shine on you crazy diamond

In case you haven't heard, Syd Barrett died this week at the age of 60. The media has yet to disclose the cause of death, but appareantly he had a pretty bad case of diabetes.

I definitely have admiration for Barrett. Not only was he a founder and inspiration for Pink Floyd (later replaced by Gilmore), who was an iconic band for me in back in the day, but he really seemed to be in touch with his slight insanity (aka depression). Some say he went completely nutso after dropping so much acid that it literally incapacitated him, but if you listen to some of his solo, post Floyd stuff, it is more heart wrenchingly true and emotionally charged than most artists care to venture. His honesty and purity was courageous.

Barrett has spent the past several years in reclusive anonymity. He was said to keep to himself while living in England and spent most of his hours painting vigirously. Here is a man that has visions and expressions so deep and so vivid, that he chose to engulf his life in the pursuit of it, even if it was in its darkest hour. No, especially when in its darkest hour.

I don't know about you, but I don't have the strength for that. Call ME crazy.

SYD BARRETT (1946-2006)

"Shine On You Crazy Diamond"

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,
rode on the steel breeze.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!