Syd Barrett's Lyrics Appreciation Thread

[danielcaux]

Well, OK I'm gonna spit it out right now: I think Barrett was a much better lyricist than Roger Waters.

Waters could have been a great conceptualist but his lyric delivery was not very good, that is: great "content" not so great "form"; this holds true specially after "The Wall", when his lyrical output took a nose dive that has lasted to this day's Leaving Beirut (yes, including The Final Cut). Barrett's Lyrics on the other hand were quite poetic, sensual and subtle, not the ramblings of a madman than many want to believe was his artistic niche.

So what do you think of his lyrics?
Do you agree with me?
What's your favourite Barrett song/lyric?

Right now this one is mine:

On a distant shore, miles from land
Stands the ebony totem in ebony sand,
A dream in a mist of grey
On a far distant shore

The pebble, it stood alone
And driftwood lies half buried
Warm, shallow water sweeps shells
So the cockles shine

A bare, winding carcas stalk
Shimmers as flies scoop up meat
An empty way,
Dry Tears

Crisp flax squeaks Tall reeds
Make a circle of grey
In a summer way, around man
so don't drown

I'm trying I'm trying
To find you To find you
I'm living I'm giving
To find you To find you
I'm living I'm living
I'm trying I'm giving

[crowman]

The first Syd solo song I ever heard was when Triple J radio in Australia did a retrospective on Madcap Laughs many years ago. The first song they played was Dark Globe and I was absolutely captivated. Such a tortured performance yet such striking lyrics, painting an intense picture of loneliness and desperation.

Opel, as you say, is magnificent.

Another one that springs to mind is It Is Obvious. I love...

A velvet curtain of grey marks the blanket where the sparrows play
Trees by the waving corn stranded
My legs move the last empty inches to you

One of my least favourite songs on the original albums, but the bonus track of Take 5 on "Barrett" is absolutely beautiful.

[GilmourGirl]

I love when people "get" Barrett's lyrics. Yes he was very poetic wasn't he? Even quirky songs ("If It's In You" comes to mind) have meaning when you really listen to them. Bless him!!

[apocalypse]

Barrett's lyrics are very interesting and I do enjoy going through them but Syd 's output was 3 albums, and Roger's is much more than this. I don't think that a comparison of Syd's three albums can equate to Roger's output. I'm sure you can find at least 3 albums where Roger's lyrical output is as strong, if not stronger than Syd's.

[GilmourGirl]

That's two different styles of writing, they really can't be compared.
Waters has been political from the get-go but that's his style, and his beliefs. IMO Waters is a brilliant songwriter. Always has been since Piper.

[Hogtown]

The passages that roll off of Barrett's tongue charm me still.
And you.

[mosespa]

That's two different styles of writing, they really can't be compared.

I think they can. (You knew that was coming, right? lol)

On a distant shore, miles from land
Stands the ebony totem in ebony sand,
A dream in a mist of grey
On a far distant shore

Versus

Overhead, the albatross hangs motionless upon the air
And deep beneath the rolling waves, in labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant time comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine

I think those two are comparable.

Though I like the second example better.

[GilmourGirl]

You give great examples moses! I'd still never compare them tho, and omg who DOESN'T love Echoes!!! They're both great songwriters.

[mosespa]

Thanks.

At the same time, though, I seriously doubt that Roger could come up with a lyric so simply sweet as "the way you kiss will always be a very special thing to me," from Late Night.

[Syd'sSexy]

omg who DOESN'T love Echoes!!!

Hey Sista! Have you watched Pompeii lately?

Very true statement. It's probably my favourite Floyd song, though that's probably true for millions of people.

[PublicImage]

Syd Barrett is better because he is more attractive.

[Syd'sSexy]

Syd Barrett is better because he is more attractive.

Oh my God! You are so way right!

[PublicImage]

Totally! He's, like, awesome.

[moom]

Totally! He's, like, awesome.

A poster boy

[danielcaux]

Totally! He's, like, awesome.

Sarcasm ALERT Sarcasm ALERT ?