On an Island

this song to me, is a throwback to the classic pink floyd. if it had not been crosby and nash singing on this song it would have been the almost ethereal, otherworldly vocal coupling of gilmour and waters, which would have just made everyone's heads spin in wonder. as to the lyrical content, i just can't express the feeling i get when the chorus kicks in. in a word: beautiful. this song is a great work of art, mentally, physically, and most important, musically. it sends chills up and down my spine. there are only a handful of songs that can do that to me and most of them are pink floyd. let me toss you some examples: "time" "breathe" "breathe reprise" "comfortably numb" "echoes" and most importantly in my own mind "wish you were here". non pink floyd songs include "a.d.d." and "shimmy" by system of a down, "in my life" by the beatles, "m.e." by gary numan, etc. let me just say one more thing, because this is getting a little long winded now: this love that david gilmour has for his wife, who helped extensively with the lyrical compostion, i hope to feel that way about a woman some day, because like this song, a woman, her entire being, is also like a work of art, the highest in the land that you can attain. i do not mean that in a possessive, sexist way. what i mean to say is that females are all queens in their own right, and deserve to be treated as such, and it is a sad state of affairs when a beautiful creature such as the one i have mentioned isn't even wished a happy valentine's day or a happy birthday, or even a happy mother's day. as much as this thought pisses me off, i keep two things in mind: "blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see god" and "the meek shall inherit the earth." AM I CRAZY OR WHAT? skip to the loo!!!

I was blown away after hearing Gilmour's rendition of "On An Island". This particular rendition was sung in the Royal Albert Hall with Grosby and Nash. The harmony gave me goosebumps. This song could have numerous meanings but it was Gilmour himself who said that the song was about "memories" and how after death we are still remembered as though we were still alive. During the song I was reminded about scenes of my own life and how I hope I am remembered by family and friends. I do not believe the song has anything to do with an era, such as the 60's, as was suggested but of the human condition and the relationships we have with each other.

Remembering childhood and the distant memories that it brings up. That something in your mind that is completely infallible. Something you could never betray or turn your back on.

I believe it to mean that David spent some time on a Greek Island, I think, with a few other people, friends, maybe lovers, musicians, don't really know for sure, but two of them are now deceased which inspired this beautiful and wistful song. I like it.

Does anyone else get this crazy "Nightmare Before Christmas" vibe from this song? When Jack is walking alone singing to himself, and contemplating everything... Actually similar to the actual meaning of David being on an island and just thinking about everything.

reminds me of a really good night................ somehow she slipped away

David Crosby and Graham Nash did harmonies on this song if anyone cares?

this gives you the feeling that pink floyd are back with us. david gilmour is amazing. i would give all the money i dont have to see pink floyd tour.

I think this song is Gilmoure remembering the sixties. He was one of those hippy/druggies that deviated from the norm. The island is, to my belief, talking about this place they could all go. At the beginning, he says "Sharing a dream, on an island, it felt right." See what I mean? the dream was an idea of a peaceful earth.

Also it says at the end that "Dreamers may leave, but they're here everafter." This could be referring to the fact that although the sixties ended, we'll never forget them.

This is really the only song on his new album that I care for. With that said, this song is amazing, the final guitar solo is incredible!