The news of Lennon’s murder in 1980 shook the whole world. Such a remarkable singer and songwriter’s death had a very big impact on the music scene. Talking about it, The Beatles changed the way music operated back then. With the band taking a firm place in the music world in the 60s, the whole band members were well-known for their contribution.
The Fab Four came on with a big name and the same happened when they disbanded in 1970. They gave rise to many other artists during their dominance in the musical realm and had everyone’s respect. Among many artists, Pink Floyd was one of them, and most in particular David Gilmour, the guitarist of Pink Floyd.
When the news of John Lennon’s brutal murder was followed by Gilmour, he was in a wreck. This led to him writing the track ‘Murder’. The song is featured on Gilmour’s sophomore solo album, ‘About Face’. While he did try to riddle his way out and didn’t want everyone to know that this was a direct reference to Lennon’s death. His lyrics said,
“Some of them standing, some were waiting in the line
As if there was something that they thought they might find
Taking some strength from the feelings that always were shared
And in the background, the eyes that just stared”
Gilmour says that Lennon’s death did play a part in creating the tune, but it was only influenced partly. The way he tried to riddle his way out was when he changed Chapman’s pistol to a knife in the song. The lyric said, “On your own admission you raised up the knife, And you brought it down ending another man’s life.” He simply states that in the song, he tries his best to understand how one can do such an act toward others.
Later on, David explained, “And also it would have made everyone say, ‘Well that’s obviously John Lennon’. That would have been more misleading because–although Lennon’s murder is part of it–it isn’t nearly all of it. It’s just murder in general really.” Even the solo guitars are reflected due to Lennon’s death. It is revealed that after hearing about his murder, Gilmour’s instinct was to play the solo with his emotions at the end of the song.
Many songs were written in honor of Lennon and many of them were tributes. Gilmour’s song is more focused on the murder itself and it managed to capture the sentiments of millions. The way it was conveyed is the reason ‘Murder’ is a tragic listen to many Lennon fans.
Listen to ‘Murder’ down below!
