Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine.

Syd Barrett has passed away at the age of 60. Please indulge me. Down through the years Pink Floyd has been that soothing, sometimes stormy, music that you have heard at the beach house. Yes, still a Parrothead and love Buffett, but it was good fortune to discover this legendary group back in the late sixties. Can't remember the exact date but I was in Vietnam. Their music was refreshing. It was different.

Syd Barrett was one of the founders. His creativity sparked others to shine as well. Contrary to popular belief, David Gilmour was not one of the original members. When Barrett finally lost control and broke down, David was brought in to take up the slack. The Gilmour library of music speaks for his genius and the good insight of other Floyd members. Syd dropped out, literally. He lived off royalties residing in a hotel until 1981 when the money ran out. Then he moved home with Mum. He was still using that address when he passed away.

If you are thinking about using drugs, don't. If you are an abuser of drugs or any substance please get help. We have become a compulsive, obsessive, addictive society. Those that have passed through life clean I applaud you. Thank you, God, for permitting me the opportunity to survive my purple haze years. That was a long time ago and my immediate thought is that prayer truly works wonders. How nice it is to get through a day knowing there will be no DUIs or fits of extreme paranoia.

Mr. Barrett, thanks for the music. May God grant you peace. You can read more at the IndependentOnline. (very good article)

"Remember when you were young
You shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes
Like black holes in the sky.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire
Of childhood and stardom
Blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr and shine."
-Roger Waters