Shine On You Crazy Diamond
The Musical Starlight Ensemble Lyrics
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You shine like the sun
Shine on you crazy diamond
Now there′s a look in your eyes
Like black holes in the sky
Shine on you crazy diamond
You were caught on the cross fire
Of childhood and stardom
Blown on the steel breeze
Come on you target for faraway laughter
Come on you stranger
You legend, you martyr and shine
You reached for the secret too soon
You cried for the moon
Shine on you crazy diamond
Threatened by shadows at night
And exposed in the light
Shine on you crazy diamond
Well, you wore out your welcome
With random precision
Rode on the steel breeze
Come on you raver, you seer of visions
Come on you painter
You piper, you prisoner and shine
The song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by The Musical Starlight Ensemble is a tribute to Syd Barrett, the original lead guitarist of Pink Floyd who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had to leave the band in the late 60s. The lyrics express nostalgia for a time when Syd was young and carefree, "shining like the sun". But now, his mental health struggles are evident in his eyes, which are described as "black holes in the sky". Despite the difficulties Syd has faced, the lyrics encourage him to keep shining, calling him a "crazy diamond" - a precious, unique gem that stands out.
The song juxtaposes two contrasting themes: childhood innocence and the harsh realities of stardom. Syd's rise to fame brought him into the "crossfire" of these two worlds, causing him to be "blown on the steel breeze". The lyrics also acknowledge Syd's role as a target of criticism and ridicule, describing him as a "stranger", a "legend", and a "martyr". The song ends with a message of encouragement, urging Syd to continue being a "raver", a "seer of visions", and a "prisoner" of his own creativity.
Overall, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is a poignant tribute to Syd Barrett's life and legacy, showcasing the raw emotion and complexity of mental illness and artistic expression.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember when you were young
Think back to the days of your youth
You shine like the sun
You radiated light and positivity
Shine on you crazy diamond
Keep being your unique, shining self
Now there's a look in your eyes
Your eyes tell a story
Like black holes in the sky
Full of mystery and depth
You were caught on the cross fire
Caught between two worlds
Of childhood and stardom
The innocence of youth and the glamour of fame
Blown on the steel breeze
Carried away by the winds of change
Come on you target for faraway laughter
The focus of ridicule from distant places
Come on you stranger
Embrace your outsider status
You legend, you martyr and shine
Become a legendary figure and keep shining, even in the face of hardship
You reached for the secret too soon
You tried to find the answers too quickly
You cried for the moon
You longed for unattainable things
Threatened by shadows at night
Haunted by fears and doubts
And exposed in the light
Feel exposed under scrutiny
Shine on you crazy diamond
Keep being your unique, shining self
Well, you wore out your welcome
You overstayed your time in the limelight
With random precision
Erratic behavior
Rode on the steel breeze
Moved forward despite obstacles
Come on you raver, you seer of visions
Continue to be bold and imaginative
Come on you painter
Express yourself creatively
You piper, you prisoner and shine
Even if you feel trapped, keep shining your light for others
Writer(s): Gilmour David Jon, Waters George Roger, Wright Richard William
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.