Top 20 Pink Floyd Songs, Ranked
Pink Floyd is one of the most iconic and influential bands in rock music history, known for their experimental sound, thought-provoking lyrics, and larger-than-life live performances. With a career spanning over four decades and 15 studio albums, Pink Floyd has left an indelible mark on the music world and inspired countless artists in a range of genres.
Pink Floyd Songs, Ranked (Best to Worst)
1. “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)”
“Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” is perhaps Pink Floyd’s most recognizable song, with its catchy guitar riff, sing-along chorus, and controversial lyrics about the oppressive nature of education. The song was released in 1979 as part of Pink Floyd’s concept album, “The Wall”, which tells the story of a rock star named Pink who builds a metaphorical wall around himself to shield from the pain of the world. “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” specifically deals with Pink’s traumatic experiences at school, where he feels alienated and abused by his teachers. The song’s chorus, which features a children’s choir singing “We don’t need no education”, became an anthem of rebellion and youth empowerment, and was banned in some countries for its perceived subversive message. Musically, the song is a blend of hard rock and disco, with David Gilmour’s guitar solos and Roger Waters’ bass lines standing out in particular. “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” remains a timeless classic, and a testament to Pink Floyd’s ability to marry social commentary with catchy hooks and memorable lyrics.
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2. “Wish You Were Here”
“Wish You Were Here” is a haunting ballad that serves as the title track of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album of the same name. The song is a tribute to Syd Barrett, the band’s original lead singer and songwriter, who suffered a mental breakdown and left the band in 1968. The lyrics, penned by Roger Waters and David Gilmour, express regret and longing for the lost friendship and creativity of Barrett, who is described as a “crazy diamond” in the song. Musically, “Wish You Were Here” is marked by acoustic guitars, a gentle piano melody, and Gilmour’s emotional guitar solo. The song has become one of Pink Floyd’s most beloved and enduring hits, and is often played at memorial services and funerals. “Wish You Were Here” is a testament to the power of music to express complex emotions and connect people across time and space.
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3. “Comfortably Numb”
“Comfortably Numb” is a monumental epic that spans over six minutes and serves as the climax of Pink Floyd’s 1979 album, “The Wall”. The song tells the story of Pink’s descent into madness and isolation, as he receives a drug injection that makes him feel numb and disconnected from reality. The lyrics, co-written by Waters and Gilmour, are rich with imagery and symbolism, and explore themes of dissociation, control, and hopelessness. Musically, “Comfortably Numb” is a masterpiece of progressive rock, with Gilmour’s iconic guitar solo serving as the centerpiece of the song. The solo has been hailed as one of the greatest of all time, and is often cited as a prime example of Gilmour’s virtuosity and emotional depth as a guitarist. “Comfortably Numb” is a true tour de force, and a testament to Pink Floyd’s ability to create grandiose, cinematic soundscapes that transport listeners to other realms of consciousness. The song’s epic scope, combined with its soaring melody and transcendent lyrics, make it one of Pink Floyd’s most enduring and iconic hits.
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4. Money
“Money” is a standout track from Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album “The Dark Side of the Moon”. The song was written by bassist Roger Waters and features a distinctive bass riff, a memorable saxophone solo, and a cash register sound effect that became an iconic part of the song’s sound.
Lyrically, “Money” critiques the greed and corruption of capitalism, with biting lyrics that skewer the excesses of the wealthy. The song’s structure is also notable for its use of 7/4 time signature, an unusual choice for a rock song that adds to the song’s sense of disorientation and tension.
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5. Time
“Time” is a sprawling epic from Pink Floyd’s 1973 album “The Dark Side of the Moon”. The song was written by keyboardist Richard Wright and features one of David Gilmour’s most iconic guitar solos.
Lyrically, “Time” explores the theme of mortality and the passage of time, with poignant lyrics that urge listeners to “run rabbit, run” and make the most of their limited time on earth. The song’s structure is also notable for its use of unusual time signatures and complex musical arrangements, showcasing the band’s prog-rock influences.
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6. Hey You
“Hey You” is a haunting ballad from Pink Floyd’s 1979 album “The Wall”. The song was written by bassist Roger Waters and features a simple, but effective melody and introspective lyrics.
Lyrically, “Hey You” explores the theme of isolation and loneliness, with lyrics that express a sense of yearning and longing for connection. The song’s sparse instrumentation and gentle acoustic guitar strumming give it an intimate and vulnerable feel, making it a standout track on an album that is known for its bombast and spectacle.
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7. Shine On You Crazy Diamond
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a Pink Floyd masterpiece and one of their most epic and ambitious songs. The song was written as a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, who had suffered a mental breakdown and left the band several years prior.
The song is split into two parts, bookending the album “Wish You Were Here”. It features ethereal synth textures, soaring guitar work, and haunting vocals from David Gilmour and Richard Wright. Lyrically, the song is a meditation on the fleeting nature of fame and the toll it can take on artists, with the lyrics painting a vivid portrait of a burned out and broken musician.
Despite its length and complex arrangements, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” has become a fan favorite and a hallmark of Pink Floyd’s sound. It remains one of their most enduring and beloved songs, and a testament to their ability to craft intricate and emotionally resonant music.
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8. “Us and Them”
“Us and Them” is a powerful anti-war ballad that showcases Pink Floyd’s ability to blend social commentary with musical brilliance. The song’s mellow yet powerful melody, combined with its poignant lyrics about the futility of war and the human cost of conflict, have made it a timeless classic. The song features saxophone solos by jazz musician Dick Parry and backing vocals by Clare Torry, who also sang on “The Great Gig in the Sky”. “Us and Them” remains one of Pink Floyd’s most enduring and affecting songs.
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9. “Brain Damage / Eclipse”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVQ3-Xe_suY&pp=ygUhcGluayBmbG95ZCBCcmFpbiBEYW1hZ2UgLyBFY2xpcHNl
“Brain Damage” and “Eclipse” are the final two tracks on Pink Floyd’s landmark album, “The Dark Side of the Moon”. “Brain Damage” features a memorable opening line (“The lunatic is on the grass”) and showcases Pink Floyd’s signature blend of introspective lyrics and rich instrumentation. “Eclipse” serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, with its repeated refrain of “All that you touch, and all that you see, is all your life will ever be” encapsulating the album’s overarching themes of mortality and the human condition. Together, these two tracks form a powerful coda to one of the greatest albums of all time.
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10. “The Great Gig in the Sky”
“The Great Gig in the Sky” is a stunning showcase of Pink Floyd’s vocal talents, featuring the soulful and powerful voice of Clare Torry. The song was inspired by the band’s longtime roadie, who mused about what it might be like to experience death. The lyrics and Torry’s vocals convey a sense of wonder, awe, and even terror at the prospect of facing the unknown. The song’s ethereal beauty and emotional depth have made it one of Pink Floyd’s most beloved and enduring songs.
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11. “Run Like Hell”
“Run Like Hell” is a hard-rocking track that stands out amidst the more contemplative tracks on Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” album. The song’s driving beat, aggressive guitars, and ominous lyrics about the dangers of conformity and control make it a standout on the album. The song’s climactic instrumental section, featuring a blistering guitar solo by David Gilmour, adds to its intensity and energy. “Run Like Hell” is a reminder of Pink Floyd’s ability to rock out and deliver a powerful message, even amidst their more introspective and atmospheric songs.
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12. Echoes
“Echoes” is a sprawling, 23-minute epic that serves as the centerpiece of Pink Floyd’s 1971 album, “Meddle.” The song is characterized by its meandering structure and ethereal soundscapes, as well as its use of innovative recording techniques like echo and reverb. “Echoes” is considered by many fans and critics to be one of Pink Floyd’s greatest achievements, and it continues to be a fan favorite.
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13. Mother
“Mother” is a track from Pink Floyd’s 1979 concept album, “The Wall.” The song is a haunting ballad that explores themes of isolation and abandonment, with lead vocalist Roger Waters delivering a poignant performance. “Mother” was one of the standout tracks from “The Wall,” and it has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Pink Floyd’s live shows.
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14. Young Lust
“Young Lust” is a hard-rocking track from Pink Floyd’s 1979 album, “The Wall.” The song features a driving guitar riff and catchy lyrics about the perils of young love and lust. “Young Lust” was one of the more upbeat and accessible tracks on “The Wall,” and it became a hit single in the United States. Despite its relatively simple composition, “Young Lust” remains a fan favorite and a classic rock radio staple.
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15. Have a Cigar
“Have a Cigar” is a satirical track from Pink Floyd’s 1975 album, “Wish You Were Here.” The song features a funky guitar riff and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the music industry, with guest vocalist Roy Harper delivering the memorable line, “Oh, by the way, which one’s Pink?” “Have a Cigar” was a hit single in the United States, and it remains a fan favorite for its sardonic humor and catchy melody.
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16. High Hopes
“High Hopes” is a track from Pink Floyd’s 1994 album “The Division Bell.” It was written by guitarist David Gilmour and his wife Polly Samson, and is notable for its poignant lyrics and soaring guitar solos. The song reflects on the passage of time and the pursuit of dreams, with the chorus proclaiming “The grass was greener, the light was brighter, the taste was sweeter, the nights of wonder, with friends surrounded, the dawn mist glowing, the water flowing, the endless river, forever and ever.”
The song was also notable for its music video, directed by Storm Thorgerson and featuring imagery of a man walking through a desert and a surreal floating bed. “High Hopes” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Pink Floyd’s live shows.
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17. Learning to Fly
“Learning to Fly” is a single from Pink Floyd’s 1987 album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason.” The song was written by guitarist David Gilmour, drummer Nick Mason, and lyricist Anthony Moore, and is known for its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus. The lyrics reflect on the process of learning and growing, with lines like “Can’t keep my eyes from the circling skies, tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I.”
The music video for “Learning to Fly” featured footage of the band performing in a hangar, interspersed with scenes of a man learning to fly a plane. The song became a hit on rock radio stations and remains a fan favorite.
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18. Welcome to the Machine
“Welcome to the Machine” is a track from Pink Floyd’s 1975 album “Wish You Were Here.” It was written by bassist Roger Waters and is known for its ominous synth sounds and lyrics about the dehumanizing effects of the music industry. The song’s title is a reference to a phrase that a record executive reportedly said to the band when they were first signed: “Welcome to the machine.”
The lyrics paint a bleak picture of the music industry as a soulless, profit-driven enterprise that chews up and spits out its artists: “What did you dream? It’s alright, we told you what to dream. You dreamed of a big star, he played a mean guitar, he always ate in the steak bar. He loved to drive in his Jaguar.”
Despite its dark subject matter, “Welcome to the Machine” features some of Pink Floyd’s most memorable instrumental passages, including a haunting guitar solo by David Gilmour.
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19. Sheep
“Sheep” is a track from Pink Floyd’s iconic album “Animals”, released in 1977. The song features heavily distorted guitar riffs, driving percussion, and haunting vocals from Roger Waters. The lyrics draw inspiration from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, with the “sheep” symbolizing the submissive masses who blindly follow authority figures. In contrast, the “dogs” represent the ruling elite who use fear and violence to maintain control.
Musically, “Sheep” showcases Pink Floyd’s signature sound, with intricate arrangements, atmospheric textures, and evocative sound effects. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Waters’ vocals soaring above the driving rhythm section. “Sheep” has become a fan favorite over the years, with its themes of oppression and rebellion resonating with listeners.
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20. On the Turning Away
“On the Turning Away” is a song from Pink Floyd’s 1987 album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason”. The track features David Gilmour on lead vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of empathy and compassion for those who are suffering. The song was written during a time of political turmoil, and Gilmour has described it as a call for unity and understanding in a divided world.
Musically, “On the Turning Away” is a more straightforward rock ballad compared to Pink Floyd’s earlier work, with a memorable chorus and a soaring guitar solo from Gilmour. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK and US charts. Fans have praised its heartfelt lyrics and Gilmour’s soulful delivery, making it a popular choice for live performances.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Pink Floyd has left an indelible mark on music history, with their iconic sound and thought-provoking lyrics inspiring generations of fans.
One common thread among these top songs is Pink Floyd’s ability to evoke deep emotions and introspection, whether through haunting melodies, evocative lyrics, or intricate instrumentation. These songs continue to captivate and move listeners, years or even decades after their release.
Whether you’re a diehard Pink Floyd fan or a newcomer to their music, we encourage you to listen, reflect, and engage with the community of fans who continue to be moved and inspired by this legendary band.
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