About the song
“Echoes” by Pink Floyd, especially their legendary performance in Pompeii, is a monumental piece of music that showcases the band’s innovative spirit and artistic brilliance. Released in 1971 as part of their album “Meddle,” “Echoes” stands out as a 23-minute epic that takes listeners on a profound auditory journey.
The song was written by all four members of Pink Floyd: Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason. It is a perfect example of their collaborative genius, blending haunting melodies, experimental soundscapes, and poetic lyrics. “Echoes” is often considered a precursor to the band’s later, more conceptual works, like “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here.”
In the live performance at Pompeii, recorded in the ancient Roman amphitheater without an audience, “Echoes” takes on an almost mythical quality. The setting of Pompeii, with its historical and cultural significance, adds an ethereal atmosphere to the performance. The visuals of the band playing against the backdrop of the ruins, combined with the natural acoustics of the amphitheater, create a unique and immersive experience. This recording was part of the film “Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii,” directed by Adrian Maben and released in 1972. It has since become a cult classic among Pink Floyd fans and is often regarded as one of the most iconic live music films.
“Echoes” itself did not chart as a single, as it was never released as one due to its length. However, the “Meddle” album achieved commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and earning a gold certification in the United States. The track has been celebrated for its complexity and depth, often highlighted in discussions about the band’s most significant contributions to progressive rock.
Musically, “Echoes” features a variety of instruments and sound effects, including the distinctive “ping” sound of Richard Wright’s piano, David Gilmour’s soaring guitar solos, and the seamless interplay between the band members. The lyrics, reflecting themes of unity and connection, resonate with a sense of existential exploration.
For listeners, especially those who have followed Pink Floyd’s journey through the decades, “Echoes” remains a cornerstone of the band’s legacy. It exemplifies their ability to push the boundaries of rock music and create something timeless. The Pompeii performance, in particular, stands as a testament to Pink Floyd’s artistic vision and their ability to transform a song into a profound experience.
Video
Lyrics
Overhead the albatross
Hangs motionless upon the air
And deep beneath the rolling waves
In labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant time
Comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine
And no one showed us to the land
And no one knows the where’s or why’s
But something stirs and something tries
And starts to climb toward the light
Strangers passing in the street
By chance, two separate glances meet
And I am you and what I see is me
And do I take you by the hand
And lead you through the land
And help me understand the best I can?
And no one calls us to move on
And no one forces down our eyes
No one speaks and no one tries
No one flies around the sun
Cloudless everyday
You fall upon my waking eyes
Inviting and inciting me to rise
And through the window in the wall
Come streaming in on sunlight wings
A million bright ambassadors of morning
And no one sings me lullabies
And no one makes me close my eyes
So I throw the windows wide