Poles Apart
Pink Floyd · The Division Bell [1994]
And did you see it was all going to be so right for me
Why did we tell you then
You were always the golden boy then
And that you'd never lose that light in your eyes
Hey you...did you ever realise what you'd become
And did you see that it wasn't only me you were running from
Did you know all the time but it never bothered you anyway
Leading the blind while I stared out the steel in your eyes
The rain fell slow, down on all the roofs of uncertainty
I thought of you and the years and all the sadness fell away from me
And did you know...
I never thought that you'd lose that light in your eyes
Poles Apart
Released on The Division Bell in 1994, "Poles Apart" stands as a defining track in Pink Floyd's late-career discography. The song features the band's signature atmospheric soundscapes, blending progressive rock elements with melodic pop sensibilities that characterize the album. Lyrically, the title and verses explore themes of emotional distance and the difficulty of maintaining connection, reflecting the personal struggles of the band members during the recording sessions. The track showcases the collaborative effort between guitarist David Gilmour and bassist Nick Mason, resulting in a composition that balances introspective mood with driving rhythm. As a staple of the group's final studio work, it remains a poignant example of their ability to craft complex, emotionally resonant music that bridges the gap between their earlier psychedelic roots and their more accessible late-period style.