Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun

The song Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun stands out for its enveloping atmosphere and its uniqueness in the repertoire of Pink Floyd.

Composed by Roger Waters, this piece draws inspiration from Chinese poetry of the Tang dynasty, giving it a very particular lyrical and poetic air. The use of timpani mallets by Nick Mason on the drums adds an unusual texture, creating a sound that feels both ethereal and forceful. Additionally, it is notable that this song is the only one in which all members of the band participated, with guitar contributions from both David Gilmour and Syd Barrett, though the latter are more subtly present in the mix.

The recording of the song began on August 8, 1967, at Abbey Road Studios, with the lead vocals recorded in October of that same year. Production extended until January and February 1968, allowing the band to experiment with different sound layers. Gilmour has mentioned that the main riff, played in Phrygian mode, is one of the elements that defines the song. Although it was planned to be released as a single alongside Scream Thy Last Scream, the record company decided against it, making it a piece of their second album, A Saucerful of Secrets, released in June 1968.

Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun was part of the band’s live repertoire between 1967 and 1973 and can be heard on the live album Ummagumma and in the documentary Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii. During these performances, the song often extended, incorporating dynamic and free sections that made it even more captivating. The influence of this work extends beyond music, as it even inspired author Douglas Adams in creating the fictional band "Disaster Area" in his novel The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.