia, led to his departure from the band. This song reflects the band’s sadness, admiration, and nostalgia for their lost friend. - Loss and Regret:
The lyrics express longing and sorrow for Barrett’s absence. Lines like “Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun” highlight the contrast between his former brilliance and the darkness that overtook his life. - Shining Despite Struggles:
The repeated theme of "shining on" conveys the message that Barrett’s creative spark and legacy still endure, even though he was no longer part of the band. It’s a poignant way of preserving his brilliance despite the sadness surrounding his decline. - Isolation and Alienation:
The song also reflects themes of isolation and the pressures of fame, themes that resonated deeply with Pink Floyd. These struggles were key themes in both "Wish You Were Here" and their later work, especially "The Wall". - Hope and Immortality Through Music:
Despite the melancholy tone, there’s also a sense of hope and immortality. By dedicating this epic song to Barrett, Pink Floyd ensured that his spirit would be immortalized through their music.
Notable Lyrics"Come on, you target for faraway laughter,
Come on, you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!"
These lines reflect both the admiration and tragedy of Barrett’s story, portraying him as a legendary figure whose brilliance was overshadowed by struggles.
Musical Composition
- The song is known for its long instrumental intro, featuring Gilmour’s iconic guitar work and Wright’s atmospheric keyboards, which set a somber, reflective tone.
- Its structure—a multi-part suite—adds to its grandeur and emotional impact, making it one of the most ambitious pieces in Pink Floyd’s discography.
Legacy
- Cultural Impact: "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is considered one of Pink Floyd’s greatest works, with its themes of mental health, loss, and artistry resonating across generations.
- Syd Barrett’s Legacy: Barrett’s surprise visit to the studio during the recording of the album is legendary and bittersweet, further cementing the song’s deep connection to his memory.
Christy Moore, written by David Gilmour / Roger Waters / Richard Wright of Pink Floyd. change the guitar chords to suit your own voice, from the Christy Moore album ''Listen'' Return to my list of songs by Christy Moore .Shine on you crazy diamond piano sheet music with chords now included.
[Em]Remember when you were young[D] you shone like the[G] sun [C]shine [Bm]on [Am]you [G]crazy [D]diamond.
[Em]now theres a look in your eye [D]like black holes in the [G]sky [C]shine [Bm]on [Am]you [G]crazy [D]diamond
you were [Em]caught in the crossfire of [Dm]childhood and stardom and [Em]blown upon the [A]steel breeze
[C]come on you target for [Bm]faraway laughter
[G]come on you legend[Bm] you stranger [B]you martyr [Em]and shine
You reached for the secret too soon you cried for the moon
shine on you crazy diamond
frightened by shadows at night, exposed in the light
shine on you crazy diamond
you wore out your welcome with random precision
you rode upon the steel breeze
come on you raver you seer of visions
come on you painter you piper you prisoner and shine
Nobody knows where you are how near or how far
shine on you crazy diamond
pile on many more layers I'll be joining you there
shine on you crazy diamond
and we'll bask in the shadow of yesterdays triumph we'll sail
upon the steel breeze
come on you boy child you winner and looser,
Come on you miner of truth and delusion and shine
[Em]now theres a look in your eye [D]like black holes in the [G]sky [C]shine [Bm]on [Am]you [G]crazy [D]diamond
you were [Em]caught in the crossfire of [Dm]childhood and stardom and [Em]blown upon the [A]steel breeze
[C]come on you target for [Bm]faraway laughter
[G]come on you legend[Bm] you stranger [B]you martyr [Em]and shine
You reached for the secret too soon you cried for the moon
shine on you crazy diamond
frightened by shadows at night, exposed in the light
shine on you crazy diamond
you wore out your welcome with random precision
you rode upon the steel breeze
come on you raver you seer of visions
come on you painter you piper you prisoner and shine
Nobody knows where you are how near or how far
shine on you crazy diamond
pile on many more layers I'll be joining you there
shine on you crazy diamond
and we'll bask in the shadow of yesterdays triumph we'll sail
upon the steel breeze
come on you boy child you winner and looser,
Come on you miner of truth and delusion and shine
Here's the guitar chords for the key of Dm
[Bm]Remember when you were young[A] you shone like the[D] sun [G]shine [F#m]on [Em]you [D]crazy [A]diamond.
[Bm]now theres a look in your eye [A]like black holes in the [D]sky [G]shine [F#m]on [Em]you [D]crazy [A]diamond
you were [Bm]caught in the crossfire of [Am]childhood and stardom and [Bm]blown upon the [E]steel breeze
[G]come on you target for [F#m]faraway laughter
[D]come on you legend[F#m] you stranger [F#]you martyr [Bm]and shine.
And here's another alternative version of the chords.
[Am]Remember when you were young[G] you shone like the[C] sun [F]shine [Em]on [Dm]you [C]crazy [G]diamond.
[Am]now theres a look in your eye [G]like black holes in the [C]sky [F]shine [Em]on [Dm]you [C]crazy [G]diamond
you were [Am]caught in the crossfire of [Gm]childhood and stardom and [Am]blown upon the [D]steel breeze
[F]come on you target for [Em]faraway laughter
[C]come on you legend[Em] you stranger [E]you martyr [Am]and shine
[Bm]Remember when you were young[A] you shone like the[D] sun [G]shine [F#m]on [Em]you [D]crazy [A]diamond.
[Bm]now theres a look in your eye [A]like black holes in the [D]sky [G]shine [F#m]on [Em]you [D]crazy [A]diamond
you were [Bm]caught in the crossfire of [Am]childhood and stardom and [Bm]blown upon the [E]steel breeze
[G]come on you target for [F#m]faraway laughter
[D]come on you legend[F#m] you stranger [F#]you martyr [Bm]and shine.
And here's another alternative version of the chords.
[Am]Remember when you were young[G] you shone like the[C] sun [F]shine [Em]on [Dm]you [C]crazy [G]diamond.
[Am]now theres a look in your eye [G]like black holes in the [C]sky [F]shine [Em]on [Dm]you [C]crazy [G]diamond
you were [Am]caught in the crossfire of [Gm]childhood and stardom and [Am]blown upon the [D]steel breeze
[F]come on you target for [Em]faraway laughter
[C]come on you legend[Em] you stranger [E]you martyr [Am]and shine
Shine on you crazy diamond singer Christy Moore
Shine on you crazy diamond piano sheet music with chords in G Major
Music has the power to evoke various emotions and memories within us. It has the ability to transport us to a different time and place, and this is especially true for Pink Floyd's iconic song, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'. Released in 1975, this 26-minute long epic track has stood the test of time and continues to captivate listeners with its hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics. The song, which is divided into two parts and bookends the album 'Wish You Were Here', is a tribute to the band's former member, Syd Barrett, who left the band due to mental health issues. In this thesis, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and how it has become a symbol of Pink Floyd's legacy.
Historical Context:
To understand the song, it is important to first understand the context in which it was written. Pink Floyd was in the midst of recording their ninth studio album, 'Wish You Were Here', when Syd Barrett made a surprise visit to the studio. Barrett, who was the band's original frontman and creative force, had been struggling with mental illness and had left the band in 1968. He was unrecognizable to his former bandmates, having gained weight and shaved off his eyebrows and hair. This encounter deeply affected the band, and it inspired them to pay tribute to their former friend and bandmate through their music.
Musical Analysis:
'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' is divided into two parts, each occupying one side of the vinyl record. Part one begins with a gentle and mesmerizing keyboard intro, which is followed by David Gilmour's iconic guitar riff. The song then progresses into a dreamy and atmospheric instrumental section, with the use of saxophones, synthesizers, and sound effects. The second part of the song is more upbeat, with a faster tempo and a prominent guitar solo by Gilmour. The song then fades out with a reprise of the opening melody, bringing the album full circle.
Lyrics and Meaning:
The lyrics of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' are both melancholic and nostalgic, and they serve as a tribute to Syd Barrett. The song references Barrett's time with the band, with lines such as 'Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun' and 'You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon'. It also reflects on Barrett's struggles with mental illness, with phrases like 'You wore out your welcome with random precision' and 'Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light'. The song also touches upon the theme of fame and its consequences, with lines like 'Nobody knows where you are, how near or how far' and 'You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon'. Overall, the lyrics of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' paint a poignant picture of Barrett's rise and fall, and the lasting impact he had on the band and their music.
Cultural Significance:
'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' has become a cultural phenomenon, and it is considered one of Pink Floyd's greatest and most iconic songs. Its timeless and ethereal sound has made it a staple in the band's live performances and has also been covered by many other artists. The song has also been used in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture. In addition, the song's message of nostalgia and longing resonates with listeners of all ages, making it a universal anthem for anyone who has experienced loss or change.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' is not just a song, but a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Pink Floyd's music. Its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, and cultural significance have made it a timeless classic that continues to shine on even after four decades. The song's tribute to Syd Barrett and its reflection on the consequences of fame have made it a powerful and relatable piece of music that will continue to inspire and evoke emotions in listeners for years to come. As long as there are people who appreciate good music, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' will continue to shine on as a symbol of Pink Floyd's legacy.
Historical Context:
To understand the song, it is important to first understand the context in which it was written. Pink Floyd was in the midst of recording their ninth studio album, 'Wish You Were Here', when Syd Barrett made a surprise visit to the studio. Barrett, who was the band's original frontman and creative force, had been struggling with mental illness and had left the band in 1968. He was unrecognizable to his former bandmates, having gained weight and shaved off his eyebrows and hair. This encounter deeply affected the band, and it inspired them to pay tribute to their former friend and bandmate through their music.
Musical Analysis:
'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' is divided into two parts, each occupying one side of the vinyl record. Part one begins with a gentle and mesmerizing keyboard intro, which is followed by David Gilmour's iconic guitar riff. The song then progresses into a dreamy and atmospheric instrumental section, with the use of saxophones, synthesizers, and sound effects. The second part of the song is more upbeat, with a faster tempo and a prominent guitar solo by Gilmour. The song then fades out with a reprise of the opening melody, bringing the album full circle.
Lyrics and Meaning:
The lyrics of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' are both melancholic and nostalgic, and they serve as a tribute to Syd Barrett. The song references Barrett's time with the band, with lines such as 'Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun' and 'You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon'. It also reflects on Barrett's struggles with mental illness, with phrases like 'You wore out your welcome with random precision' and 'Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light'. The song also touches upon the theme of fame and its consequences, with lines like 'Nobody knows where you are, how near or how far' and 'You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon'. Overall, the lyrics of 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' paint a poignant picture of Barrett's rise and fall, and the lasting impact he had on the band and their music.
Cultural Significance:
'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' has become a cultural phenomenon, and it is considered one of Pink Floyd's greatest and most iconic songs. Its timeless and ethereal sound has made it a staple in the band's live performances and has also been covered by many other artists. The song has also been used in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture. In addition, the song's message of nostalgia and longing resonates with listeners of all ages, making it a universal anthem for anyone who has experienced loss or change.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' is not just a song, but a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Pink Floyd's music. Its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, and cultural significance have made it a timeless classic that continues to shine on even after four decades. The song's tribute to Syd Barrett and its reflection on the consequences of fame have made it a powerful and relatable piece of music that will continue to inspire and evoke emotions in listeners for years to come. As long as there are people who appreciate good music, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' will continue to shine on as a symbol of Pink Floyd's legacy.
