About the song
“Eclipse” is the final track on Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon, an album that remains one of the most influential and critically acclaimed works in the history of rock music. Released on March 1, 1973, the album quickly became a cultural touchstone, and “Eclipse” serves as the dramatic conclusion to a thematic journey that explores themes of mental illness, time, death, and the human condition. As the closing track, “Eclipse” not only brings The Dark Side of the Moon to a close but also encapsulates the existential reflections that run through the entire album.
Lyrically, “Eclipse” is both a culmination and a reflection of the central themes of The Dark Side of the Moon. Written by Roger Waters, it touches on the idea of the interconnectedness of human experience, the cyclical nature of life, and the tension between individual and collective existence. The song’s lyrics express a profound sense of realization—acknowledging that everything, from joy to suffering, is part of a greater, inevitable whole. The line, “All that you touch, all that you see, all that you taste, all you feel, all that you love, all that you hate, all you distrust, all you save…” is a sweeping statement about the totality of human existence. Ultimately, “Eclipse” suggests that there is no distinction between light and dark, life and death, or joy and pain—they are all integral parts of the human experience.
The musical arrangement of “Eclipse” is grand and sweeping, designed to be the ultimate sonic statement of The Dark Side of the Moon. The track starts with a gradual build-up, beginning with David Gilmour’s haunting guitar and Richard Wright’s lush keyboard arrangements, before crescendoing into a powerful, choir-like finale. The song’s orchestration and the buildup of harmony mirror the themes of unity and completion explored in the lyrics. The instrumental arrangement, especially the soaring vocals by Gilmour and the choir of backing singers, creates a sense of emotional release as the album reaches its peak. The track ends with a dramatic pause, reflecting the stillness that often follows moments of deep introspection or revelation.
Released as part of The Dark Side of the Moon, “Eclipse” encapsulates the album’s overarching concept and provides a poignant conclusion to the journey the album takes listeners on. The entire album is a meditation on the pressures and struggles of life, and “Eclipse” offers a sense of acceptance—an acknowledgment that the complexities of existence, while difficult to comprehend, are ultimately part of a larger, universal truth.
“Eclipse” had a profound impact on the music world, both during its release and in the years since. Pink Floyd‘s ability to blend complex themes with experimental soundscapes and innovative studio techniques made The Dark Side of the Moon a cultural milestone, and “Eclipse” plays a key role in this achievement. The album, with “Eclipse” as its closing statement, changed the way people thought about rock music—elevating it to a level of artistic expression that transcended typical genre boundaries. The song and the album helped cement Pink Floyd’s reputation as one of the most visionary and influential bands in rock history.
The societal impact of “Eclipse” cannot be overstated. The Dark Side of the Moon captured the mood of a generation that was questioning the values of materialism, social systems, and the human condition. The themes of mental illness, stress, and the search for meaning resonated deeply with listeners, particularly during the tumultuous 1970s. The album’s success also helped pave the way for the integration of more experimental and progressive elements into mainstream rock music, influencing countless artists in the decades that followed.
In conclusion, “Eclipse” by Pink Floyd is not just a song; it is a powerful, meditative statement on the nature of existence and the human experience. Released as the final track on The Dark Side of the Moon in 1973, it encapsulates the philosophical explorations that define the album as a whole. With its stunning musical composition, evocative lyrics, and emotional depth, “Eclipse” remains one of the most poignant and lasting songs in rock music history. Its themes of interconnectedness, realization, and acceptance continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic.
Video
Lyrics
All that you touchAnd all that you seeAll that you tasteAll you feelAnd all that you loveAnd all that you hateAll you distrustAll you saveAnd all that you giveAnd all that you dealAnd all that you buyBeg, borrow or stealAnd all you createAnd all you destroyAnd all that you doAnd all that you sayAnd all that you eatAnd everyone you meet (everyone you meet)And all that you slightAnd everyone you fightAnd all that is nowAnd all that is goneAnd all that’s to comeAnd everything under the sun is in tuneBut the sun is eclipsed by the moon