If you’re an aspiring guitarist looking to diversify your playing style, look no further than the legendary Pink Floyd.
Their pioneering approach to music and immense range of styles have made them one of the most influential rock bands of all time, selling over 250 million records worldwide.
From timeless albums like Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were.
Here come 17 essential Pink Floyd songs that are perfect for any beginner or intermediate player.
Table of Contents
- 17. “Goodbye Blue Sky”
- 16. “Run Like Hell”
- 15. “Breathe”
- 14. “The Great Gig in the Sky”
- 13. “One of These Days”
- 12. “Brain Damage/Eclipse”
- 11. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)”
- 10. “See Emily Play”
- 9. “Hey You”
- 8. “Another Brick in the Wall”
- 7. “Young Lust”
- 6. “Have a Cigar”
- 5. “Us and Them”
- 4. “Comfortably Numb”
- 3. “Wish You Were Here”
- 2. “Time”
- 1. “Money”
17. “Goodbye Blue Sky”
“Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd is a powerful and haunting song that speaks to the destruction of war.
It was written and recorded by the band for their 1979 album, The Wall.
The song is a reflection on the destruction of war, as the lyrics are about a sky that is no longer blue, but instead filled with smoke and fire.
The music is slow and haunting, with a simple guitar melody, and the lyrics are full of sorrow and despair.
The song was written by Roger Waters, who was inspired by the destruction of World War II, and the lyrics reflect the sadness and despair of the time.
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The song has been covered by many other artists, including U2, and has been featured in numerous films, including The Shawshank Redemption.
Pink Floyd was a British rock band formed in 1965, and is one of the most influential and successful bands of all time.
They are known for their unique sound and their use of philosophical and political themes in their music.
They are also known for their innovative use of technology and sound effects, and their live performances are legendary.
16. “Run Like Hell”
“Run Like Hell” by Pink Floyd is a classic rock song, released in 1979 on the band’s eleventh studio album, The Wall.
It was written by bassist and lead vocalist Roger Waters and was one of the most popular tracks from the album.
The song features a driving rhythm and a pulsing synth line, and the lyrics tell a story of a narrator who is being pursued by an unknown enemy.
The song was released as a single in the UK and reached number 15 on the charts.
It was also featured in the 1982 film, Pink Floyd – The Wall, which was based on the album.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films and television shows.
Pink Floyd’s “Run Like Hell” is an iconic classic rock song that has stood the test of time.
15. “Breathe”
“Breathe” is a song by the iconic English rock band Pink Floyd, released on their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon.
Written by the band’s bassist and main lyricist Roger Waters, the song is a reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of living in the moment.
It features a simple, but powerful melody that is driven by a steady rhythm and a distinctive guitar riff.
The song’s lyrics are a plea for the listener to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to simply breathe.
The song also features a haunting saxophone solo by Dick Parry, which adds to the song’s sense of melancholy and longing.
The song has since become one of Pink Floyd’s most recognizable and beloved tracks, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
14. “The Great Gig in the Sky”
“The Great Gig in the Sky” by Pink Floyd is a song from the band’s 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
The song is a powerful and emotional instrumental piece that features a haunting vocal performance by Clare Torry.
The song was written by Richard Wright and Roger Waters and is one of the most popular and iconic songs from the album.
The song is a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
The song begins with a slow, atmospheric introduction before the vocals come in.
Torry’s vocals are an emotive and powerful display of emotion, and her performance has been widely praised by critics.
The song is also known for its innovative use of synthesizers and sound effects, which were used to create an ethereal atmosphere.
The song is a powerful and emotional piece of music that is often cited as one of the best songs from Pink Floyd’s classic album.
13. “One of These Days”
“One of These Days” by Pink Floyd is a classic rock song that was released in 1971.
It was the opening track of their album Meddle and was one of the first songs to feature the band’s signature sound.
The song is known for its eerie, atmospheric soundscape, which is created by a combination of David Gilmour’s signature guitar riffs, Nick Mason’s drumming, and Richard Wright’s synthesizer and organ.
The lyrics, written by Roger Waters, are cryptic and open to interpretation.
The song is said to be about the band’s feelings of alienation and frustration with the music industry.
It has become one of the band’s most recognizable songs and has been covered by many artists over the years.
Pink Floyd’s unique blend of psychedelic rock and progressive rock has made them one of the most influential bands of all time, and “One of These Days” is a perfect example of their signature sound.
12. “Brain Damage/Eclipse”
“Brain Damage/Eclipse” by Pink Floyd is an iconic song from their 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
It is the final track of the album and serves as an epilogue to the entire work.
Written by Roger Waters, the song is a meditation on insanity and the power of the moon.
The lyrics are both surreal and poetic, and the music is a beautiful blend of acoustic and electric instruments.
The song begins with a haunting acoustic guitar and builds to a powerful climax with a full band.
The lyrics explore themes of mental illness, and the song ends with the repeated line, “And if the band you’re in starts playing different tunes.”
This line serves as a reminder that we all have the power to change our lives, no matter how dark things may seem.
Pink Floyd has been one of the most influential bands in rock history, and “Brain Damage/Eclipse” is a perfect example of their unique sound and powerful lyrics.
11. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)”
Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)” is an epic, nine-minute long song that is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
It was released in 1975 on the band’s album Wish You Were Here and was written as a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett.
The song is composed of two distinct sections, the first five parts being an instrumental introduction and the last four parts being a vocal section.
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The instrumental introduction is characterized by its slow and melancholic tone, with a combination of guitar, keyboard, and saxophone.
The vocal section is more upbeat, with the lyrics focusing on Barrett’s mental illness and his eventual departure from the band.
Pink Floyd’s signature use of sound effects and studio techniques is also present in the song, with the sound of a heartbeat, a train, and a seagull being heard throughout.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and its influence can still be heard in modern rock music.
10. “See Emily Play”
“See Emily Play” by Pink Floyd is a classic psychedelic rock song from the band’s 1967 debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.
Written by Syd Barrett, the song was the band’s second single and was an instant hit, reaching number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is a surreal, dream-like narrative about a young girl named Emily who plays in a magical garden.
Musically, the song is characterized by its upbeat, jangly guitar and organ riffs, and Barrett’s whimsical, stream-of-consciousness lyrics.
The song also features some of the band’s earliest uses of sound effects, such as a distorted telephone ringing and a bird chirping.
The song has since become a staple of Pink Floyd’s live shows and is widely regarded as one of their most iconic songs.
It has been covered by numerous other artists, and its influence can be heard in the music of bands like The Flaming Lips and The Smashing Pumpkins.
9. “Hey You”
Pink Floyd’s “Hey You” is a classic rock song, released in 1979 on their album, The Wall.
It was written by Roger Waters and sung by David Gilmour.
The song is a plea for help from a person who is feeling isolated and alone.
The lyrics are full of despair and desperation, as the singer begs for someone to reach out and help him.
The music is simple and haunting, with a somber piano and aching guitars.
The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with its repeated plea for help.
It is a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in need and of the power of music to express emotion.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Pearl Jam, U2, and Aerosmith, and has become a staple of classic rock radio.
8. “Another Brick in the Wall”
Pink Floyd’s iconic song, “Another Brick in the Wall”, is a classic of the progressive rock genre.
Released in 1979, it was the second single from the album The Wall and was an instant hit, reaching number one in the UK and number three in the US.
The song is a protest against the rigid education system and the oppressive environment of British schools.
It features a chorus of schoolchildren singing “We don’t need no education” and has become an anthem for those who feel oppressed by authority.
The song was written by Pink Floyd’s bassist and lead singer Roger Waters, and was composed by David Gilmour and Nick Mason.
It features a prominent bass line, which was played by Waters, and a distinctive guitar solo by Gilmour.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Korn, P!nk, and the Foo Fighters.
It has also been featured in many films and television shows, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
7. “Young Lust”
Pink Floyd’s “Young Lust” is an iconic song from their 1979 album, The Wall.
Written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour, the song is an exploration of the singer’s desires for physical intimacy and the confusion of young love.
The song is driven by a powerful guitar riff and a steady beat, which gives it a strong and energetic feel.
The lyrics are a reflection of the singer’s inner struggle between his need for physical intimacy and his fear of commitment.
This is a common theme in Pink Floyd’s work, and this song is no exception.
The song has become a classic of the band’s discography, with its memorable chorus and powerful guitar solo.
It has been covered by many artists and featured in many films and television shows.
It is a timeless classic that continues to be loved by fans of Pink Floyd and classic rock alike.
6. “Have a Cigar”
Pink Floyd’s 1975 classic, “Have a Cigar,” is a rock and roll anthem that has stood the test of time.
It was featured on the band’s ninth studio album, Wish You Were Here, and was the third single released from the album.
The song is a commentary on the music industry and its tendency to commodify artists.
The lyrics are sung by Roy Harper, who was invited to the studio by the band’s guitarist, David Gilmour.
The song is driven by a funky bass line and Gilmour’s signature guitar licks, and the chorus is powerful and catchy.
The song was a success, reaching number 35 on the UK Singles Chart and number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It has since become a staple of Pink Floyd’s live shows and is often included in greatest hits compilations.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Foo Fighters, Oasis, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
It serves as a reminder of the band’s influence and staying power, and it is a testament to their ability to craft timeless music.
5. “Us and Them”
“Us and Them” by Pink Floyd is a classic from the band’s 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
It is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of the divide between us and them, and the loneliness that comes with it.
The song is a slow and gentle ballad, with a simple but powerful melody and lyrics that reflect the feelings of alienation and disconnection that many of us have felt at one point or another.
The lyrics are full of imagery and metaphors, and the song is driven by the ethereal keyboards of Richard Wright, the band’s late keyboardist and vocalist.
The song is a great example of the band’s unique sound, and its timelessness is a testament to the band’s influence and impact on the music world.
4. “Comfortably Numb”
Pink Floyd’s iconic song “Comfortably Numb” is a classic rock anthem that has become a staple in the music industry.
Written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour, the song was released on their 1979 album The Wall and has since become one of the most beloved songs of the band’s career.
The song tells the story of a man who is numbed to the world around him, and its lyrics are filled with powerful imagery and emotion.
Musically, the song is a combination of Gilmour’s bluesy guitar solos and Waters’ melancholic lyrics, creating a sound that is both haunting and captivating.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Van Morrison, Guns N’ Roses, and Foo Fighters, and its influence can be heard in countless other rock songs.
It is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
3. “Wish You Were Here”
Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is a classic rock song that has been beloved by fans since its release in 1975.
The song was written by Pink Floyd members Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Richard Wright and was featured on the band’s album of the same name.
It is a melancholic, reflective song that speaks to the longing of being apart from someone you love.
The lyrics are full of emotion and speak to the idea of being in a place where someone is not, and the pain that comes with that.
Musically, the song is simple and haunting, featuring a sparse acoustic guitar and Gilmour’s warm, emotive vocals.
The song is a testament to the power of Pink Floyd’s music, and its ability to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and longing.
It is a song that has resonated with fans for decades and continues to be a fan favorite.
2. “Time”
The iconic song “Time” by Pink Floyd is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time.
It was released in 1973 on the album The Dark Side of the Moon and has been a fan favorite ever since.
Written by Roger Waters and composed by Richard Wright and David Gilmour, the song is a reflection on the passage of time and how quickly it passes.
It features a powerful and memorable guitar solo from Gilmour and an iconic, driving bass line from Waters.
The lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, as Waters reflects on the inevitability of death and the importance of making the most of life.
The song also features a hauntingly beautiful chorus from Wright, who sings of the importance of making the most of the time we have.
It is a song that has resonated with fans for generations, as it speaks to the universal truth of the passage of time.
1. “Money”
Pink Floyd’s “Money” is an iconic song that has been a staple of the band’s discography since its release in 1973.
It was featured on the album The Dark Side of the Moon and was written by the band’s bassist, Roger Waters.
The song is an exploration of the power of money and its influence on people’s lives.
It features a unique instrumental arrangement that includes a jazzy saxophone solo and a repetitive, hypnotic bass line.
The lyrics are a scathing commentary on the corrupting influence of money, with Waters singing “Money, it’s a crime/Share it fairly, but don’t take a slice of my pie”.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Radiohead and The Flaming Lips, and has been featured in several films, including The Big Lebowski and Forrest Gump.
It is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time and is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
