Polly Samson discussing her efforts to coax David Gilmour to compose music for Pink Floyd, her struggles with his reluctance, and the lyrics she declined to pen for the band's work.
In the world of rock music, the partnership between Polly Samson and David Gilmour has been a significant one, resulting in some of the most memorable songs from Pink Floyd and Gilmour's solo career.
When it comes to writing lyrics for Gilmour, Samson approaches the task as if she is writing a character for a book. Understanding what is within him, she treats him as a complex and intriguing figure, bringing his music to life with her words. This approach proved successful for the album 'Rattle That Lock,' released in 2015.
One of the most fascinating collaborations between Samson and Gilmour was on the song 'The Girl In The Yellow Dress.' Initially, Samson did not want to write about a beautiful, sexy woman for Gilmour to sing. However, Phil Manzanera suggested a change in the lyrics, transforming the song into a tale of a captivating woman. Despite this shift, Samson's music for the song remained a favourite, demonstrating the power of the melody in her work.
However, the lyrics for 'The Girl In The Yellow Dress' were not without their challenges. An earlier version of the song was inspired by a personal experience of Samson involving a saxophone player at the Tufnell Park Tavern. Yet, Gilmour was not satisfied with this version, leading to revisions and eventual acceptance of the new direction.
Another notable collaboration between Samson and Gilmour was on Pink Floyd's 1994 album 'The Division Bell.' Samson's lyrics for this album, like those for 'Rattle That Lock,' contained very little of herself or her personality, maintaining the band's unique style.
Interestingly, Samson did not write lyrics for the Pink Floyd album The Endless River. Initially, she felt it would be presumptuous to impose lyrics without Rick Wright, who had passed away in 2008. However, at David Gilmour’s request, she wrote the lyrics for the song 'Louder Than Words,' providing a sense of closure to Pink Floyd's work. This was an exception to Samson's usual practice, as she often finds it challenging to get Gilmour to write lyrics.
Gilmour, known for his mastery of the guitar, finds writing lyrics difficult. Samson's lyrics for him, therefore, reflect his music rather than her own personality or experiences. This symbiotic relationship between the two artists has resulted in some of the most enduring music in rock history.
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