Echoes

Pink Floyd · Meddle [1971]

Overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the air

And deep beneath the rolling waves

In labyrinths of coral caves

The echo of a distant time

Comes willowing across the sand

And everything is green and submarine



And no-one showed us to the land

And no-one knows the wheres or whys

But something stirs and something tries

And starts to climb towards the light



Strangers passing in the street

By chance two separate glances meet

And I am you and what i see is me

And do i take you by the hand

And lead you through the land

And help me understand the best i can



And no-one calls us to move on

And no-one forces down our eyes

And no-one speaks and no-one tries

And no-one flies around the sun



Cloudless everyday you fall upon my waking eyes

Inviting and inciting me to rise

And through the window in the wall

Come streaming in on sunlight wings

A million bright ambassadors of morning



And no-one sings me lullabies

And no-one makes me close my eyes

And so I throw the windows wide

And call to you across the sky

Echoes

Echoes stands as a monumental achievement in progressive rock, showcasing Pink Floyd's mastery of atmospheric soundscapes and extended instrumental passages. Released on the 1971 album Meddle, the track spans nearly twenty-three minutes, weaving together complex guitar textures, ethereal vocals, and dynamic shifts in tempo. The composition reflects the band's transition from their earlier psychedelic roots toward the conceptual depth that would define their subsequent work. Its intricate structure and immersive sonic journey established a new standard for studio experimentation, influencing countless artists within the genre. As a centerpiece of the Meddle record, the song remains a definitive example of the group's ability to craft expansive, emotionally resonant music that rewards repeated listening.