Cirrus Minor (song)

"Cirrus Minor" is the opening track on Pink Floyd's 1969 album Ummagumma. It is a short, atmospheric piece dominated by David Gilmour's organ playing and Roger Waters' echoed vocals.

The song creates a dreamlike or ethereal soundscape. The lyrics are sparse and evocative, painting a picture of nature and perhaps hinting at themes of escape or transcendence. Common interpretations suggest imagery of floating, flying, or being immersed in a natural environment.

The primary instrument is a Farfisa Combo Compact organ, which Gilmour manipulates to create swirling, textured sounds. The vibrato and tremolo effects heavily contribute to the song's otherworldly quality. Waters' vocals are heavily treated with echo and reverb, further enhancing the ethereal and distant feel.

"Cirrus Minor" is generally considered one of the more accessible and well-regarded tracks on Ummagumma, particularly in comparison to the album's more experimental and divisive later sections. It has been praised for its atmospheric qualities and its ability to create a vivid mood. While not a commercially successful single, it remains a notable example of Pink Floyd's early experimental work and their exploration of soundscapes. The song is a relatively short piece, typically running between two and three minutes in length.