Comfortably Numb

Pink Floyd

About Comfortably Numb

"Comfortably Numb" is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on their eleventh album, The Wall (1979). It was released as a single in 1980 with "Hey You" as the B-side. The chorus progression and guitar solos were written by guitarist David Gilmour, while the lyrics and verse progression were written by bassist Roger Waters. "Comfortably Numb" is one of Pink Floyd's most famous songs, renowned for its two guitar solos. In 2004, it was ranked number 314 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2005, it became the last song ever performed by Waters, Gilmour, keyboardist Richard Wright, and drummer Nick Mason together. An early version was included on the 2012 Wall "Immersion Box Set". 


Year:
1983
177 
#3

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Hello? Hello? Hello?

Is there anybody in there? 
Just nod if you can hear me. 
Is there anyone at home? 
Come on  now  
I hear you're feeling down. 
Well I can ease your pain 
Get you on your feet again. 
Relax. 
I'll need some information first. 
Just the basic facts. 
Can you show me where it hurts? 

There is no pain you are receding 
A distant ship  smoke on the horizon. 
You are only coming through in waves. 
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying. 
When I was a child I had a fever 
My hands felt just like two balloons. 
Now I've got that feeling once again 
I can't explain you would not understand 
This is not how I am. 
I have become comfortably numb. 

O.K. 
Just a little pinprick. 
There'll be no more, ah! 
But you may feel a little sick. 
Can you stand up? 
I do believe it's working, good. 
That'll keep you going through the show 
Come on it's time to go. 

There is no pain you are receding 
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon. 
You are only coming through in waves. 
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying. 
When I was a child 
I caught a fleeting glimpse 
Out of the corner of my eye. 
I turned to look but it was gone 
I cannot put my finger on it now 
The child is grown, 
The dream is gone. 
I have become comfortably numb.

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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: David Jon Gilmour, Roger Waters

Lyrics © ACE Music, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Origin
"Comfortably Numb" is one of the featured tracks on Pink Floyd's album "The Wall", which was released on November 30, 1979.
Songwriting Credits
The song was written by Roger Waters, the band's bassist and lead vocalist, and David Gilmour, the lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist.
Lyrical Interpretation
"Comfortably Numb" is generally interpreted as a conversation between a person who has become emotionally numb due to traumatic experiences and a voice trying to reach that person, possibly a therapist or their own conscience.
Inspiration for Lyrics
The lyrics were inspired by Roger Waters' experience when he was sick with hepatitis and had to perform under heavy medication during Pink Floyd's 1977 In The Flesh tour.
Musical Composition
It’s famous for its two guitar solos by David Gilmour, marking it as one of the most memorable instances of his masterful guitar work.
Chart Performance
Although the song was not released as a single in the UK, it peaked at number 3 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart in 1980 in the US.
Cover Versions
"Comfortably Numb" has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Van Morrison, Alice Cooper, Scissor Sisters, and Pearl Jam.
Featured in Films
The song was featured in the 1982 Pink Floyd – The Wall movie, and it has been used in various other films, including "The Departed" directed by Martin Scorsese.
Legacy
It was listed at number 314 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2004 and 2021.
Live Performance
The live performances of this song have been quite iconic, especially the one at the Berlin Wall in 1990 featuring Van Morrison.
Scientific Connection
In 2011, the Canadian neurosurgeon Dr. Zbigniew Religa used the song to test his patient's brain functions during an operation to remove a tumor. His patient was a fan of Pink Floyd and was awake during surgery, and when he started having trouble singing along to the song, they knew that the procedure could endanger crucial parts of the brain and decided to stop.
Scissor Sisters Controversy
When Scissor Sisters released their disco version of "Comfortably Numb", Roger Waters commented negatively on the cover, while David Gilmour said he enjoyed it.

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