Terrapin
Syd Barrett
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
I really love you and I mean you The star above you, crystal blue Well, oh baby, my hairs on end about you I wouldn't see you and I love to I fly above you, yes I do Well, oh baby, my hairs on end about you Floating, bumping, noses dodge a tooth The fins a luminous Fangs all 'round the clown Is dark below the boulders hiding all The sunlight's good for us 'Cause we're the fishes and all we do The move about is all we do Well, oh baby, my hairs on end about you Floating, bumping, noses dodge a tooth The fins a luminous Fangs all 'round the clown Is dark below the boulders hiding all The sunlight's good for us 'Cause we're the fishes and all we do The move about is all we do Well, oh baby, my hairs on end about you I really love you and I mean you The star above you, crystal blue Well, oh baby, my hairs on end about you
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Syd Barrett
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Release Detail"Terrapin" is the opening track from Syd Barrett's debut solo album, "The Madcap Laughs." The album was released on January 3, 1970.
|
Production InsightsThe song was recorded at Abbey Road studios during a period stretching from May 1968 to June 1969. It took Barrett six sessions to record the album, with the first five being unproductive due to his emotional instability.
|
Song LengthUnlike many compositions of the 1960s era, "Terrapin" stretches to almost five minutes in length, which was considered extended for a pop song of that time.
|
Lyrics ThemeThe lyrics of "Terrapin" are considered complex and dreamy. They are believed to be inspired by Barrett's experiences with LSD and his deteriorating mental health.
|
Musicians InvolvedSyd Barrett, apart from being the vocalist, also strums the acoustic guitar for this piece.
|
Song StyleThe song is famous for its languid style, featuring Barrett's distinctive wavering guitar work in a twelve-bar blues format.
|
Unique ProductionThe song is a one-take recording. Barrett performed the song on just his guitar and vocals, and no other instruments or musicians featured on the album.
|
Reception"Terrapin" is considered as one of Syd Barrett's most loved songs. Despite its technical shortcomings, fans and critics alike admire its subjectivity and strange poetic lyrics.
|
Live Performance"Terrapin" was first performed live by Syd Barrett on June 6, 1970 at the Music and Fashion Fair in London's Olympia exhibition hall.
|
Continuity of ThemesThe song's themes feed into the wider themes on Barrett's 'The Madcap Laughs' album – the themes of mental instability, loneliness, and his experiences of psychedelic drugs.
|
Post ReleaseAlthough the album did not receive commercial success immediately, it has over time gained a cult following and is today considered a significant piece in psychedelic and experimental music history.
|
Cultural Impact"Terrapin" has been covered by various artists over the years, highlighting its enduring appeal and influence. Notably, contemporary progressive rock band, Phish has performed a live cover of the song.
|
InspirationTitled "Terrapin," the song does not include any literal references to turtles (which is what a terrapin is). It's likely that Syd Barrett was inspired by the psychedelic perspective of using uncommon or random words to title his creations.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Terrapin Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/21243718/Syd+Barrett/Terrapin>.
Discuss the Terrapin Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In