One of My Turns Lyrics – The Wall – Pink Floyd

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One of My Turns (Waters) 1:33 

“Oh my God! What a fabulous room! Are all these your guitars?
[Film in background: “I’m sorry sir, I didn’t mean to startle you!]
“This place is bigger than our apartment!
[Film: “Let me know when you’re entering a room”
“Yes sir!”]
“erm, Can I get a drink of water?
[Film: “I was wondering about …”]
“You want some, huh?”
[Film: “Yes”]
“Oh wow, look at this tub? Do you wanna take baaaath?”
[Film: “I’ll have to find out from Mrs. Bancroft what time she wants to meet us, for her main …”]
“What are watching?”
[Film: “If you’ll just let me know as soon as you can … Mrs Bancroft” “Mrs Bancroft …”]
“Hello?”
[Film: “I don’t understand …”]
“Are you feeling okay?…”

Day after day, love turns grey
Like the skin of a dying man.
Night after night, we pretend its all right
But I have grown older and
You have grown colder and
Nothing is very much fun any more.
And I can feel one of my turns coming on.
I feel cold as a razor blade,
Tight as a tourniquet,
Dry as a funeral drum.

Run to the bedroom,
In the suitcase on the left
You’ll find my favorite axe.
Don’t look so frightened
This is just a passing phase,
One of my bad days.
Would you like to watch T.V.?
Or get between the sheets?
Or contemplate the silent freeway?
Would you like something to eat?
Would you like to learn to fly?
Would’ya?
Would you like to see me try?

Would you like to call the cops?
Do you think it’s time I stopped?
Why are you running away?

The epic rock opera The Wall is one of Pink Floyd’s most popular albums and had great commercial success.

  1. In the Flesh?
  2. The Thin Ice
  3. Another Brick in the Wall Part 1
  4. The Happiest Days of our Lives
  5. Another Brick in the Wall Part 2
  6. Mother
  7. Goodbye Blue Sky
  8. Empty Spaces
  9. Young Lust
  10. One of My Turns
  11. Don’t Leave Me Now
  12. Another Brick in the Wall Part 3
  13. Goodbye Cruel World
  14. Hey You
  15. Is There Anybody Out There?
  16. Nobody Home
  17. Vera
  18. Bring the Boys Back Home
  19. Comfortably Numb
  20. The Show Must Go On
  21. In The Flesh
  22. Run Like Hell
  23. Waiting for the Worms
  24. Stop
  25. The Trial
  26. Outside the Wall

“One of My Turns” – An In-Depth Analysis

1. Overview of “One of My Turns” “One of My Turns” appears on Pink Floyd’s 1979 album “The Wall.” This track stands out for its narrative progression and emotional shifts, depicting a crucial moment in the protagonist, Pink’s, journey. The song captures a turning point where Pink’s simmering emotional distress surfaces in a volatile outburst.

2. Lyrical Content and Themes The lyrics of “One of My Turns” begin with a seemingly calm and mundane setting, which quickly escalates into a frenzied and chaotic scene. The song portrays Pink’s sudden shift from passivity to rage, reflecting the instability and turmoil within him. The lyrics, “Run to the bedroom, in the suitcase on the left, you’ll find my favorite axe,” symbolize the violent eruption of Pink’s suppressed emotions and his loss of control.

3. Musical Composition and Structure The song features a dramatic shift in musical style, starting with a soft, almost spoken-word delivery that suddenly explodes into aggressive guitar riffs and pounding drums. This abrupt transition mirrors the emotional volatility of the song’s narrative. The contrast between the calm and explosive parts of the song effectively conveys the sense of a psychological breakdown.

4. Role in “The Wall” In the narrative arc of “The Wall,” “One of My Turns” plays a significant role in illustrating Pink’s deteriorating mental state. The song acts as a precursor to the construction of his emotional wall, showcasing the moments that lead to his complete withdrawal from reality. It’s a key track in understanding Pink’s character and the triggers for his subsequent isolation.

5. Impact and Interpretation “One of My Turns” is often noted for its raw depiction of emotional breakdown and the complexities of mental distress. The song’s portrayal of a sudden outburst of pent-up emotions resonates with listeners who have experienced similar struggles. It’s a powerful piece that captures the essence of Pink’s character and the overarching themes of “The Wall.”


In conclusion, “One of My Turns” is a vital track in Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” effectively capturing a moment of intense emotional upheaval. The song’s narrative progression, along with its musical dynamics, provides a deep insight into Pink’s troubled psyche. It stands as a poignant representation of the consequences of suppressed emotions and the fragility of mental health.

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