10 Most Underrated Pink Floyd Songs
9. Juila Dream (1968)
In February of 1968, Pink Floyd recorded this Waters-penned ballad that’s notable for being the first song on which Gilmour provided lead vocals. Although it was put out that April, it didn’t appear on a collection until 1970’s The Best of Pink Floyd compilation; as such, it hasn’t been given the proper chance to shine.
Its mix of acoustic guitarwork, whimsical flutes, and softspoken singing is gorgeous, evoking not only later triumphs like Wish You Were Here and Pigs on the Wing (Part Two) but also concurrent pieces by peers like The Moody Blues. Beyond that, Mason’s use of woodblock and tubular bells showcases the troupe’s ceaselessly inventive instrumentation.
It’s a beautiful tune lyrically, too, as the opening verse (“Sunlight bright upon my pillow / Lighter than an eiderdown / Will she let the weeping willow / Wind his branches round”) alone demonstrates. While the inspiration for and meaning of it have never been fully revealed, it seems too personal not to be inspired by someone Waters knew intimately.