On the Turning Away

Pink Floyd

About On the Turning Away

"On the Turning Away" is a song from Pink Floyd's 1987 album, A Momentary Lapse of Reason. The song was a staple of live shows from the 1987–89 world tours in support of A Momentary Lapse of Reason and was one of the songs in rotation during the 1994 tour in support of The Division Bell. The song was resurrected by David Gilmour on his 2006 On an Island Tour for one night only. Live recordings exist on Delicate Sound of Thunder (1988) and Live in Gdansk (2008).


Year:
1988
7:58
1,828 
#11

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On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand

"Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away"

It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it's shroud
Over all we have known

Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud

On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord

Using words you will find are strange
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night

No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside

Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?

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Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd were an English rock band formed in London. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. more »

59 fans

Written by: Dave Gilmour, Anthony Moore

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Composition
"On the Turning Away" is a song from Pink Floyd's "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" album. It was written by guitarist David Gilmour and Anthony Moore, making it one of the few Pink Floyd songs not written by Roger Waters after he left the band.
Album Release
The song was part of the "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" album, which was released on 7th September 1987, marking Floyd's first studio album after the departure of Roger Waters.
Song Inspiration
The song's lyrical theme criticizes those who ignore problems in society, turning away from those who are suffering or in need. It advocates for empathy and compassion.
Popularity
"On the Turning Away" was a massive hit and was also Pink Floyd's number one single on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart, topping for a week in March 1988.
Music Video
The music video of "On the Turning Away" consists of live footage from the band's 1987-1989 world tour, showing band members and the audience's reaction.
Song Performance
Pink Floyd performed this song live about 200 times, including for the band's tour for "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" and "Delicate Sound of Thunder." It was dropped from the setlist after the European leg of the tour ended in August 1989.
Meaningful Lyrics
The lyrics are expressing the concerns of the time, including poverty, war, and the broader issue of human rights, with a wish for a more compassionate world.
Reviving the Spirit
The song is seen as one of the finest examples of Gilmour's bluesy, mournful guitar style and is considered by many fans to have brought back the "old spirit" of Pink Floyd after Roger Waters' departure.
Single Release
The song was released as a single in the UK on 14th December 1987 and initially reached number 55 in the UK Singles Chart. Its release was accompanied by a music video directed by Lawrence Jordan and produced by Curt Marvis.
Chart Performance
"On the Turning Away" has experienced continued success, reaching gold status in Italy for over 25,000 copies sold, as well as placing in the top ten singles chart in certain countries like Norway and France.
Cover Versions
The song was covered by several other artists, including The London Orion Orchestra and various tribute bands, due to its universal lyrical appeal and compelling musical composition.
The Legacy
Despite being over three decades old, "On the Turning Away" remains relevant, with its powerful message resonating with various social and political issues today.

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