Shine On You Crazy Diamond
The Musical Starlight Ensemble Lyrics

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Remember when you were young
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

Overall Meaning

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