47 Best Pink Floyd Songs Ever

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Few bands have helped shape the history of music quite like Pink Floyd. They were pioneers of psychedelic, prog, and space rock, and created a massive catalog of masterpieces. So let's look at the best Pink Floyd songs ever recorded.

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High Hopes by Pink Floyd

High Hopes is easily one of Pink Floyd's best songs. Fans have long debated the exact meaning of the lyrics, but even now there is no definitive answer. Have a look at the video and see what you get from it?

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1975

The title track from Pink Floyd’s ninth album, “Wish You Were Here,” is another song reflecting on the loss of friend and former bandmate Syd Barrett. Although he was still alive, Barrett was no longer “there.”

Gilmour and Barrett collaborated on this track, which is steeped with emotion. There is a certain sadness in the lyrics as they refer to themselves as ‘two lost souls’ wishing their friend could return.

Learning To Fly by Pink Floyd

Another top hit with Pink Floyd's trademark slow paced lyrics. The title pretty much sums of what this song is about, learning to fly! Both literally and metaphorically.

It's become popular in the aviation industry due to the reference to flying and a lot of flying happening in the video. It's also about flying high in life and overcoming obstacles.

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1975

Known for their long, elaborate songs, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a 26-minute track in nine parts as a tribute to former band member, Syd Barrett. Barrett left Pink Floyd in 1968 due to mental health issues and was replaced permanently by David Gilmour.

The song recalls how Barrett was as bright as the sun, and sadly his eyes are now black and hollow. Although he wore out his welcome with his bandmates, “Shine On” is a beautiful homage to an original member of Pink Floyd, remembering the early days. 

“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1979

One of Pink Floyd’s greatest works is The Wall, a concept album featuring “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)”. It became one of the band’s signature songs and topped music charts all around the world.

The song is memorable for the London secondary school choir that sings the chorus. Rebelling against authority is a theme that runs throughout the record. The kids feel like they are just another brick and refuse to be thought-controlled.

“Time” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1973

Like “Money,” “Time” is notable for Pink Floyd’s signature use of sound effects. The ticking clocks and chiming bells awaken us to the fact that we are not getting any younger.

Time seems plentiful in our youth when we can afford to fritter it away. But before you know it, time has passed you by. Then you must struggle to find the time as you get closer and closer to death. 

“Money” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1973

With a ringing cash register, the clatter of coins, and a catchy bass riff, “Money” is the first song on the second side of one of the best-selling records of all time, Dark Side of the Moon. It was the only song from the album to crack the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #13.

The tune is a criticism of wealth, greed, and materialism. Money is the root of all evil. Ironically, the song and record made the members of Pink Floyd incredibly rich and susceptible to excesses of their own.

“Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd 

Song Year: 1979

Widely regarded as one of Pink Floyd’s greatest songs, “Comfortably Numb” features two hauntingly beautiful guitar solos from David Gilmour.

The song was written by Roger Waters after he was injected with a painkiller before a show. The trippy vocals take us into a dream-like state, comfortably numb.

“Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1975

Pink Floyd pulled no punches when it came to exposing the negative side of the music industry. If you wanted to succeed in the game, you had to succumb to being controlled by “the machine.”

You got told what to dream, like the ‘thought control’ in “Another Brick in the Wall.” By controlling your dreams, the machine can provide you with the material possessions you think you wanted.

“The Great Gig in the Sky” by Pink Floyd

Song Year: 1973

There have only been three Pink Floyd songs recorded featuring vocals other than the band members themselves. “The Great Gig in the Sky” features a wailing female voice over the track, and the song has become one of the band’s most recognizable.

Aside from a few spoken words, the song features the incredible vocals of singer Clare Torry. Without actual lyrics, her voice represents dying and death. The ‘great gig in the sky’ is the final show in Heaven.

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