On The Turning Away
Pink Floyd Lyrics
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From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
"Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it's shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud
On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
Mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night
No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?
"On the Turning Away" by Pink Floyd is a powerful song with thought-provoking lyrics that touch upon themes of empathy, social responsibility, and the need for collective action. The opening lines speak of turning away from the suffering and struggles faced by the marginalized and downtrodden, highlighting the disconnect between their reality and our understanding. It suggests that we tend to ignore or underestimate the extent of others' hardships, failing to see the urgent need for compassion and support.
The song challenges the listener to reject complacency and indifference. It warns against accepting the suffering of others as a mere consequence of the world, urging us not to become passive participants in perpetuating injustice. By joining in "the turning away," we become complicit in the cycle of overlooking and neglecting those in need.
The lyrics also emphasize the sinfulness of allowing light to turn into shadow, symbolizing the loss of hope and positive change. The ranks of the uncaring have grown, driven by a heart of stone, rendering us potentially alone in the dream of the proud. The imagery suggests that society has become desensitized and apathetic, lacking the empathy required to bring about meaningful change.
However, the song also offers a glimmer of hope. It mentions a collective unity in the "speechless" and the "silent accord" where individuals can come together, using words that may initially seem strange but ignite a flame of understanding and inspiration. The words highlight the need for open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace new ideas and perspectives.
The chorus firmly declares that there should be no more turning away from the weak and weary, nor from the coldness within ourselves. It implores us to actively participate in shaping a world that is shared by all, urging us to do more than just passively observe. The final line leaves us questioning whether the dream of a world without turning away can ever become a reality.
Overall, "On the Turning Away" serves as a critique of societal apathy and urges listeners to recognize their own power to make a difference, emphasizing the importance of empathy, solidarity, and active engagement in the face of suffering and injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
On the turning away
Choosing to ignore or abandon those who are neglected and oppressed
From the pale and downtrodden
From the weak and marginalized members of society
And the words they say
And the messages they express
Which we won't understand
That we fail to comprehend or empathize with
"Don't accept that what's happening
"Do not tolerate the current situation
Is just a case of others' suffering
Is simply the suffering of other people
Or you'll find that you're joining in
Or else you will become complicit
The turning away"
In abandoning and disregarding others
It's a sin that somehow
It is morally wrong that in some way
Light is changing to shadow
Brightness and hope are transitioning into darkness and despair
And casting it's shroud
And enveloping everything
Over all we have known
Over everything familiar to us
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Unconscious of the increasing number of people affected
Driven on by a heart of stone
Motivated by a lack of compassion and empathy
We could find that we're all alone
We might discover that we are isolated
In the dream of the proud
Within the illusion of superiority and self-importance
On the wings of the night
Under the cover of darkness
As the daytime is stirring
While the ordinary world continues its activities
Where the speechless unite
Where those who cannot express themselves come together
In a silent accord
In a quiet agreement
Using words you will find are strange
Using unfamiliar and unconventional language
Mesmerized as they light the flame
Enchanted by the words that ignite passion
Feel the new wind of change
Experience the stirring breeze of transformation
On the wings of the night
Under the cover of darkness
No more turning away
No longer ignoring or abandoning
From the weak and the weary
From those who are vulnerable and exhausted
No more turning away
No longer refusing to acknowledge
From the coldness inside
From the lack of compassion within ourselves
Just a world that we all must share
Simply a world that we all have a responsibility to coexist in
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Merely observing passively is not sufficient
Is it only a dream that there'll be
Is it merely an unrealistic hope that there will be
No more turning away?
No more ignoring or forsaking others?
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Anthony Jon Moore, David Jon Gilmour
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@summerbreezeNZ
On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away
It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting its shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud
On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite in a silent accord
Using words, you will find, are strange
Mesmerised as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night
No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?
@n40tom
My wife and I were Pink Floyd fans from the first time we heard them in the sixties. 4 years ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer and this song became our anthem. Unfortunately my beautiful bride lost her battle to cancer. I still listen to this song it makes me sad and also happy just to remember the way we were. I miss her so
@MrCelticcc1
+tackless Very sorry for your loss, mate...personally I believe the spirit carries on and you'll see your soulmate on 'the other side' again some day in the next-to-near future... You two have outstanding tastes in music I must also add...
@thrummer1953
I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you.
@n40tom
+thrummer1953 thank you so much it means the world to me you must be a special person just to respond like that thank you
@thrummer1953
I've lost people who were precious to me, and know well how that feels.But nothing can ever take away the times we spent with our beloved.They will always exist somewhere in time,and are an indelible part of the cosmic record, and imprinted on our hearts.Our sorrow is a tribute to what they meant to us.
@n40tom
+thrummer1953 sorrow is a tribute to what they meant to us, is the greatest thing I have ever heard in my life. Thank you my friend. you have brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye at the same time
@msgoddess07
Ah. Pink Floyd. This song makes me... Bittersweet. It gives me memories of my dad, who has passed away, may he rest in peace. This was the song that was played when I wheeled out his coffin with my sister's, brother and his girlfriend. Every time I listen to this song, I almost break down in tears thinking about him. But I also think about the happy times we had together. This was his favorite song to listen to whenever he was drunk. Along with The Gambler from Kenny Rogers and The Sound Of Silence by Disturbed. R.I.P Dad. You will be missed. And to everyone who actually took the time to read this, I thank you.
@Bips256
Nostalgic moments, yes..life is string of beautiful moments.
We all must live in love and harmony, that's what life teaches to all of us.
@LW-vs2su
You have made a difference. Thank you
@evilcowboy
Your welcome, nice ode to your dad. Sorry for your loss.