Wish You Were Here

About this song

The title track of Pink Floyd's 1975 album was written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters, which was rare since the two principal songwriters seldom collaborated. Gilmour came up with the opening riff, and Waters asked him to slow it down before the pair built the verses and chorus together, with Waters adding the lyrics. The song reflected the band's mood during the album sessions, when Waters felt they were not putting full effort into the recording.

What it's about

The song draws on Roger Waters' feelings of alienation from other people, with particular inspiration from his old friend Syd Barrett, who left the band due to mental health issues. It forms part of a concept album about absence and disenchantment with the music industry, and it grieves Barrett's absence.

Fun facts

• Samples “Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 by Пётр Ильич Чайковский (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)”.
• Sampled in 5 other songs, like “1975 by The Hood Internet”.
• Covered 50 times, including “Wish You Were Here by Phanerons (Ft. Kid Ruby)”.
• Written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour.
• Produced by Pink Floyd, Roger Waters and David Gilmour.