Scarecrow

“The Scarecrow” is a brief song that showcases Syd’s childlike songwriting. The song itself is very simple; it describes a scarecrow that doesn’t care. It’s very similar to The Gnome in terms of lyrical structure. Also like The Gnome, it features a psychedelic and poppy sound. The Scarecrow is a song on Pink Floyd's debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). It first appeared as the B-side of their second single "See Emily Play" (as "Scarecrow") two months before. It was written by original frontman Syd Barrett and recorded in March 1967. The song contains nascent existentialist themes, as singer Syd Barrett compares his own existence to that of the scarecrow, who, while "sadder" is also "resigned to his fate". Such thematic content would later become a mainstay of the band's lyrical imagery. The US single (Tower 356) was released by Tower Records 3 times between between July 1967 and late 1968. Each time it failed to duplicate its UK success.

The Scarecrow Lyrics Pink Floyd [Verse 1] The black and green scarecrow, as everyone knows Stood with a bird on his hat and straw everywhere He didn’t care [Refrain] He stood in a field where barley grows [Verse 2] His head did no thinking, his arms didn’t move Except when the wind cut up rough And mice ran around on the ground [Refrain] He stood in a field where barley grows [Verse 3] The black and green scarecrow is sadder than me But now he’s resigned to his fate Cause life’s not unkind – he doesn’t mind [Refrain] He stood in a field where barley grows [Instrumental Outro] Produced By Norman Smith Written By Syd Barrett Sound Engineer Graham Kirkby, Jeff Jarratt, Norman Smith & Peter Bown 12-String Acoustic Guitar Syd Barrett Acoustic Guitar Syd Barrett Lead Vocals Syd Barrett Bowed Bass Roger Waters Percussion Nick Mason Farfisa Organ Richard Wright Backing Vocals Richard Wright Bass Guitar Roger Waters Electric Guitar Syd Barrett Temple Block Nick Mason Cello Richard Wright Flute Richard Wright Recorded At Abbey Road Studios, London Release Date August 5, 1967