On the Turning Away
Pink Floyd
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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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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.
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Album ReleaseThe 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.
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Song InspirationThe 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.
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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.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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Song PerformancePink 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.
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Meaningful LyricsThe 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.
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Reviving the SpiritThe 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.
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Single ReleaseThe 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.
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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.
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Cover VersionsThe 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.
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The LegacyDespite 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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