The Gnome
| "The Gnome" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"The Gnome" is a song by British psychedelic rock band Pink Floyd. Written by Syd Barrett, it is the eighth song on their 1967 debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.[1][2]
Song
The song tells the tale of a scarlet-tunic-wearing-gnome named Grimble Gromble. The psychedelic yet puerile lyrics came off the top of Barrett's head during an earlier richly creative period.[3] Reportedly, it also draws its inspiration from J. R. R. Tolkien's fiction.[4] "The Gnome" was also included on the B-side of the US Pink Floyd single "Flaming" (Tower 378). This single was never released in the UK.
Cover versions
British actor Nigel Planer recorded this song under the name and pretext of Neil, his character in the UK sitcom The Young Ones, in 1984. It appeared on his Heavy Concept album.[5]
Personnel
- Syd Barrett - acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, lead vocals
- Roger Waters - bass guitar, backing vocals
- Richard Wright - celesta, vibraphone, backing vocals
- Nick Mason - temple blocks, cymbal
References
- ^ Strong, Martin C. (2004). The Great Rock Discography (7th ed.). Edinburgh: Canongate Books. p. 1177. ISBN 1-84195-551-5.
- ^ Mabbett, Andy (1995). The Complete Guide to the Music of Pink Floyd. London: Omnibus Press. ISBN 0-7119-4301-X.
- ^ Mike Watkinson; Pete Anderson (2001). Crazy Diamond: Syd Barrett & the Dawn of Pink Floyd. Omnibus Press. p. 68. ISBN 0-7119-8835-8.
- ^ "The Songs". Pink-floyd.org. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
- ^ Planer, Lindsay. "Neil's Heavy Concept Album - Nigel Planer : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
