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
And 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?
Pink Floyd's On The Turning Away speaks to the human tendency of turning a blind eye to the suffering of others. As the opening lines suggest, people often turn away from those who are underprivileged and downtrodden, ignoring their pleas or words, and ultimately failing to understand their problems. Even when injustice or suffering is happening around us, we have a tendency to deny that it is happening or to try and rationalize it as the result of others’ actions, rather than our collective actions. The chorus warns against this, implying that if we're not careful, we may find ourselves complicit in perpetuating this injustice.
The song then goes on to ask why society behaves in this manner, and how it can be changed. The music suggests that something fundamental is shifting, as light becomes shadow and the known world becomes covered by a shroud, symbolizing society's inability to see the suffering of others. The verses suggest that a “heart of stone” may be what is driving society, leading to the growth of inequality and ultimately, foolish pride. However, there is a glimmer of hope as the song progresses. In the bridge, the music lifts and a "new wind of change" is felt. The song ends with a call to action—the need to stand up and advocate for change, no more turning away. It speaks for the hope of a world in which people are more empathetic and do not deny the suffering of others.
Line by Line Meaning
On the turning away
Acknowledging the moment of refusal and stagnancy
From the pale and downtrodden
Walking away from those who are weak and vulnerable
And the words they say
Ignoring the thoughts and perspective of the less privileged
Which we won't understand
Being indifferent to the cries of the oppressed and refusing to understand their suffering
Don't accept that what's happening
Don't take it as normal that people are suffering and being treated unfairly
Is just a case of others' suffering
Do not believe that the suffering of others does not concern you
Or you'll find that you're joining in
Otherwise, you will be contributing to the problem
The turning away
The act of ignoring those in need and becoming indifferent to their plight
It's a sin that somehow
It is a terrible thing that in some way
Light is changing to shadow
Places of light, hope, and opportunity are becoming dark, overshadowed by fear and hopelessness
And casting it's shroud
Spreading its darkness and shadow
Over all we have known
Overwhelming everything we believed and were familiar to
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Not realizing how many people are being negatively affected
Driven on by a heart of stone
Moving forward without empathy or concern
We could find that we're all alone
Realizing that we have isolated ourselves and that we are alone in this world
In the dream of the proud
Living in a world that only benefits the privileged and powerful
On the wings of the night
In the stillness and silence of the night
As the daytime is stirring
As the day comes alive
Where the speechless unite
Where those who cannot speak for themselves join together
In a silent accord
In a quiet agreement to make a change
Using words you will find are strange
Using language and ideas that may seem unfamiliar
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Inspired by this unfamiliar language and ideas as they ignite a movement
Feel the new wind of change
Embracing the new, transformative ideas that will bring change
No more turning away
Refusing to ignore those in need and choosing to take action
From the weak and the weary
Refusing to turn away from those who are suffering and vulnerable
From the coldness inside
Leaving behind the lack of compassion and empathy within oneself
Just a world that we all must share
A reminder that we all live on this planet and must take care of it and each other
It's not enough just to stand and stare
We cannot simply watch as the world falls apart; we must take action
Is it only a dream that there'll be
Is a world that is compassionate and just only something we can dream of?
No more turning away?
Will we truly stop ignoring the suffering around us and take action to create change?
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Dave Gilmour, Anthony Moore
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.