"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.

A promotional film for the song, made for a Pathe newsreel and filmed in early July 1967, features the band in an open field with a scarecrow, generally fooling around. It shows Roger Waters falling down as if he were tired, and Nick Mason exchanging his hat with scarecrow's. Part of this film was featured in Roger Waters' Dark Side of the Moon Tour.

A second promo was filmed in 1968 in Brussels, Belgium, with David Gilmour replacing Barrett.

Cover versions

The industrial band Rx covered "The Scarecrow" on their album "Bedside Toxicology". Vocals for the cover were provided by Nivek Ogre from Skinny Puppy.

Personnel

• Syd Barrett - guitar, vocals
• Richard Wright - Farfisa organ
• Roger Waters - bass guitar
• Nick Mason - percussion

External links

• AMG song review