So Far Away
Pink Floyd / David Gilmour Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Should I kid myself that I have no fear?
I get no choice, I just have to wait
It may already be too late
I don't know what's going on
She is here, but I am gone, I am gone
She's far away though she looks so near
'Time will tell," she says to me
When a warm ?...? is all I need
Her peace of mind, her strength of will
It will come, she's sure it will
But how can I put my mind at rest?
I feel I'm coming off second best
And I'm cut with my own life
Is this a dream or is it real life?
Oh, sleep, come on me soon
I can't bear this lonely room
Look at that hair lying there
The room is dark, she shows no fear
I'm lying still, my eyes are wide
My heart is pumping, I'm still alive
I'm still awake against my will
What will it ever take to still this burning in me?
"So Far Away" by Pink Floyd/David Gilmour is a song that is shrouded in ambiguity, making it an excellent example of the band’s signature style. The first stanza describes the singer's sense of hopelessness and fear. He understands that he has no control over the situation and that it might already be too late. He's possibly alluding to the circumstances that have prevented him from being with the person he adores.
In the second stanza, the singer realizes that his lover is lying beside him, and though she's near, she's still far away from him. When she says that time will tell, he patiently waits for her to come to terms with her emotions. Her unwavering willpower and composure give him hope that someday she'll reciprocate his feelings. However, her apparent devotion and steadfast determination make him feel insignificant and unheard. He's puzzled about how he can ease his mind but to no avail, as he feels stuck in the middle.
The third and final stanza indicates that the singer is fighting with himself intensely. He's fighting himself to fall asleep, and he can't seem to find solace. He can't help but stare at his lover's hair, which has become an anchor in this ambiguous situation. The singer is still alive and well, but he's fighting a fire that seems unquenchable. This last stanza reveals the desperation and apprehension the singer is experiencing despite his efforts to remain calm and composed.
Line by Line Meaning
What am I suspended here?
What is my purpose and position in life?
Should I kid myself that I have no fear?
Is it wise to deceive myself that I am fearless?
I get no choice, I just have to wait
I am powerless and have to be patient.
It may already be too late
The situation I find myself in may already be unresolvable.
I don't know what's going on
I lack clarity and understanding about the current situation.
She is here, but I am gone, I am gone
I feel disconnected from my love, even though she is physically present.
My love is lying here
My beloved is beside me.
She's far away though she looks so near
Despite being close, there is an emotional distance between us.
'Time will tell,' she says to me
She advises me to wait and see how things unfold.
When a warm ?...? is all I need
All I crave is warmth and comfort.
Her peace of mind, her strength of will
She is confident in herself and her abilities.
It will come, she's sure it will
She believes the situation will eventually resolve itself.
But how can I put my mind at rest?
I struggle to find peace of mind.
I feel I'm coming off second best
I feel like I am losing to someone or something else.
And I'm cut with my own life
I am deeply affected by my own existence.
Is this a dream or is it real life?
I am unsure if what is happening is real.
Oh, sleep, come on me soon
I long for sleep to provide me relief from my troubles.
I can't bear this lonely room
I find it unbearable to be alone in this place.
Look at that hair lying there
I gaze at the hair of my beloved that is beside me.
The room is dark, she shows no fear
The room is dimly lit, and my beloved is not afraid.
I'm lying still, my eyes are wide
I am paralyzed and alert.
My heart is pumping, I'm still alive
I am grateful for being alive and having a beating heart.
I'm still awake against my will
Despite wanting to sleep, I am still wide awake.
What will it ever take to still this burning in me?
What can I do to calm this intense emotion I am experiencing?
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID JON GILMOUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SpaceOdditiesLive
Looking at these comments, I am thrilled to see I'm not the only person who absolutely adores this song! The whole album is amazing and has meant so much to me since I bought it in 1978. Definitely my favourite Gilmour solo album.
@airbagradiohead
Today is my first time listening to it as I bought the album today and I am loving it.
@FadeToBlack509
"Her peace of mind her strength of will, it will come she sure it will" bars
@michaelhayward9532
I think this is the most beautiful song of all your original work. Thanks David for all the hours of music that took me somewhere far away :)
@alandoane9168
So happy all these old DG songs are being given a pristine second life. Keep 'em coming!
@tomjenner2432
I couldnt agree more Alan. This was real music. Not the shit that's out there today. I survived the 70s thanks to this type of music. I wouldn't take back my memories for anything. God Bless to all
@HenryWinehard
This album, a true work of art, never gets old.
@user-kn9eq7vm2o
It’s my youth...One of my favorite albums of David.Thank you so much!
@simonedgbaston
Mine to ❤
@caterinarossi9526
Bellissimo.. David magico come sempre