Sysyphus Parts 1-4

Album: Ummagumma (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Sysyphus, more commonly spelled as 'Sisyphus,' was a figure of Greek mythology who was punished by being made to roll a rock up a hill for all eternity. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Phil - Liverpool, England
  • Conventional wisdom is that this music was made under the influence of LSD, but that's a common misconception about Pink Floyd. With the exception of their founding member Syd Barrett, the band wasn't big on acid, but was very adventurous musically. Said David Gilmour: "We were fairly brave, and would put anything on a record that amused us one way or another."

Comments: 8

  • Chad Pittman from Newport KentuckyA song off of pink Floyd's best album I have enjoyed the album umaguma the best to me it is their best album astronomy domain written by Barrett performed by Pink Floyd live the narrow way Parts one through three and grandchester Meadows and several species of small furry animals gather together in a cave and grooving with a pict it is by far the Floyd's best album.
  • John Calvert from Manchestera track from what in my opinion is easily the best pink floyd album....why...? Because its so out there...it bravely attempts to do something new and different...inventive and surprising which is how rock music ought to be....i well remember how disappointed i was with dark side of the moon...i found it dull and unexciting musically.. nevertheless it sold millions..but for me the Floyd were at their finest when they were experimental.....despite them constantly decrying their early work...i much prefer it to the plodding monotony of their later albums...and all those wailing women and farting saxophones did nothing for me neither...
  • Jeremy from Ventura, CaR.I.P Mr. Wright
    1943-2008
  • Bill from Erie, PaThis was an hommage to Rick Wright's favorite composer, the German avantguardist Karlheinz Stockhausen, who just passed away at the end of last year. Stockhausen was known for his groundbreaking work with electronic sounds and controlled chance in serial music, and he appeared on the cover of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Both Wright and Roger Waters have paid tribute to his influence on the band.
  • Bill from Erie, PaWright used only keyboard instruments on this song- keyboards, piano and organ.
  • Ryan from Plano, Txit makes sense that "Sysyphus" is about the greek figure of the same name, since part one and the last half of part four sound alike (i.e. starting to roll the boulder up the hill, then the sudden shrieking organs symbolize the boulder rolling back down the hill, then it reverts to the part one music to symbolize him beginning to roll the rock back up the hill)
  • John from Acton, CaI like part two of Sysyphus. It shows the genius of Wright. It is remnant of classical music.
  • Liquid Len from Ottawa, CanadaOften not so much music as exasperating random noise, listening to this song can be somewhat like the described torment of Sysyphus.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.