Signs Of Life

Album: A Momentary Lapse Of Reason (1987)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song opens with what sounds like oars creaking and a paddle splashing, as in rowing a boat on a river.
  • This is an instrumental with only one line by drummer Nick Mason: "When the childlike view of the world went, nothing replaced it." This is a reference to the bands first guitar player/vocalist Syd Barrett, he had a childlike view of the world as was expressed in his lyrics of songs such as "See Emily Play." Syd Barrett is addressed in other Pink Floyd songs, such as "Shine On You Crazy Diamond."
  • The rhythm guitar chords in the background were taken from a demo recorded by Pink Floyd in 1978.

Comments: 2

  • Madalyn from Greensburg, Palistening to this song right now for the first time and i lik eit very really realxing...i like how it follows dramiclly in learning to fly
  • Ryan from Plano, TxAround many key points in the Floyd's history, they tend to mention Syd quite a bit. It's done in '73, '75, '79, '87, and '94. For a bit of trivia, see if you can guess which songs did it in those years. For some of those years, it was more than one song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."