Matilda Mother

Pink Floyd

About Matilda Mother

"Matilda Mother" is a song by British band Pink Floyd, featured on their 1967 debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Written by Syd Barrett, it is sung mostly by Richard Wright with Barrett joining in on choruses and singing the whole last verse. It was the first song recorded for the album.


Year:
2011
3:08
65 
#2

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd were an English rock band formed in London. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. more »

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10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Matilda Mother" was written between mid-to-late 1966 by "Syd Barrett," who was the primary songwriter of Pink Floyd in its early years. The song was included in their debut studio album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" released in 1967.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics of the song were inspired by the writing of Hilaire Belloc, a British-French writer known for his cautionary tales for children. Barrett was drawn to Belloc's unique perspective on fantasy and reality.
Album Context - "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
The song is emblematic of the album's sound, which was heavily influenced by psychedelic rock and space rock.
Mood and Theme
"Matilda Mother" encapsulates Barrett's fondness for whimsical, surreal and fairy-tale-like imagery. The song focuses on a child's longing for the fantasy worlds of stories and dreams, a theme that recurs in many of Barrett's compositions.
Musical Features
The song is notable for its organ sounds, played by Richard Wright, which provide a psychedelic and mystical element to the sound. Additionally, the prominent use of multiple vocal harmonies added a rich texture to the song.
Original Version
The original version of "Matilda Mother" contained direct quotes from Belloc's "Cautionary Tales". However, due to copyright issues, the band was denied permission to use them, and Barrett rewrote the lyrics.
Studio Recording
It was one of the first songs recorded for "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn", with sessions taking place at London's reputable Abbey Road Studios.
Live Performances
Despite being a popular song from the band's debut album, "Matilda Mother" was rarely performed live post-Barrett's departure from the band.
Barrett's Mental Health
Following the release of "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn", Barrett's mental health began to deteriorate, likely exacerbated by his heavy use of psychedelic drugs. Many fans and critics view "Matilda Mother", with its themes of escapism and fantasy, within the context of his mental decline.
Legacy
The song, like many of Barrett's compositions, has been viewed as a pioneering work in the field of psychedelic rock. It continues to influence new generations of musicians and music lovers.

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