Music like theirs, Pink Floyd seems like a unique, complex whole, Far Out reported. In addition to its artistic appeal, it is also the place where two seemingly incompatible figures meet—David Gilmour and Roger Waters. From the wild nature of two seemingly opposite characters comes an impossible, sublime sound that is distinguished by its delicacy and demands to be heard, seen, and felt.

Whatever the diverse opinions about Pink Floyd in the modern era and however clouded their legacy is by the conflicts between the two figures, there is no denying that much of their music is appealing. Ultimately, beyond its sonic grandeur, their music has a deeper appeal that stems from its subject matter and inexplicable ability to touch different moods.

However, the undeniable simplicity also conceals a broader, all-encompassing atmosphere that, in most cases, feels personal in some way. Ultimately, despite the doubts and conflicts behind closed doors, Pink Floyd strove to create artistic greatness, showing that they were a whole that transcended their individual abilities.

As a result, the band may have been deeply divided, but many of the songs were inspired by real human experiences and emotions, giving them a timeless relevance that few have been able to imitate. This is why, despite the wealth of material demonstrating Pink Floyd's artistic mastery and technical precision, many people keep coming back to a particular melody.

With bands like Pink Floyd, it's easy to overlook or criticize the hits because, in the eyes of fans, many other overlooked gems speak louder than the hits ever could. With "Wish You Were Here," however, Waters and Gilmour seem to have hit the mark, not only sonically, but also in their ability (and inability) to create magic together when least expected.

Loosely connected to the downfall of Syd Barrett and widely exploring loss and existentialism, "Wish You Were Here" not only became a Pink Floyd classic because of its musical grandeur—it's a great melody even for those unfamiliar with its history—but also because it's filled with unexpected layers and complex depth that can only be noticed with a careful and unwavering ear.

At the same time, the song touches the sorrow in all of us, digging its thorns into the hearts of anyone who has ever felt lost while struggling with grief and longing. When Waters left the band, he began a period in which he completely excluded Gilmour from his solo repertoire. "Wish You Were Here," however, was an exception, precisely because it meant so much to him, even though it was difficult for him to perform live.

"My eyes still fill with tears when I sing it because it's so important to every day of my life," he admitted during a radio interview with Jim Ladd in 1992, continuing, "Because too often we fail to create the connections we need." While this sentimentality may have stemmed from Waters' thoughts about Barrett, no one can say for sure whether it made him reflect on his own shortcomings or on the conflicts within the band.

Either way, the song remains a deeply rooted classic that touches the heart and feels like a manifestation of everything and nothing. Perhaps this is why Waters feels inexplicably pretentious when performing it, as if it appears as a whirlwind of lost feelings and memories – those we struggle to hold on to, even when we know they will bring us great pain and suffering. | BGNES