The Great Gig In The Sky by Pink Floyd

Album: The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

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Songfacts®:

Pink Floyd keyboard player Rick Wright wrote this song, which is about life, gradually descending into death. Hence the angrier and more intense first half with a dying person refusing to "go gently into that good night."The second half is gentler, as the dying person gives into the inevitable and fades away. In the March 1998 issue of Mojo, Wright explained: "For me, one of the pressures of being in the band was this constant fear of dying because of all the traveling we were doing in planes and on the motorways in America and in Europe."
When the band was working on Dark Side of the Moon, most of the songs didn't have titles. They referred to this as "The Religious Section" or "The Mortality Sequence."
This is one of a few Pink Floyd songs to use a female vocal. Alan Parsons, who engineered the album, brought in a singer he knew of named Clare Torry. Parsons explained in Rolling Stone, March 12, 2003: "She had to be told not to sing any words: when she first started, she was doing 'Oh yeah baby' and all that kind of stuff, so she had to be restrained on that. But there was no real direction - she just had to feel it."

David Gilmour stated in Mojo, March 1998: "We'd been thinking Madeleine Bell or Doris Troy and we couldn't believe it when this housewifely white woman walked in. But when she opened her mouth, well, she wasn't too quick at finessing what we wanted, but out came that orgasmic sound we know and love."
In 2004, Torry sued Pink Floyd and EMI seeking songwriting royalties for her contributions on this, claiming she helped Wright write it. In 2005, she won a judgment in the case, although terms were not disclosed. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Tim - PGH, PA
Early on, this was just a piano sequence composed by Wright which the band didn't know what to do with. As the album came together, they resurrected it and turned it into a song. David Gilmour joined in later with his slide guitar and Torry's vocals were added as well. Wright explained to Uncut June 2003: "I went away and came up with this piece, and everyone liked the chord sequence. It was a question of 'What do we do with it?' and we decided to get someone to sing. Clare Torry came in and she thought we were going to give her the top line and lyrics. We said, 'Just busk it.' She was terrified – 'I don't know what to do.' 'Just go in and improvise.' Which she did, and out came this extraordinary, wonderful vocal.

I didn't, when I wrote it, think, 'This is all about death,' cos I don't think I would have written that chord structure. I get so excited when I hear Clare singing. For me, it's not necessarily death. I hear terror and fear and huge emotion, in the middle bit especially, and the way the voice blends with the band. The way it was mixed helps."
This marks the end of Side 1 of the album, which further indicates death. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Sourabh - Logan, UT, for above 2
This is one of the songs that synchs up to the movie The Wizard Of Oz. If you start the album at the third roar of the MGM lion, this will start just when the tornado scene comes on and end just when the scene is over.
Just before the last note of the song fades out, it speeds up so that it would fit on the album. Space was tight on vinyl records.
For the CD release of Dark Side of the Moon, the beginning of "Money" starts just before this song fades out to match with the connective nature of all the other tracks. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Adrian Martin - Brookings, SD, for above 2
In 1994, this was used in European commercials for the headache pain-relief pill Nurofen. It's very rare for Pink Floyd to lend their music to commercials, but since Rick Wright wrote the song, he had the authority to allow its use. He re-recorded the song for the ad with Clare Torry again on vocals.
This song is mentioned in the movie School Of Rock when Mr. S (Jack Black) asks Tamika to "Listen to the vocals on The Great Gig In The Sky." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Leela - Balimore, MD
The phrase, "If you hear the whisper you're dying" appears in the online game World of Warcraft - it's spoken by a Nether Stalker on Celestial Ridge (level 68-70) just after you kill Wind Trader Marid. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Chris - Brisbane, Australia

Comments: 133

Henry from Berlin1975, riding in a '68 mustang with my friends, tripping on pcp. Listening to Floyd, seeing god, the heavens, they're all dead now. It's more than music. This album still gives me chills.
Mp from Ball GroundIn 1973 when this album came out, I was a very young wife with 2 children. Loved Pink Floyd. My husband died from cancer in 2023. Today, I saw a post on social media that lead me to this song. As I listened, everything I’ve held in for the past few years came pouring out of my spirit. It is exactly how I feel about the loss of my husband.
Dc Hx from ScSatan was right, cant make out the rest of what she is saying. Anyone else?
Junkbox from CaliforniaI'm fairly certain Rick Wright didn't write that quote. In the making of 'Dark Side of the Moon' Documentary, It says that the background people talking and the clips were just people who worked at the studio (janitors etc.) in candid conversations. It shows one of the janitor guys and he's talking and sounds just like the album and I believe that clip from the album is played during them talking about using the sounds from the staff. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Jim from PhiladelphiaI can here the whispering!!!!!
Kim from N CaOn the Alan Parson's Project album Eve, Clare Torry again sings, "Don't Hold Back".
J from Everett, MaFor the last time!!!!
It's not "If you hear this whisper ... etc", its: "I never said I was frightened of dying"
- Lasse, Copenhagen, Denmark

You are right!!! The proof is that she is responding to the man at the beginning of the song who says,
'I'm not frightened of dying, anytime or doing,
I don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There's no reason for it you gotta go sometime.

She responds to him by saying, 'I never said I was frightened of dying."
Zero from Nowhere, NjDid Christina actually cover this song or did someone just say she should cover it? I'm confused.
Ironbob from San Jose, CaClare Torry actually apologized to the stunned band members for this performance thinking she'd bombed the assignment but it was exactly what the band wanted. Sorry but Torry did it with soul, power and command while Aguilara just whines and is annoying.
Deethewriter from Saint Petersburg, Russia FederationAlthough it was never released as a single, "The Great Gig in the Sky" is legendary—at least partly for the wordless lead vocals of Clare Torry. Called into the studio because Pink Floyd didn't know what to do with a certain instrumental track, Torry struggled herself in coming up with an idea. The singer reveals, "I thought, 'Maybe I should just pretend I'm an instrument.' So I said,'Start the track again'…." [Q’s Quintessential Albums]
Chris from Lansing, MiI'd never thought about it until I read these comments today, but my unconscious interpretation in 1974 was that the speed-up at the end was to transition my attention from the finality of the song ending, to prepare me for the jarring back to reality of Money and thinking about the things we strive for in life through the lens of what we have just experienced through Clare's vocal. I have no evidence for it, but that was the effect it had on me at the time.
Chris from Lansing, MiI grew up in the DSOTM era and even at the age of 14 it was clear to me from the first listen that this song was a beautiful vocalization of the experience of dying. My mother's passing last year only confirmed that for me. Peace
Annalee from West Hollywood, CaI just watched the documentary of the making of Dark Side and between Vs 2&3 it says "if you hear this whispering, your dying" it showed it on the documentary- so just wanted to clear that up. you can watch it on VH1 classic... and Clare is unbelievable, I cannot believe it was only 1 girl the whole time in the studio, I always thought Durga McBroom was the 1st vs singer. This song NEVER gets old to me. and until I saw the documentary..I then realized it was about death...my father just passed June 25/11 and listening to it for ME is vs 1 the denial, disbelief of the death, vs two is the grieving/sorrowful part and vs 3 is the acceptance&letting go....its helped alot and has a completely different context to it now for me.
Edward from Collingswood, NjEvery time I listen to this album, and it's always the Whole Album, not just a song or two, I get taken on a most remarkable journey - around to the far side of the moon and to the deepest parts of my imagination. If you just let the music transport you, disengage your overly hyper brain, and drift along, it's a spectacular voyage. Great Gig In the Sky is like hurdling right through the center of the Sun and coming out the other side reborn, new and tender and fresh. Also, the saxomaphone work is stellar, brilliant...
Randy from Tacoma, WaCrowskie! Nice addition, my long time KZOK friend and the "other" station from the 70's. I have lost 21 family members, 8 neighbors, and 4 very close friends in my life. But,my only son committed suicide last year (he was 25) and Torry nailed my pain, not an orgasm through her voice.
This song has always rang true in my heart since it first came out, but now,...her voice, striking, quiet, sorrowful and using no words to convey, or express the pain in her heart that only she where it came from in 2 1/2 takes. She sang it like she knew no other comparable pain in her life. She set the bar extremely high in my book. I know it, I understand it, and I feel it, everytime I hear this song.
Chloe from St. Louis, MoRest in peace, Rick. Its a year today.
Shelley from Long Island, NyI think this song is absolutely amazing! I'd love to hear someone like Adam Lambert do his own take on the song since he's got the range and depth for it.
Cody from St Joe, Moand for the people who think there is no more good music being made, and want something "floyd-esque" check out the band "Tool" they kinda remind me of a modern day floyd. check out their song "eulogy" very floyd-esque to me.
Cody from St Joe, Moim sorry to bring illegal substances back into this. but everytime my friends use a certain herbal remedy, we drive on empty highways and loudly blast "speak to me/breath" and "the great gig in the sky" and this song almost moves me to tears everytime. i completely love it. i blast it with the windows down in town because i want everyone to hear it. torry was so incredible on this song and very moving. probably my favorite floyd song of all time.
Gary from Blackwood, NjThe whisper at 3:33 says "I never said I was afraid of dying". Everyone keeps playing & re-playing those few words until apparently their minds begin playing tricks on them. Just listen to the song and not try to analyze what's being said when that part comes up. It's that simple.
Koz from London, United KingdomWhy analyse this beautiful composition. There's no whispers about your being dead, and I certainly don't believe it has anything to do with Orgasm's, and as for Christina Aguilara....do leave it out!!She's not a patch on Clare Torrey, please not even in 'jest'. All UK fans, if you ever get the chance to see a Tribute band who don't put there own touch to the songs, and someone with Clare Torrey's great Vocal range, see a tribute band called 'FLESH Floyd' the show, currently is called 'In The Flesh' Brilliant!!!
Senorspode from Seattle, Wa*Sigh* Perfection...Every CD collection needs this album.
Dean from Sydney,This is my favourite track from Dark Side of the Moon. It's perfect.
Oldpink from New Castle, InThis is the song that absolutely blew me away the first time I listened to my first copy of "Dark Side of the Moon."
Clare's vocals were absolutely spellbinding.
Another bit of trivia is that a woman's voice (her nickname was "Puddy") is audible during the lull in the middle of this song, and she says "I never said I was frightened of dying."
Joel from Canandaigua, NyWhere can I find sheet music for this song?
Trey from Kalamazoo, MtGod bless Rick. that guy rocked hard up til the end. Good bye. We miss you
Randomprecision from London.,This song and 'Us and Them' are two of The Late Rick Wrights' most Beautiful, Most Haunting pieces of music that he penned.
R.I.P. Rick.
Jeremy from Ventura, CaR.I.P Mr. Wright. You were a great musician

1943-2008

He just passed today.
Nic from Los Angeles, CaI didn't read ALL of the comments above, but I hope this is original.

It seems quite clear to me, if you think about the subject matter of Gig and Time, that the vocals Clare Torrey is doing is "wailing for the dead". She's crying for some one that has passed away.

Speaking of which, rest in peace, Rick.
Nit from Jerusalem, Israelsecond time she stops singing. srry.
Nit from Jerusalem, IsraelTurn up the volume, and when the singer slows the singing th first time you'll hear "if you hear this whispering you are dying"
Sam from Richland, WaThis song is one of the reasons why I feel Pink Floyd is marked as a true genius. They've proved that you don't really need lyrics (not counting the little snippets of conversation on the sidelines). Sometimes music can just speak for itself, and Pink Floyd is so good at that. In this way, this song can have a deep, personal connection that is unique to each person. Rock on Pink Floyd. I for one, imagine a giant car crash right when Torry starts, cars flipping in slow motion...then as the song mellows, we're transported to the funeral of the lost and lonely individual who died in the crash. Sigh. Can I just be Pink Floyd??
Susan from Westchestertonfieldville, Vajust too good
Michael from Oxford, -By the way, I think this song may have been inspired by Deep Purple's "Child in Time". Why didn't I think of that before?
Michael from Oxford, -For the record, the Greek for "little death" is "mikros thanatos". I'd like to see anyone derive the word "orgasm" from that!
Michael from Oxford, -I really don't want to write about this, but the word "orgasm" isn't derived from the Greek for "little death". "Orgasmos" in Greek translates as "swelling". Hope this clears things up.
Jorge from Manchester, EnglandVon - Charlotte, NC is wrong. Pink Floyd did not want someone to scream like she was having an orgasm. Many people believed that this song was some sort of a sexual song. On the BBC documentary 'Which One's Pink' Waters says that people 'got the wrong message'.
Patrick from Chicago, IlThat whisper actually says "I never said I was afraid of dying" Mike.
Mike from Place, Afghanistanif you can hear this whisper your dying ^_^
Martin from Hobart, AustraliaOne of the many mysteries of the Pink Floyd story is how a little-known vocalist, shown into a recording studio and invited vaguely to 'do your thing' over what had originally been a rather bland instrumental piece, should unleash one of the greatest vocal works ever recorded. She sounds like a black soul singer with years of deep experience behind her...yet she's white and she was barely out of school. Some kind of dark magic was going down, that's for sure. Regarding the change of pitch in that final piano chord, I find it hard to believe that Floyd or EMI would have tweaked the track so heavy-handedly (and jarringly) just to get the length right. They were far too sophisticated and perfectionist for that. An alternative explanation might be that Rick Wright changed the tension on one or more of his piano strings, temporarily converting what is technically a percussion instrument into one with infinitely variable notes... perhaps as a way of doffing his hat to the beauty and range of Clare Torry's voice? If the track has one flaw it's the excessive pounding of the piano, especially towards the end. Poor mixing? Or (more likely), was it intended to heighten the dramatic tension between the 'dead' piano and the 'live' human voice? Thoughts, anyone?
Jeff from Pittsburgh, OhI'd like to know where the "orgasmic" comment comes from... I've seen an interview with Rick Wright and he says they told Clare to think about "death, horrible things", but no where do they talk about orgasms. Pretty childish; could you imagine a serious and reserved guy like Waters or Gilmour actually asking a young lady to sing "orgasmically"--boff.
Gary from Seattle, WaWhen I had Nick Mason on the show, he said they were all "stunned" when Clare crushed this with one take. He went on to say that it was one of the most "amazing moments" he ever witnessed in a recording studio. Crowski KZOK, Seattle.

Be safe,
Bryan from New York, NyTruly insane vocals. Parts of it turn me on, I guess that's from the orgasm part (see songfacts on top).
Musicmama from New York, NyTo Jeanette and Kevin: In France, an orgasm is often called "le petit mort," which means little death. And, as you pointed out, Kevin, "orgasm" comes from the Greek word for "little death." So why the connection between orgasm and death? Well, in just about every theistic (based on a belief in a god or gods) religion or philosophy, total bliss is not possible in this life: It can only be attained in the afterlife (i.e., if one goes to Heaven). Of course, one can get to the aferlife, and bliss, only through death. At that moment, one is released from the cares of this world. That's a pretty good description of orgasm, as far as I'm concerned!
Musicmama from New York, NyStan from Vista, CA made a very interesting comment: Clare Torrey's voice functions as an instrument in this song. That, I think, is about as good a compliment as one can give a vocalist. She's, in a sense, the inverse of Mariah Carey: Although Clare has a fine voice, you don't notice it; instead, you hear the music it becomes. (On the other hand, Mariah Carey has a beautiful voice, but it is nothing more.) Clare also is kind of an inverse of Jimi Hendrix: His instrument is his voice, while her voice is an instrument. Great!
Kevin from Warren, Miwhat do orgasms have to do with death?
- Jeanette, Irvine, CA
Orgasm is taken from the Greek for "little death".
Colin from Leics, Englandthis is a very good song where the backing singer takes the lead role. very similar in style to a song from Vangelis called Heaven and Hell (from the album of the same name) where the backing singer Vana Verouti creates a great vocal that makes the song
Arik from Tel Aviv, Israeli think that rick wright is a very melodic musician and has the ability to add the right accord in the right time (especially in the dark side). the job that rick done on the dark side (especially on breath and us and them and of course the great gig ) was simply brilliant . his singing was also very good ( the combination of him and gilmour together on "time" worked very well) . this song is definitely one of the best pieces of music that pink Floyd ever made and it gives rick wright his place of honor in the band history
Scott from Portland, OrOf all the songs on the DSOTM that were performed live before the record's release (available on several bootlegs), this one was by far the most incomplete. In early 1972 it was just Wright playing chords on his piano and organ while Gilmour strummed along. The beginning and end are the same piano chords but the middle has very little melody (mostly Wright organ solo) and none of the power that Clare Torry's vocal gave the song. It seems like if they hadn't found Torry, Gilmour could have saved it with a scorching guitar solo.
Marco Sanches from Uberlândia, BrazilThe Great Gig In The Sky cames suddenly to my mind when for the fist time I were at Cabedelo. It is a timeless remembrance for me, the sacred symbol of a day I will never forget. It is the theme of my resolution and understanding of moods which made me better as a man and as a human being.
Steveb from Spokane, WaLaura, the biggest reason Dark side is as great as it is lies in the conceptually brilliance it possesses. So, the speech is very important...
Laura from London, EnglandWhat's all the arguing about the words half way through the song for? Who cares! That's probably why Pink Floyd told her not to use any lyrics so people wouldn't have this argument in the first place! All that matters is that this is a fantastic piece of music using voice as an instrument!!! (Which it rarely ever is used for now!)
Ozzy from Fresno, Cai dont like many of the songs on the dark side of the moon but ths one totally blew me away. sometimes i imagine some girl coming in on american idol and perfecting this song as claire torrey did. heh heh.
Daniel from Perth, AustraliaWow. This song is amazing. Clare Torry absolutley nails the vocals on this song. I love it.
Aya from Cairo, EgyptMaaaan...this song gives me shivers down my spine, every single time! Absolutely amaaaazing song!
Stan from Vista, CaWhen i first heard this song in 1973 i was moved Clare Torrys voice. It sounded like she was using her voice as an instrument,something like a bluesy guitar solo and now almost 35 years later it still one of my favorite and people are still listening and talking about it."a true classic".Listening to dark side of the moon right now. Stan olson
Daniel from London, Englandthe whispering bit actually says im not frightentend of dying why wud i b frigtenend you got go some time n the person speaking was a either the roadie or door man at abbey road studio.
Chelsea from Wichita, KsI have this on my iPod and i've always heard the whispering part (I guess i'm dying)but after reading this I looked into it and to me it doesn't sound like "If you hear this whisper you are dying" to me is sounds like "If you sing this you will die" but i'm sure it says "if you can hear this you are dying",it'd make a lot more sense,but overall it's a really cool,tripped out song.
Adrian from Brookings, SdI'm really confused as to why they had to speed the song up at the end for it to fit because several albums out around this time exceeded the limit (about 19 minutes, 15 seconds) by at least a few minutes without having to speed anyting up. Examples include the Beatles' Abbey Road, Led Zeppelin's first album and even the second side of Dark Side of the Moon.
Jim from Everett, MaThis part that people are saying goes "If you hear this whisper you are dying" this is not what she says. I've heard this hundreds upon hundreds of times in very quiet headphones. I believe it is, "I never said I was frightened of dying."
Jim from Everett, MaI got the sheet music to this back in the late 1970's. I've been playing it ever since.
I always thought that the singing was simply a pure expression of emotion nothing more.
Patrick from Chicago, Ilif u blast this song at 3 minutes and 34 seconds into the song you can here a whisper saying "if you hear this whisper you're dying." Its freaky.
- Nick, Milwaukee, WI

It realy is saying "I Never Said I Was Afriad Of Dieing"
Gilmour from Lockport, Ny"On the Dark Side Of The Moon DVD you can see the band along with engineer Alan Parsons just watching her in amazement as she nails it in one take" ---- I own this DVD and have watched it a hundred times. Where is this in the DVD? There is no footage of her singing these parts.
Nick from Milwaukee, Wiif u blast this song at 3 minutes and 34 seconds into the song you can here a whisper saying "if you hear this whisper you're dying." Its freaky.
Bill from Erie, PaShortly before Syd Barrett split with Floyd, he made an ambiguously sarcastic suggestion that all the band's problems could be solved by adding two female saxophonists to the lineup. Floyd's biggest success came on an album that had both females (Torry's vocals on this song) and sax (Dick Parry on "Us And Them").
Chris from Holliston, MaOk, I've listened to this song hundreds of times and I have the sheet music which tells me all the lyrics and no where in the song does anyone say "If you can hear this whispering you are dying."
Jack from Oak Ridge, Ncmakes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. very creepy in the way its both absolutely terrifying and blissfuly transcendant at the same time.
Aylin from MontrealRick Wright may be the only member of Pink Floyd who is underrated. Check out his solo albums.
Brian from Altoona, PaThis whole song is great, but most of all I love the piano at the beginning. The first shift in sound sounds like the most depressing note ever. I like it though.
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaI just thought- the most beautiful song on DSOTM is the most perfect synchronization on the most beautifully symbolic part of Wizard of Oz. I think Wizard of Oz is a lot like DSOTM, only it's sugar-coated and hidden in childhood fantasy imagery to appeal to masses of jaded inner children. It's gorgeous how the song gets desperate and somewhat frightened as the tornado gets more dangerous, then the window flies off, then softens just as Dorothy is knocked out, and drifts into unconsciousness, then at the end, everything is fine, and the tone raises to acceptance and tranquility. Maybe they didn't design it to synch, maybe they did. If they did, they are pure genius. If they didn't, there are no coincedences and everything is connected. It's weird how my favourite movie ever and favourite album ever do this.
James from Toronto, CanadaDSOTM rocks. Not just best album in the 70's but best album currently, and it will be for another 50 years...(well maybe not. But hey, its still a GREAT album)
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaDeath and orgasms are contrasting emotional and sensual states; the extremes at opposite ends of the sense/emotion spectrum. Like black and white, they contrast, yet combine to form a beautiful and emotional piece of music.
Everything is connected; consider this when listening to Great Gig in The Sky, DSOTM, and also why going through life.
Michelle from San Diego , Caa little fact...alot the voices you hear in many Pink Floyd songs as this one came from when the band asked people questions and tape recorded their answers...genius huh? something so simple like that...TRUELY THE BEST BAND OF ALL TIME...
Mike from Duluth, MnThis is the most beautiful vocals I have ever heard and my favorite song of all time. I had an experience with "something". (If you know what I mean) In which I played this song. It changed my life forever. A great song about mortality and death. Torry did the most excellent job and I really think she deserves a little bit more than $50. Peace.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScPartick thank you for the death/orgasm explanation. I was wondering what that meant too.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI very highly doubt that Christina Aguillera could sing this song. And it would be hard for somebody on American Idol or a similar show to do this. The vocals are amazing though.
Joey from Hw, United Statesat first i thought they must 'of been real' high be4 singing this song. now i find that they were trying to connect to death
Jeanette from Irvine, CaPatrick from Irvine: (whoa irvine cool) thanks that actually does make sense and Chris from Dundalk when does it say "if you hear this whisper you are dying"? i thought people were saying it says "i never said i was frightened of dying" not that, but you seem to think it says them both. ?
Patrick from Irvine, CaJeanette asked "what do orgasms have to do with death?" I remember talking about this in highschool english a few years ago. My english teacher said something about orgasms signifying the passing of time leading to maturity, ultimately to death, or something like that. I can't quite make sense of what she said, but it made sense back then. But also I guess, a screaming orgasm could sound a lot like someone screaming when faced with death. also, orgasm in some languages means "little death." i doubt that pink floyd had all this in mind when producing the song though. maybe they did, who knows.
Fool from Atherton, Cathis is my favorite floyd song. the keyboard in the begining gets so crazy.
Sasha from Melbourne, AustraliaI recently used this song in a school play, during a scene when a character dies of a drug overdose.
When the vocals start, he takes the drugs, started convulsing as it got more intense, and by the time it had quieted down he was dead, with his wife (me) sobbing over his body. It worked beautifully, and I got an A+ for the performance "which was greatly enhanced by the choice of music during key scenes"
Amazing song. I'm obsessed.
Pat from New York City, NyJoel, actually, she sings backup on One of My Turns. She did a really good job on that, pretty funny
Honestly, i could never see this on American Idol
none of the people there have the feel that Clare Torry did on this song
Worthy from Warrington, PaClare Torry got paid $50 at the time but she later wanted more money and pink floyd settled with her out of court
Chris from Dundalk, MdOk, let's get it right...here's the lyrics:

"And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There's no reason for it, you've gotta go sometime."
"If you can hear this whispering you are dying."
"I never said I was frightened of dying."
Mongo from San Jose, CaForget the words, this is one of the most memorable vocals I've ever heard. The singer recorded the vocal in a single take for something like $50 which was the going rate for a vocal session then.

To get more info on Clare Torry's gig, check out this interview done earlier this year at the following link

http://www.theworld.org/pages/041305.shtml
Bill from Erie, PaThe story behind the man muttering about death on this song, and the random voices throughout the album are as follows: Roger Waters took some notecards and wrote deep philosophical questions on them such as "What is your true nature?" and "Why are you afraid of death?" as well as "What do you think of the phrase 'Dark Side of the Moon'?". He ambushed random people at Abbey Road Studio, where they were recording the album, with the notecards, holding them up and recording their responses with a tape recorder. Paul McCartney was interviewed, but the band thought his responses were too cautious for the album.
Marius from Horten, NorwayThe different "speaking parts" in DSoTM is actually several random interviews done by the band during the making of this album.

"..There is no dark side of the moon. in matter of fact it's all dark.."
Jeanette from Irvine, Caanonymous canadian: i was talking about the "i never said i was afraid of dying" in the middle of the song, not the beginning. but thinking back the part in the middles not that hard to hear.
Anonymus from ..., Canadaok, I don't understand how all of you can't hear that "dieing" part in the beginning. I heard it the first time I heard the song. It's so clear in there and I just don't know how you can't hear it all the time. It isn't whispered or anything. I hear it everytime as if someone is talking to me. It's at 0:38 in the song, if you want to find it. By the way, the man is saying, "And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I don?t mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There?s no reason for it, you?ve gotta go sometime." And later on, at approximately 3:33, it sounds like a woman speaking and she says, "I never said I was frightened of dying". So, crank it and listen for it if you can't hear it haha.
Mark from CanberraMy god... this song sends shivers down my spine everytime I hear it
Jeanette from Irvine, Caand aguilera sucks. shes just got a pretty good voice. so far i've found no song where she actually puts feeling into it, and believe when i was 8 i had an aguilera year where i listened to her obsessively. (please don't hold this against me! we've all had a time where we've been hooked on crap! admit it!)
Jeanette from Irvine, Cawow i heard that little whisper that said "who said i was afraid of dying" god how do you guys find stuff like that! i never would've heard that without this page.
Jeanette from Irvine, Cawhat do orgasms have to do with death?
Phil from Niagara Falls, Canada(referring to josh's post) there are lyrics=|
"im not afraid to die..."
Michael from Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaWhen you listen to GGITS you can understand why you see people crying at the opera. It is a masterpiece that so completely conveys the stages of death from denial to acceptance it brings me to tears. Clare Torry nailed this and has transcended language and said more than any spoken word can convey.
Also, for those of you refering to Aguilara: She has the talent but has unfortunately succumbed to the darkside of image. Beautiful is a song where she returns to art and gives us herself.
Jordan from Wvi thought i learned the piano part of this song from some sheet music i got on the internet, but then i listened to the song with headphones and realized how complicated it really is!?!
Adrian from Duluth, Gaman..this song is totally cool when you have some "paper" to go with it. and what an incredible run for this album with 785 consecutive weeks on the billboard chart...blah blah!
Ian from Liverpool, EnglandThe person saying "im not afraid of dying, why should i be afraid of dying" i beleive is someone the band interviewed about death and dying. I think i read somewhere it was the studio caretaker but im not sure. the band collected many recordings about death and place them within the song. im not sure about the "if you hear this whisper your dying" though. Cant really make out what it says
Matt from Collegeville, Payeah ashley i totaly agree with you, i wish thier were bands this good around now. Al man i was really freaked out while reading this page cause i was listening to the song and read davids post and the part with If you hear this wispering, you are dying" came on as i read it. I would suggest Downloading the sych version of Dark side of oz off of imesh or similar, its amazing.
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaSorry to make too many comments but I have something new to say: I've recently become obsessed with this song for some reason. I listened to it for five hours so I could draw it. My drawing depicts a non-gender specefic human form with wings, but no halo fading into oblivion as it rises skyward into darkenening space and there is swooping shading in pencil and some charcoal. I prefer to do my drawings without colour, because I find it adds a certain mood, and colour screws it up. I don't see colours when I listen to it, anyway.
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaThis song gives you a taste of the other half of the album when it plays bit of the Money pattern. Does anyone know how to spell Aguilara? I sure don't because i don't give half a crap about useless pop conformists like that.
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaSince this is a deep song from Dark Side of the Moon, I figure I'm not going to anger anyone, and will probably speak for a lot of Pink Floyd fans when I say that 50 Cent is meaningless trash that shouldn't even be played on the radio. And music, and everything else, is going all downhill from 2000. We'll never have music as good as it was before that year.
Aaron from Muswellbrook, AustraliaThat's weird about the so called "Australian Pink Floyd" because I think they were Kiwis (New Zealanders), and are pretty bloody good too, I agree. Next person who wants to know what is said during the song, click on 'view lyrics' they're there!
Matthew from Downers Grove, IlOh ok, I listened with some other people and I picked it up I think "Im not afraid of dying. why should i be afraid of dying? theres no reason for it." thats what i heard. but does anyone know who said that part?
Matthew from Downers Grove, IlGreat song, it fits in Very well with the theme and mood of Dark Side. What is being said near the beginning of the song, about 40 seconds into it and continuing for another 15 seconds? I've listened closely, but it's hard with the music playing, too. Oh yeah, and when i listen for it i hear "I never said i was afraid of dying"
Alyssa from Setauket, NyThis song is very emotional for me. It tells a deep story and keeps the listener aching for more. I love it. It gives me the chills
Rob from St Davids, WalesThis song made me cry.
Ashley from Moncton, Canadathis is my second favourite song from this album. I am really getting less and less creative with what I write in these things...
Don Vincenzo from Honolulu, HiI like the post regarding having someone sing Great Gig on American Idol...although I doubt many singers today have the vocal range and intensity as Clare Torry. I think if someone got this song down pat, it would be a winner at American Idol.
Zack from Hinesburg, Vtanother cool thing is that in the scene with the munchkins dancing because the witch is dead, thier footsteps synch exactly with the song playing, i think it is Money at that time.
David Corino from Hawley, PaI would encourage everyone reading this to try the Dark Side of the Moon/Wizard of Oz thing, if you haven't already. It is truly a mind-blowing experience. Some of the many bizarre coincidences that occur: 1. In the song "Breathe," Gilmour sings "balanced on the biggest wave" just as Dorothy is balancing herself while walking on the fence, and then as he sings "you race towards an early grave" she falls to the ground. 2. Then during "On the Run" Dorothy is doing just that - running away from home. 3. Then there's the sequence with this song which, as Brandon in Painsville OH pointed out, aligns perfectly with the scene where Dorothy's house is picked up by the twister and tossed to the heavens. 4. Side 2 of the album begins just as the transition from black and white to color occurs. 5. The very instant that the word "black" is sung in "Us and Them" the wicked witch appears in a puff of orange smoke and wearing, of course, all black. (Also, just after that they sing "and who knows which is which," just when you see both the good witch and the bad witch). 6. Just as the first scene with the scarecrow begins, the song "Brain Damage" starts (he's got no brain, you know). There are probably others that I can't remember right now. I don't know and probably never will know how this happened (the band insists they don't know how either). But it is genuinely freaky and really worth trying, if you haven't.

I know one: in the beging of "Money" is when Dorthy steps on the golden road, and then you hear the cast regesters and whatnot
David Corino from Hawley, PaOne time when it was about midnight and I was listing to "The Great Gig in the Sky" and I heard "If you hear this wispering, you are dying" and "I never said I was frightened of dying", it just freaked me out.....but it was awsome.
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaWhen it says "I never said I was frightened of dying" it just creeps me out and makes me realise how much emotion is in it.
Ash from Charleston, WvI am mistaken. Sorry, I wrote that entry based only memory. Last night, I watched it again and actually "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is being sung during "On the Run." And actually "Brain Damage" starts right when the scarecrow begins to sing "If I Only Had a Brain." Also, I forgot one of the coolest ones! As the final heartbeat at the very end of the album is heard, Dorothy and the Scarecrow bend down to listen to the Tin Man's chest. Unreal!!!
Ash from Charleston, WvI would encourage everyone reading this to try the Dark Side of the Moon/Wizard of Oz thing, if you haven't already. It is truly a mind-blowing experience. Some of the many bizarre coincidences that occur: 1. In the song "Breathe," Gilmour sings "balanced on the biggest wave" just as Dorothy is balancing herself while walking on the fence, and then as he sings "you race towards an early grave" she falls to the ground. 2. Then during "On the Run" Dorothy is doing just that - running away from home. 3. Then there's the sequence with this song which, as Brandon in Painsville OH pointed out, aligns perfectly with the scene where Dorothy's house is picked up by the twister and tossed to the heavens. 4. Side 2 of the album begins just as the transition from black and white to color occurs. 5. The very instant that the word "black" is sung in "Us and Them" the wicked witch appears in a puff of orange smoke and wearing, of course, all black. (Also, just after that they sing "and who knows which is which," just when you see both the good witch and the bad witch). 6. Just as the first scene with the scarecrow begins, the song "Brain Damage" starts (he's got no brain, you know). There are probably others that I can't remember right now. I don't know and probably never will know how this happened (the band insists they don't know how either). But it is genuinely freaky and really worth trying, if you haven't.
Dan from Winthrop, MaClare Torry says "I never said I was frightened of dying" The best headphone album of all time.
Paul from Ludlow, VtShe says "If you can hear the sound of this whisper...then you're dying"
Paul from Rothesay, Nb, CanadaI recently saw a Pink Floyd tribute called the
"Australian Pink Floyd". They were simply amazing.
They performed "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety. One of the hi-lites was a stunning version of "Great Gig". When the singer launched
into the vocal, the place went nuts.
Takashi from Tokyo, JapanEdward, it says in the booklet "vocals on 'The Great Gig in the Sky' by Clare Torry".
Takashi from Tokyo, JapanTHe talking on this song always made me jump when i was a kid. I thought it was the devil.
Brandon from Painesville, OhYou should try synchs this Album with Wizard of Oz. As this song is playing its when the tornado is coming and it sounds like Dorothy is screaming and the house goes into the sky making the Title great gig in the sky.
Tom from Bloomington, MnThis was the first Pink Floyd song to be used in an advertisement, it was a commercial for a personal hygiene product. The band did not want this but since Rick Wright was the sole composer, he allowed it.
Denise from Alton, EnglandFloyd told her to think about death and just improvise over the music which she did wonderfully, its so full of emotion even though there arent any lyrics and of course "i never said i was frightened of dying" is said, honestly listen to it properly!
Lazer from Buffalo, NyQuatable Quote from Clare Torry "If I'd known then what I know now I would have done something about organising copyright or publishing. I would be a wealthy woman now. The session fee in 1973 was £15, but as it was a Sunday I charged a double fee of £30... which I invested wisely, of course."
Lazer from Buffalo, NyClare Torry was an EMI staff songwriter, straight out of school, who had just started doing a few vocal sessions. she was just told to go in and 'do your thing', so effectively she wrote what she did
Lasse from Copenhagen, DenmarkFor the last time!!!!
It's not "If you hear this whisper ... etc", its: "I never said I was frightened of dying"
Joel from Chicago, IlToni Tenille sings backup on "Waiting For the Worms" off of The Wall. She does not appear on Dark Side.
Andrew from Springfield, MoI think what he was saying is how agulera does those stupid, sucky, and annoying moan things and just totally horrible, and Clare Torry was able to do one and it was just the oppostie of how crappy it sounds whenever Chritina does it(i.e. good)
Edward from Miami, FlI heard the woman that moans, wails, and screams throughout this song is Toni Taneille of Captain and Taneille. Is this correct? if not- who is it?
Corey from Dark Side Of The Moon, OtherA very beautiful and underrated song, by one of the most underrated musicians ever... Rick Wright. And by the way, I agree with the person below: Christina Aguilera does SUCK indeed, she's nothing but a modern-pop-icon, a product, etc. And there's no reason it should be compared with a TRUE talented singer such as Clare Torry.
Desi from Windsor, Canada!? Why on Earth would a song by the extremely talented Pink Floyd remind you of Christina Aguilara? It's downright disrespectful.....*shudders*
Anthony from Wantagh, NyCertainly a unique Pink Floyd song, my favorite part is when a distant misterious femail voice says 'when you hear this whisper you die' at about 3 minutes and 30 seconds into the song. Pink Floyd lives forever.
Conrad from Los Angeles, CaThe singing reminds me of Christina Aguilara. I'd love to see someone perform this on an American Idol like show just to see the judges response.

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