About the song
“Sorrow” is the hauntingly powerful final track on Pink Floyd’s 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, which marked a pivotal point in the band’s evolution. Written primarily by David Gilmour and Anthony Moore, the song explores themes of emotional anguish, regret, and the deep scars left by loss. It is a perfect example of Pink Floyd’s ability to combine intricate musical compositions with profound emotional depth. The track is often cited as one of the standout pieces from this period of the band’s career, where the absence of Roger Waters, the band’s primary lyricist and conceptual mastermind, was keenly felt, yet Gilmour’s influence still carried the emotional weight.
Released in September 1987, A Momentary Lapse of Reason was Pink Floyd’s first album following Waters’ departure, and Sorrow** serves as a fitting conclusion to an album that grapples with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. The song’s length (over 8 minutes) and atmospheric build-up provide a sense of tension and release, and the track itself is almost cinematic in its sweeping arrangement. The use of Gilmour’s signature guitar tone, with its echoing, mournful solos, perfectly complements the introspective lyrics, making “Sorrow” a cathartic experience for listeners.
The meaning of “Sorrow” revolves around themes of emotional pain and the aftereffects of a broken relationship or personal trauma. The lyrics describe the process of dealing with grief and emotional turmoil, as the narrator is immersed in sorrow, feeling overwhelmed by the past and trapped by memories. The song’s emotional intensity is reflected in its music, which begins with a somber, almost droning synthesizer intro, before slowly building into a powerful crescendo, driven by Gilmour’s soaring guitar solos. The final guitar solo, in particular, is often hailed as one of the band’s finest, symbolizing the release and catharsis that the song’s lyrics call for. The intensity and weight of this emotional release elevate “Sorrow” from a simple song about sadness into a deeply moving exploration of human suffering and recovery.
Socially, “Sorrow” arrived at a time when Pink Floyd was experiencing significant changes. The band had been through a period of internal strife, with Roger Waters having left the band during the recording of The Final Cut (1983). Despite the absence of his guiding influence, Gilmour and the rest of the band were able to deliver a record that resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners. The song captured the growing sense of isolation that many felt during the 1980s, a decade marked by political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and personal introspection. “Sorrow” continues to be relevant as it speaks to the universal human experience of confronting one’s inner darkness and coming to terms with the past. Its themes of personal suffering and resilience remain resonant in a world that is often marked by conflict and emotional hardship.
From a musical perspective, “Sorrow” is a masterpiece of atmospheric rock. The soundscape of the song is quintessentially Pink Floyd, blending spacey synths with emotional guitar work and layered vocals to create a feeling of vastness. The song’s production is sleek and polished, yet it retains a raw emotional power that many fans found missing in the band’s post-Waters material. The song’s pacing and structure are deliberate, building tension before reaching a powerful and cathartic resolution, which mirrors the emotional journey described in the lyrics. The use of synthesizers and the ambient feel give the track a reflective quality, while Gilmour’s emotive guitar solos provide the perfect release from the building tension.
“Sorrow” has gone on to become one of the defining tracks of Pink Floyd’s later period, often praised for its emotional depth and musical sophistication. It remains a favorite among Gilmour’s admirers, and is often included in live performances, where it is given a fresh emotional resonance. The song is also a testament to Gilmour’s evolution as a songwriter, demonstrating his ability to craft compelling narratives that blend personal vulnerability with the grandeur of Pink Floyd’s signature sound.
In conclusion, “Sorrow” stands as one of Pink Floyd’s most emotionally potent songs, offering a profound exploration of pain, recovery, and the burden of memory. Its musical intricacy, lyrical depth, and emotional weight make it a standout on A Momentary Lapse of Reason and a powerful testament to the band’s enduring influence in rock music.
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Lyrics
The sweet smell of a great sorrow lies over the landPlumes of smoke rise and merge into the leaden skyA man lies and dreams of green fields and riversBut awakes to a morning with no reason for wakingHe’s haunted by the memory of a lost paradiseIn his youth or a dream, he can’t be preciseHe’s chained forever to a world that’s departedIt’s not enough, it’s not enoughHis blood has frozen and curdled with frightHis knees have trembled and given way in the nightHis hand has weakened at the moment of truthHis step has falteredOne world, one soulTime pass, the river rollAnd he talks to the river of lost love and dedicationAnd silent replies that swirl invitationFlow dark and troubled to an oily seaA grim intimation of what is to beThere’s an unceasing wind that blows through this nightAnd there’s dust in my eyes, that blinds my sightAnd silence that speaks so much louder than wordsOf promises broken