Sorrow

When you dive into *Sorrow*, the track that closes *A Momentary Lapse of Reason*, you encounter an atmosphere that invites introspection. What immediately catches the eye is how David Gilmour, who composed and recorded most of the song, built that very particular sound. For example, the guitar intro was recorded inside the Los Angeles Arena, connected to the venue's sound system, giving it a deep and enveloping resonance. Furthermore, in the studio version, the percussion doesn't come from real drums but from a machine programmed by Gilmour himself, contributing to that somewhat cold and distant feeling that characterizes the piece.

The genesis of *Sorrow* is quite personal for Gilmour. He himself has commented that, while lyrics are not his strong suit, this song represents one of his most accomplished lyrical efforts. Curiously, the opening lines are inspired by John Steinbeck's work, *The Grapes of Wrath*. Nick Mason, the drummer, recalls that Gilmour practically put it together in a weekend on his houseboat, the Astoria, needing only a few final touches. The guitar he used for the recording was a Steinberger GL "headless", which contributes to the overall sonic aesthetic. The song had its moment live, being part of major tours like that of *A Momentary Lapse of Reason* and the *Division Bell Tour*, and can be heard on recordings like *Delicate Sound of Thunder* and *Pulse*, where live versions are often extended with guitar solos.