PINK FLOYD - SORROW

Released: September 7, 1987

"Sorrow," the closing track on Pink Floyd's thirteenth studio album, "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" (1987), was penned by the band's vocalist and guitarist, David Gilmour. Live versions of the song are showcased on Pink Floyd's albums, "Delicate Sound of Thunder" (1988) and "Pulse" (1995).

In the midst of uncertainty following Roger Waters' departure, David Gilmour confronted challenges during the creation of "A Momentary Lapse of Reason." Engaged in a lawsuit with Waters, Gilmour immersed himself in the studio, hoping the creative journey would lead to something meaningful. Despite the legal turbulence, Gilmour found solace in envisioning an album that a label would accept. A pivotal moment arrived with "Sorrow," where lyrics materialized before music, signaling a confident new direction. Despite mixed critiques, the album outsold "The Final Cut," securing Pink Floyd's future under Gilmour's leadership, with the legal battle over the band name resolved months later.

The lyrics of "Sorrow" commence with evocative lines like "The sweet smell of a great sorrow lies over the land, Plumes of smoke rise and merge into the leaden sky." Interestingly, these words carry echoes from John Steinbeck's iconic novel, "The Grapes of Wrath." The entire song appears to draw inspiration from the book, mirroring its thematic elements. This influence is particularly evident in the alternating chapters of the novel, where one depicts the journey of a family and the next explores the evolving dynamics of the broader community. Pink Floyd's "Sorrow" weaves a narrative that resonates with the nuanced storytelling found in Steinbeck's literary masterpiece.

Drummer Nick Mason revealed that "Sorrow" was primarily composed by Gilmour in a weekend on his houseboat, Astoria. Upon Mason's return, minimal adjustments were required. Gilmour added that the concluding guitar solo in "Sorrow" was recorded on the boat, using a small Gallien-Krueger amplifier for the distinctive sound. The song's creation process exemplifies Gilmour's efficiency and the unique setting in which significant elements of the track were crafted.