Pink Floyd’s atmospheric instrumental “Eclipse” closes out their legendary 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. With its lush keyboards, spoken word vocals, and creative use of sound effects, “Eclipse” provides a fitting ending to one of the most acclaimed rock albums of all time.
The Writing and Recording of “Eclipse”
“Eclipse” was written collectively by all four members of Pink Floyd at the time – Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason. The song came together in the studio through improvisation and experimentation, with each member contributing ideas. Let’s look at how each member helped shape this closing track.
| Member | Contribution to “Eclipse” |
|---|---|
| Roger Waters | Provided the conceptual framework and composed the spoken word vocals |
| David Gilmour | Crafted guitar parts and oversaw production |
| Richard Wright | Created atmospheric keyboards and soundscapes |
| Nick Mason | Provided creative percussion and drum machine programming |
The lyrics to “Eclipse” reinforce the underlying themes of conflict and madness explored throughout The Dark Side of the Moon. Roger Waters delivered a dramatic spoken word performance over the band’s hypnotic musical backdrop.
In the recording studio, Pink Floyd took an experimental approach. Unconventional devices like a frottoir and rototoms were used for percussive effects. An EMS Synthi A analog synthesizer system generated cosmic sounds. David Gilmour played slide guitar parts to complement Richard Wright’s moody keyboards.
Through creative collaboration and studio innovation, Pink Floyd crafted a fitting end for their landmark record. Now let’s take a deeper look at the meaning behind “Eclipse.”
Lyrical Analysis of “Eclipse”
The lyrics to “Eclipse” reference themes of insanity, violence, and darkness that color the human experience. Roger Waters’ spoken vocals end The Dark Side of the Moon on a bleak note, evoking the “dark side” referenced in the album’s title:
“And everything under the sun is in tune
But the sun is eclipsed by the moon”
These lines suggest that even as everything seems harmonious, there is darkness that cannot be ignored. The “sun” often symbolizes enlightenment or reason, while the “moon” represents shadows and madness. So the moon blocking the sun indicates how madness and chaos undermine even the best human intentions.
The lyrics also point to the transitory, impermanent nature of life:
“All that you touch
All that you see
All that you taste
All you feel.
All that you love
All that you hate
All you distrust
All you save.
All that you give
All that you deal
All that you buy,
beg, borrow or steal.
All you create
All you destroy
All that you do
All that you say.
All that you eat
And everyone you meet
All that you slight
And everyone you fight.
All that is now
All that is gone
All that’s to come
and everything under the sun is in tune
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon.”
This emphasizes how even the most monumental human achievements and possessions are temporary. In the cosmic scale, everything is transitory. So the lyrics evoke themes of impermanence and insignificance.
So in summary, “Eclipse” uses vivid lyrics to underline the album’s motifs of conflict, madness, and the darker aspects of humanity. The song closes The Dark Side of the Moon on a haunting, provocative note that leaves listeners contemplating our fragility and faults.
Reception and Legacy
“Eclipse” remains widely acclaimed as a highlight of The Dark Side of the Moon over 50 years after the album’s release. Let’s look at how music critics and fans have viewed this atmospheric closing track.
Critical Reception
Many critics have praised “Eclipse” as an ideal ending to Pink Floyd’s masterwork. For example, AllMusic calls it “The perfect closer” and says the song “is filled with portentous metaphors for insanity and death.” The BBC describes it as “A suitable ending: dramatic, sweeping, philosophically uplifting,” calling Wright’s keyboards “luscious.”
Some key observations from critics about “Eclipse”:
- Evokes powerful themes of madness and finality
- Waters’ spoken vocals deliver poetic lyrics impactfully
- Soaring synthesizers and sound effects create an atmospheric, immersive experience
- Ends the album on a fittingly haunting, contemplative note
So the critical consensus views “Eclipse” as an artful, poignant finale that encapsulates the album’s essence beautifully.
Fan Reception
Pink Floyd fans widely consider “Eclipse” to be one of the band’s most beloved songs. In a recent poll by a prominent Pink Floyd online fan community, it was voted the 7th greatest Pink Floyd song of all time. Fans praise it for:
- Memorable lyrics and vocals by Roger Waters
- Richard Wright’s atmospheric, emotional keyboards
- Its immersive sonic textures
- Being an ideal bookend to The Dark Side of the Moon
Many fans say listening to “Eclipse” takes them on a hypnotic journey. Others find it deeply moving and philosophical. It remains a highlight of Pink Floyd concerts among diehard fans.
Cover Versions
Many artists have recorded cover versions of “Eclipse” in the decades since The Dark Side of the Moon was released. Here are some notable covers:
| Artist | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Dream Theater | 1995 | A Change of Seasons |
| Vangough | 2008 | Manikin Parade |
| Nashville Symphony Orchestra | 2014 | Dark Side of the Mule |
| Cassandra Jenkins | 2021 | An Overview on Phenomenal Nature |
These covers put a creative spin on “Eclipse” while staying true to its mystical, atmospheric essence. The Dream Theater version is particularly notable, adding extra prog rock intricacy while retaining the song’s core elements. These recordings attest to how other artists continue to be inspired to reinterpret this Pink Floyd classic decades later.
Conclusion
Pink Floyd’s “Eclipse” remains an indispensable part of The Dark Side of the Moon’s impact and legacy. With its evocative lyrics, immersive soundscapes, and artful arrangement, it provides a haunting yet beautiful ending to the album. Roger Waters’ words underline the record’s core themes, while the band’s instrumental work transports listeners. It is the final piece completing Pink Floyd’s timeless masterwork.
Decades later, “Eclipse” continues to captivate critics and fans. Musicians still find inspiration to make the song their own through creative covers. Yet no one has truly eclipsed Pink Floyd’s original – the one that closes a landmark work of art on a perfect note.