First Time Reaction to Pink Floyd - "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" Parts I-V 

I chose 'Shine on' for my son's ceremony. He died at the age of 42. Drug related. I've never listened to it since then. but now after 8 years I embrace 'Shine on' again.

RIP Richard Wright the master of soundscapes.

What I like about Floyd is that unlike today's music that rushes you along, Floyd is in no hurry and only asks you to climb on board and enjoy the journey.

"Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light." One of my favorite lyric lines ever.

Stacey don’t forget Parts 6 to 9 of this song. In fact do yourself a favour and listen to the whole “Wish You Were Here” album.

I am 73 years old and still listen to Pink Floyd today and get the same feeling as the first time I heard them, they have been the soundtrack of my life, I have experienced them in all phases of my life, I would even say that it is their fault that I have worked with music all my life and when I die I want to hear a Pink Floyd number in church

This song is from an era where people didn't listen to random mixes of their favorite songs. With a band like Pink Floyd, you dimmed the lights, put on some quality headphones, kicked back in your bean bag, fired up your analog audio setup and soaked in the entire album from start to finish.

As others have already pointed out, the song is written about and dedicated to founder member Syd Barrett, who departed from the band in 1968 after dealing with mental problems and substance abuse. On 5 June 1975, Barrett, now heavyset, with a completely shaved head and eyebrows, wandered into the studio where the band were recording. They did not recognise him for some time because of his drastically changed appearance, but when they eventually realised who the withdrawn man in the corner was, Roger Waters became so distressed about Barrett's appearance that he was reduced to tears. When asked what he thought of the song, Barrett said it sounded a "bit old". As it would turn out that would be one of the last times they’d see Syd alive. 😢

Syd Barrett (1946-2006)

Pink Floyd it's not just music it is a new form of spiritual awareness ...

The first 10 minutes makes you reflect on your own life and then when the lyrics starts ... he starts with WHEN I WAS YOUNG .... that pretty much hits everyone at that moment

This song has been with me for over 40 years. It is a part of my life, a part of what I am.

David Gilmour's guitar calling out to his friend Syd Barrett........sadly beautiful.

This is the band's emotionally powerful tribute to their close friend and original lead singer, guitarist and main songwriter, Syd Barrett. He is the one lovingly referred to as the "Crazy Diamond." Despite his charismatic personality and unparalleled creativity, Syd suffered from a combination of undiagnosed schizophrenia, heavy LSD use, and unbearable pressure from the record industry to crank out hits...to the point were he basically could no longer function in the band or in society.

I think we can all agree that Pink Floyd could (and did) take the Blues to another level

I cannot describe, how much I love Pink Floyd. My goosebumps are getting goosebumps while listening to them. And always tears of joy in my eyes. God they are so perfect!

A friend of mine said this song sounds like half the band was late for the studio recording, so they just started without them. I laughed and said he just didn't have the patience 🙂. This is the greatest song ever composed, I will die on this hill.

SO HAPPY that you chose the studio version first. This is the true experience we had as children of the '70s when this album came out...No distractions by video - just the raw emotion of the sound. It always brings a tear to my eye watching you tear up over their music. They are that good. PLEASE listen to parts 6-9 next, and then go over to the Pulse version.

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a song by Pink Floyd that spans over two parts and nearly 26 minutes in length. The song was released in 1975 on their album “Wish You Were Here.” Widely considered a masterpiece of progressive rock, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is known for its haunting melodies, mesmerizing guitar solos, and introspective lyrics that speak of loss, isolation, and fame. At its core, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a tribute to Syd Barrett, the former lead singer and guitarist of Pink Floyd who left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues. The song’s title is a reference to Barrett’s nickname, “Crazy Diamond,” and serves as an ode to his artistic brilliance and tragic decline. The lyrics speak of a man who has lost his way in the world, wandering through the ruins of his former self and trying to make sense of his shattered dreams. Musically, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a tour de force that showcases the band’s technical virtuosity and creative vision. The song is structured around a series of repeating motifs that build and evolve over time, creating a sense of narrative progression and emotional intensity. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with David Gilmour’s soaring solos and atmospheric textures providing a haunting backdrop to the song’s introspective lyrics. One of the most striking features of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is its use of dynamics and contrast. The song moves seamlessly between quiet, reflective passages and thunderous, explosive crescendos, creating a sense of drama and tension that keeps the listener engaged from beginning to end. This dynamic range is further accentuated by the song’s production, which features rich layers of instrumentation and a spacious, ethereal sound that draws the listener into its world. In many ways, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a reflection of Pink Floyd’s own journey as a band. Like Barrett, the band struggled with the pressures of fame and the toll it took on their mental health and personal lives. The song speaks to the universal experience of loss and isolation, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a masterpiece of progressive rock that showcases Pink Floyd’s technical prowess, creative vision, and emotional depth. Its introspective lyrics and haunting melodies continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a classic of the genre and a testament to the enduring power of music to speak to the human experience.

"Surrender" is such a perfect word for how we must experience this timeless Masterpiece. Resistance is futile. Possibly the greatest music ever created.

Stacey. What you asked about, "Is that a trumpet?", isn't, actually. That is the amazingly accomplished Richard Wright on the keys. Synthesizers and electric pianos, etc... (He, like the rest of the band, is as good as it gets. Period.) Outstanding reaction. Really really enjoy your channel and, most importantly, your reactions. Especially to the greatest band of all time, (Imho), Pink Floyd. Keep up the nice work/channel! Proud to be one of your loyal subscribers. 😎😎👍👍 PS. The song was written about Syd Barrett, an original founder and guitarist of Pink Floyd who unfortunately developed some pretty serious mental problems made much, much worse by taking large amounts of acid, (LSD), and whose eyes ended up like, "Black holes in the skies" The band missed him dearly however, his ability to not function with the mental illness and, all the acid, was the final nail that pretty much forced the band to remove him. Replacing him soon after with David Gilmour, who I personally believe stepped in and has been a solid rock for the band since he entered. Gilmour is my all time favorite guitarist, straight up! Have a great weekend!

Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part VI - IX

This song is an epic journey. Beyond any masterpiece, bigger then any universe, deeper then any ocean and the list goes on and on…….

I am so jealous that you get to listen to this for the first time. Brings me right back to my first time. I was a bit stoned and had my headphones on while walking my dog. That laugh caught me so off guard. But the song brought me right back to the moment.

Part VI - IX is also exceptional, more rhythmic. I don't know which part is better.... but the studio versions are the best

My favorite Pink Floyd album. Emotional, haunting, comforting, timeless. Welcome To The Machine will blow your mind, the keyboards and sound effects are crazy

David Gilmour has that Stratocaster plugged straight into his soul 🎸🎸🎶🎹🎷🎼🥁🔔

Please don´t forget Rick Wright and his carpet of keyboard sounds. He was the ocean that carried the band and where they could swim - and shine! This track is a good example for that.

As a 57 yr old long time PF fanatic i have to say that this an other channels from people who weren't born when i discovered Floyd give me hope for the future. The intellectual and emotional intelligence of this reaction is encouraging...my generation had our chance, and did our best, and will keep trying, but the X, Y and A generation seem more aware and clued in than i ever was at their age as to what is really important

YEAH!!!!!!!!!! Floyd again !!! Thanks Stacey! And that is Richard Wright on the keyboard not a trumpet ! And this song is a tribute to Sid Barrett one of the founding members.

Beautiful, heartfelt reaction Stacey! You’ve done the teenagers of the 70’s proud. If you get a chance, listen to this song (and many others from Pink Floyd) with your eyes closed and headphones on. Just relax and feel it deep inside your soul. ❤️

This song was, is, and will always be one of my favourite songs. For me, it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

They never forgot Sid and for that fact Sid's mom. Tells me a lot about these blokes.

Dick Parry's talent just mingled so well here and in other songs. In Shine On You Crazy Diamond he used 2 saxophones. I was so glad to see that Pink Floyd brought Dick Parry along for the Pulse tour.

Your emotional reaction to this classic says it all. I've seen loads of reactions to this and yours is top of the tree for me.

The masters of Pink Floyd doesn’t write songs, they create “sensorial atmospheres”❤

R.I.P. Richard Wright...No more to say...

I can’t imagine hearing this for the first time. In 1988 the older kids in my neighborhood dosed me with acid and made me listen to this album. I swear that experience formed the coarse of my life. Love !

A perfect reaction. I can still remember when I heard this album for the first time. Here, more than 50 years later, it’s beauty still bring tears in my eyes. Congratulations to you.

There is literally JUST ENOUGH words in this song. Just enough to accompany the instrumentals without overtaking them

So glad that you decided to react to this song. The intro is one of the most beautiful compositions of the 20th century. Try to watch the live version beacuse the lights and the music is a superb combo

This song, like most Pink Floyd song, is like a movie score. The music (and few lyrics) guides you through your own life's experiences and the movie occurs in your head. So close your eyes and listen, it's your movie!

I was lucky enough to see Floyd twice, once in 77 and once in 93.

This is the greatest album ever made. Hands down.

Hi Pink Stacey Floyd! :) Already said this I guess, but your emotions on PF are as beautiful as their songs. Shows you are a wonderful soul. Have a great weekend. Greetings from Belgium. :)

Syd Barrett went insane in 1968. Whether he was ever even aware of the songs existence was never known, though he did inexplicably show up in the studio the day they recorded this track. He was basically incommunicative. David and Roger are said to have cried. "Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky, Shine On You Crazy diamond"

I do believe this song is about there ex bandmate Sid Barret.. He was a great musician..❤. I've been listening too Pink Floyd for45 years. And always will love Floyd ❤️ RIP MR WRIGHT AND MR BARRET..

You don’t have to get high to listen to Pink Floyd but listening to Pink Floyd will make you high

I saw them do this at Knebworth open air concert 1975 UK. They also did all of "Dark side of the moon". They even had a surround sound system, so a hundred thousand plus audience had the total experience. Never been quite the same since. 😁❤

Your Pink Floyd reactions bring out a wonderful reaction in the rest of us, one that you seldom see on the internet. Truly bringing smiles worldwide. ❤ from Canada

Pink Floyd is the best thing about the 70’s. 50 years later I love it just as much. So glad you love it too. 🙂

I love to see your reactions, it's exactly how I feel every time I listen to any Pink Floyd song, even after listening to all the years that I have. Back in the early nineties I did a lot of work in the NWT, and every where I went the locals called me Pink Floyd. It is now 2024!

Once again, Pink Floyd sets souls free! Great review.

It's a religious experience to see them play this song live. I cry every time. It's the happiest I've ever been in my life period!!!!!!!!!!

Watching you discover pink floyd makes me feel like I'm discovering it again for the first time...Thank you so much for this

Born in 82 and got to listen to this at parents summer get togethers. Nothing is forced, it's just magical. I'd come home from school after being bullied beat down and broken and just disappear into this. Seeing your reaction to the music I literally feel every emotion you do and it's pretty cool seeing the exact thing that I do when I listen to it.

Se you listen to Pink Floyd makes me tear up. Reminds me of my young self when I heard this for the first time. Thank you.❤

The beginning of "Welcome to the Machine" as the song ends. All Pink Floyd albums are one continuous masterpiece.

I experienced Pink Floyd live twice. Both concerts were so emotionally exhausting it was so hard to even walk back to the car. The Moody Blues are another band that will always take you on an emotional journey.

The song is an eargasm for sure, and I love this woman's reaction to it... especially at 10:06 - Yeah, we know that feeling; Tugs at the heartstrings. I grew up listening to Rock and Pop music mostly in my youth back in the 1980s & '90s, and I realized a long time ago while listening to the Glam Rock of the era and the much older stuff too of course such as the Stones, the Doors, Zeppelin, etc. that Pink Floyd was THE BAND for me and has stuck with me ever since I was like 12 years old when 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason' was released in '87. The video release of 'Delicate Sound of Thunder' two years later sealed the deal for me, and having been to the band's final show live in 1994 is still to this day the greatest concert that I've ever seen among the dozens of other artists/bands live on stage during the past 30 years.

A Sax played, yes, Trumbo, no. What you heard was Richard Wright playing the Hammond organ. Love your reaction and this song! As a 40 years of being fan of 'Pink Floyd fan myself, keep on listening to Pink Floyd ❤❤❤

After Dark Side of the Moon, they started making an album with the working title Household Objects. It was only going to be things found in a kitchen or house, no traditional instruments. Thankfully they abandoned that plan but one thing they experimented with that they used was rubbing on wine glasses with different amounts of liquid in them. They got them all tuned to the right notes, and at the beginning of this song part of what sounds like a keyboard is actually those wine glasses. Also, Dick Parry on the sax also played on Dark Side of the Moon, The Division Bell album, live at the Pulse tour in 1994, and with David Gilmour live shows from 2002 to 2008. I’ve always considered him an unofficial member of the band. Syd actually showed up at the studio when they were recording this. They didn’t recognize him at first. That in itself is a fascinating story. You could say that most of their work after he left the band was a tribute to him in some way.

Dave Gilmour's version of High Hopes live from Pompeii is another heart-jerker.

In my teen years of the late 1980's and early 90's - I never took drugs or alcohol like many of my classmates. To go to another place mentally, all I need to do was turn off all the lights in my bedroom, lay down on my back on my bed with my head hanging off the end - almost upside down, and crank this song. It was like a trip to space. Still love it to this day. Thank you for experiencing it with us!

Just wait until you learn more of what this piece is all about and what happened the day they were in the studio recording this very track. Long Live Syd!

I remember hearing this song for the first time as a teenager in the 1970s. Wow! I’m mesmerized by it to this day. Yes, it was a tribute to Syd Barrett. Syd named the band. He took the first names of 2 musicians by the name of Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. David Gilmour and Roger Waters, bass player up until the 1980s, would disagree at times, but there was always a love and respect between them. There is a RU-vid video of a reunion concert in 2006 where Roger came back and joined them for that concert. It was a fundraising concert. By the way, the sound you heard at the end of this song was a song called Welcome to the Machine.

Saw them in concert in Toronto 94. Nothing to compare. As much as I LOVED the Who Floyd was on a different plane. Moody Blues is there too. And Bread.

Hi It's fantastic to see you digging deeper into the world of Pink Floyd. More than the live reaction, I appreciate what you have to say after listening. It's really great to listen to what you have to say and really reminds me of my discovery of this fantastic music. I would definitely recommend a reaction one by one of the four classic albums: The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Wall. Definitely by release chronology. You'll be able to grasp the evolution of the music and catch the context of the 70s. At least I think so, I was born in the early 80s myself. Then watch Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii for yourself. And then if that's still not enough for you go ahead with the whole discography. For me it was always not enough. As I got used to one album, I'd go with the next. Each time it's a different feeling, a different sound, a different instrument - there's so much. Don't forget other music as an antidote. Pink Floyd fans are a state of mind ;)

For me arguably THE Pink Floyd masterpiece (others may disagree ^^), etheral and out of this world. And the "Crazy Diamond" they sing about is former member Syd Barrett, to whom they refer to the whole album, but especially in "Wish you were here".

This was from a time when we bought a new album and played it in its entirety. For me, it was lights off, headphones on and, occasionally, a spliff in one hand. Music, and certainly Pink Floyd, was a journey to be savoured. We made the time to enjoy every nuance and emotion each song and album brought to us. Music was far more than what's it's become, where every modern song sounds like every other modern song, with no intelligence to lyrical content nor even to the art of being able to play an instrument.

Doesn't matter the song. Pink Floyd is poetry... period.... beautiful.

What you are hearing towards the end of the song are two different types of saxophones 🎷 and no trumpet just Richard Wrights synthesizer and keyboards 🎹 which he was the greatest at that. Dick Parry played the saxophone. I am glad you finally reacted to this song.

This leads into another phenomenal song Stacey, WELCOME TO THE MACHINE, Which would be totally different from everything.You've heard from them up till now. I also recommend DOGS and HAVE A CIGAR.

It's so amazing watching first-time reactions to songs that I take for granted since I've heard them 100's of times. It gives me a renewed appreciation for the song. Wish You Were Here was an amazing album that you never really listened to only one track. It was all or nothing.

The trumpet sounds are from Rick on the keyboard. It is a real sax, though, played by Dick Parry. Don't forget to listen to the second half (part 6-9) of the song.

As a teenager in the 70's it was a magical time! ROCK ON Stacey!!!!!!

Ahhhh.... those 4 notes pierce thru my head every single time I hear this song. Those 4 notes open the doors wide for the rest of the song.

Your comment that Pink Floyd forces the listener to slow down and patiently listen was very insightful. I had never thought about that before and I appreciate it. Thanks!

Imagine being an extraterrestrial hurling through the milkyway galaxy, and your ships long range sensors tune into a distant signal and.... all beings on the ships bridge look at one another simultainously. Disregarding their original objective, they change course, plot a new one towards your solar system, target earth and find the source and drop in for a listen. Well, Ive been listing to Pink Floyd for a very long time. A few of us decided to stay, and our numbers are growing, and we're still listening. As always, love your music reactions. 👽 PS: Syd is doing well on my home planet. He's a wonderful man, musician and human being overall.

I think it is so wonderful that the music from my days growing up, is moving the mind, body and soul of today's youth. Almost 50 years this song has been touching us.

Saw Pink Floyd, back in 1987.....Got to the show 30 minutes late. They opened with this....All five parts !

=At 16 I first listened to Pink Floyd with Atom heart mother. I was hooked and that song holds a special place in my heart. This composition is probably my favorite. When segment one is closing out there is suddenly this discordant four notes. Somehow those four notes hold you spellbound and then morphs into another portion of the song and I can't wrap my head around the way those four notes herald the coming rest of this masterpiece. The two sacs and the time change with the arpeggios backing it deliver the most sublime feelings of joy and remembrance. I was waiting for you to get to this piece thanks once again. Now on to atom heart mother, yes? I love that line you said about trusting Pink Floyd it is significant you just let go and it takes you away. thanks once again allowing me to relive my own memories.

This song is a tribute to Syd Barrett their lead singer from the past he ended up being mentally messed up from drugs and eventually passed. Rest in peace Syd Barrett

The last part were actually two Saxophones. It starts off with a baritone Sax in the first part. On stage you see the player Dick Perry then switch Instruments and play the second part with a (higher) Tenor Saxophone. (And also the rhythm changes to 4/4 instead of 6/8 as before…!)

I think it’s safe to assume Pink Floyd might be your favorite band

This song is dedicatet to Syd Barret. One of my most heard song from Pink Floyd. Greetings fro Germany.🥰🥰

There is hope for our youth! it’s not their fault nothing anywhere near close as good as this exists in today’s music.

The sax was real . . . the trumpet sound and all other effects were synthesized by the magical abilities of Richard Wright on keyboards. This is a masterpiece album. Right in the middle of their groove.

I love it when I see that you have a new reaction...especially Floyd. David Gilmour seems to have a direct line to your heart.

Although it's one of the longest intros, you love every second of it. It's one of those songs that can literally help you shut everything else out. Because of the emotion of David Gilmour's guitar and then the meaning of the lyrics, your heart really goes out to Syd. When he had to leave the band, the rest of them didn't just shut him out and ignore him, and that is true friends.

Stacey, I had to re-watch this video because your facial expressions are those of a woman slowly falling in love, one slow step at a time when she discovers something new and exciting being introduced by her soulmate (in this case, this song). Your slight amusement at first, then a couple of smiles, and then laughter, and even biting your lip on a couple of occasions...all signs of high attraction being displayed by your emotions that this song triggers. Even your commentary between breaks sounds like you telling your friends how incredible this person (song) is, such as putting your "trust" into it, even "surrendering" to it. It was really fun to watch you go through this emotional rollercoaster ride....your reaction was priceless.

This is what they call the deep blues. I've been practicing my harmonica to this song for years. It's definitely one of my favorite Pink Floyd songs.

I just flipped on my TV, opened RU-vid and saw the thumbnail pop up. I said, YAY! Finally! Stacey is doing my favorite Pink Floyd album. I look forward to your reactions so much. Like back in the day putting a new album on for a friend that I know they're going to love and seeing them get into it. Only seeing someone from a much younger generation being swept away by Pink Floyd really is a good vibe. Now I'm going to watch the video.

Music transcends all boundaries,,physiological, spiritual and after years Floyd developed this amazing skill so brilliantly ..

This song (actually the Pulse version in its entirety) is my Absolute FAVORITE song by Pink Floyd. The way David Gilmore makes that guitar just weep, wail & drip with emotion, it is the Blues at its finest. I could listen to this song on repeat all day long and not grow tired of it. I got a kick out of seeing your reactions to the changes between the "parts". Welcome to the fold. You will never be the same again. And that's a good thing!

Syd Barrett one of the founding members of Pink Floyd, Syd was taken out by drug related mental health and was no longer functional member of the band, he surprised his former band members walking into the recording studio to their shock he was unrecognisable and a shadow of his former self. The band wrote this song in memory of the Syd they remembered. It's a beautiful song and makes me emotional everytime I here it. It was also played at a friend's funeral which was so fitting for our loss for his beautiful soul. Another wonderful reaction.

Loved waking up this morning to find you've reacted to another Pink Floyd masterpiece...another step forward into their magical musical journey, thank you! A fantastic live version is from David Gilmour's solo tour "On An Island". Shine on starts with a few local street artists (discovered by David) playing the beginning notes of "Shine On.." with wine glasses. Truly beautiful to witness live in concert! Cheers! On a side note, the Keyboardist Richard Wright accompanied David on this solo concert as well.

Shine on Stacey

A wonderful emotional reaction to the lament for the former front man, singer, and lead guitarist for Pink Floyd, the crazy diamond Syd Barrett. An incredibly talented and creative young man, as the band grew more popular in the area and the pressures from the record company and public grew along with his reliance on drugs such as LSD, the sadly unstable Barrett grew less and less able to deal with the reality around him and would retreat into an almost catatonic state, often on stage, leaving the rest of the band to try to work around his absence. They quickly recruited another mutual friend, David Gilmour, to back him up on guitar and vocals when Syd failed, and Gilmour eventually replaced Barrett when the latter became too unstable to function in reality around 1968. Thus this anthem to him is filled with raw emotion and anguish. Sad but true story. Syd wandered into the studio where the band was recording this album and no one recognized him for almost an hour. His longer flowing hair was cut to stubble length, he had gained considerable weight, and his eyes, as mentioned in the song, no longer were the lively and alive eyes of his youth but instead resembled black holes in the sky. According to the story when Roger Waters finally realized that the strange guy sitting in the corner was Barrett, Waters was reduced to tears. Barrett didn't interact much at all, and slipped away later without being noticed. Amazing keyboardist Richard Wright and equally amazing guitarist David Gilmour play a somewhat disjointed lead role, with Wright providing a lot of the stability while Gilmour's guitar work is beautifully chaotic in its manic modes. Roger Waters' bass and Nick Mason's drums provide a strong core for the song, while occasionally seeming to dip into an almost frenetic energy themselves. Waters sings the lyrics on this song, which was not usual, but as he had been closer to Syd I suppose it was natural. Wright's keyboards produced the trumpet you heard, as well as taking some of the standard guitar parts while David was scaling the sonic heights and slipping to the lows. Dick Parry, who worked with the band fairly often in this era, provided the baritone saxophone parts, devolving much like Syd into discordant notes and bars during the fade. It still impresses me how the band seems to capture Syd's mental discordance perfectly with the music in this song. I'm really good with words, but I find myself hard pressed to explain myself when trying to describe this. Your emotional reaction to the song, especially early on, shows that you "get it" so I don't feel driven to explain. Reacting to the remaining parts of Shine On You Crazy Diamond would be nice, but even listening to them on your own would be good. A lot of the early 70s Pink Floyd albums were meant to be listened to in order all the way through, but it's not essential as even in bits and pieces one can get the message woven through it all. The Pulse concert is very good, but I think the studio album is better, and it is better still to listen to the studio album first to get the work clearly instead of distorted or partly obscured by crowd noise. Great work!

As a lifelong fan of what I describe as the best band in the world, it pleases me so much to see your joy and appreciation of their music.