“Comfortably Numb” is one of the favorite songs of Pink Floyd fans. Why do most people consider this song to be the rock band's biggest hit? In this article, Song Stories Matter Magazine explores why “Comfortably Numb” is such a remarkable song.
The story of the creation of the song and its meaning
The song's instrumental was originally written by the guitarist David Gilmore, after which the band decided to complete it and add it to their album "The Wall".
Roger Waters, the bass guitarist and leader of the band, took upon himself the theme of the song and the lyrics. Waters wrote most of Pink Floyd's songs, and was responsible for the very concept of the eleventh album "The Wall". The whole album is about the rock star Pink who isolates herself by building a wall to protect herself from the outside world.
The story of "The Wall" is largely inspired by the personal experiences of Roger Waters. The song "Comfortably Numb" was inspired by the time Waters was given muscle relaxants before a show due to severe stomach cramps.
"The whole show I could barely lift my arm above my knee," Waters told Mojo.
"The doctor told me that it is a muscle relaxant. But because of him, I became almost without any feelings,” he revealed.
Therefore, the song is mostly about the conversation between the doctor and Pink before his performance. Pink explains to the doctor what she feels, after which she becomes comfortably numb.
The contrast between Waters and Gilmore's vocals
An important element of this song is the joint lead vocals of Waters and Gilmore, which Gilmore once described as representing light and darkness. In the song, Gilmore introduces Pink, while Waters takes on the role of the doctor. The contrast between Waters' distinctive gruff voice and Gilmour's soft, ethereal sound is a key component of the song, emphasizing the alienation Pink feels from the rest of the world.
Overall, "Comfortably Numb" is the perfect pairing of Waters and Gilmore, which is, in a way, a victory for these two who have had a troubled relationship.
Orchestral arrangement of the song
An often overlooked element of the song is its stunning orchestral arrangement that took the song to a new level. It can be heard in most of the songs, where the culmination is accompanied by the sounds of the choir. He is in charge of the arrangement Michael Kamen.
As for the arrangement, Waters and Gilmore had major disagreements. Waters wanted Kamen to do his established arrangement of the song, while Gilmore wanted this version to be somewhat stripped down and direct. Ultimately, they compromised to use Kamen's orchestral arrangement throughout the song except for Gilmore's solo part.
Two guitar solo parts
"Comfortably Numb" is best known for its distinctive guitar solo parts. The first solo is often overshadowed by the second, but it can be said that the first solo is almost as incredible as the second. For the solo performance, Gilmore used his signature tone in a signature "feel over speed" style. Both solo performances, and especially the second one, are among the most popular solos of all time.
"I went into the studio and did five or six solo parts," Gilmore told Guitar World.
“After that, I just followed the usual process: I would listen to each solo and mark the best parts. In other words, I make a table where I leave marks for each solo part. Two ticks mean that the part is really good, one - that it is good, and a cross if it is not good", he revealed how he selected the parts played.
“After all that, I follow the chart and adjust the volume controls, switch places with certain phrases and try to create the perfect solo part from start to finish. That's how we worked on this song, it's not difficult," he said.
Conclusion
Overall, "Comfortably Numb" is an outstanding song for several reasons: the perfect lyrical theme and message of the song that resonates with the audience (the alienation of "The Wall's" main character, Pink), the strong contrast between the styles of Roger Waters and David Gilmour ( which, surprisingly, complement each other perfectly), Michael Kamen's famous orchestral arrangement, and Gilmore's signature guitar solo.
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