Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett’s influence was profound and long-lasting, despite tenure with the band lasting a mere three years. If his guitar gave the band a distinctive hallucinatory sound, his often obscure and surreal lyrics were perhaps even more intoxicating.

Perhaps surprisingly, up until now Syd’s lyrics were never officially annotated, but that omission has been rectified with the publication last month of The Lyrics of Syd Barrett by Omnibus Press. This first authorised collection represents the most definitive versions possible, after much study and input from David Gilmour and Syd biographer Rob Chapman, involving in some works the auditioning of isolated vocals from the original master tape recordings.

Compiled in collaboration with the Syd Barrett estate, the book includes a foreword from former Pink Floyd manager Peter Jenner and a comprehensive introduction by biographer Rob Chapman. Accompanying the lyrics to all 52 songs written for Pink Floyd and Syd’s subsequent solo career are rare photos and artwork, making The Lyrics of Syd Barrett a beautifully illustrated insight into one of rock music’s most imaginative and searing minds.

You can purchase The Lyrics of Syd Barrett here.