A Saucerful of Secrets cover art

  Studio Album · No. 2

A Saucerful of Secrets Songwriting Credits by Pink Floyd

1968 Columbia 7 tracks 39 min

Produced by Norman Smith  ·  Engineered by Peter Bown

Columbia Psychedelic RockSpace RockExperimental Rock
100%
Authorship
Complete Artist

Holds writing credit on 7 of 7 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 7 / 7 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 7 tracks with documented writers, by whether Pink Floyd carries a lyricist or composer credit.

100%
7 trackswritten by Pink Floyd 0 tracksoutside writers
Pink Floyd's roles on this album

Share of the 7 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist86%
Composer100%
Producer0%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

7
Tracks
3
Lyricists
1
Producers
1968
Released
Data Insight

This is Pink Floyd's transition album, made as Syd Barrett's mental decline pulled him out of the band. Barrett's only contribution is 'Jugband Blues,' his final song published with the group, while Roger Waters stepped forward with 'Let There Be More Light,' 'Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun' and 'Corporal Clegg.' Richard Wright wrote 'Remember a Day,' 'See-Saw' and 'It Would Be So Nice,' and the title instrumental was a group composition that pointed toward the band's longer-form future. David Gilmour joined during these sessions as Barrett's replacement.

"A Saucerful of Secrets" is the 1968 album by Pink Floyd, a psychedelic rock and experimental rock record made during the band's transition away from Syd Barrett, whose mental health declined during the sessions and prompted the recruitment of David Gilmour on guitar and vocals. Roger Waters played bass, Richard Wright handled keyboards, and Nick Mason played drums, with Nick Mason singing lead on "Corporal Clegg." Barrett contributed to only three tracks before departing, and "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" is the only song featuring all five members. Norman Smith produced the album, which reached number 9 on the UK Albums Chart and earned gold certification in the UK for 100,000 units. Singles included "Let There Be More Light" and the non-charting "It Would Be So Nice" backed with "Julia Dream."

Track Listing & Credits 7 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
Let There Be More Light
Roger Waters Roger Waters Norman Smith Syd Barrett (Lead Vocals)Roger Waters (Lead Vocals)David Gilmour (Lead Vocals)
2
Remember a Day
Richard Wright Richard Wright Norman Smith Syd Barrett (Lead Vocals)Roger Waters (Lead Vocals)David Gilmour (Lead Vocals)
3
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Roger Waters Roger Waters Norman Smith Syd Barrett (Lead Vocals)Roger Waters (Lead Vocals)David Gilmour (Lead Vocals)
4
Corporal Clegg
Roger Waters Roger Waters Norman Smith Syd Barrett (Lead Vocals)Roger Waters (Lead Vocals)David Gilmour (Lead Vocals)
5
A Saucerful of Secrets
Not documented Roger WatersRichard WrightNick MasonDavid Gilmour Norman Smith -
6
See-Saw
Richard Wright Richard Wright Norman Smith Syd Barrett (Lead Vocals)Roger Waters (Lead Vocals)David Gilmour (Lead Vocals)
7
Jugband Blues
Syd Barrett Roger Keith Barrett Norman Smith Syd Barrett (Lead Vocals)Roger Waters (Lead Vocals)David Gilmour (Lead Vocals)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 7 contributors

More from Pink Floyd

Frequently Asked Questions A Saucerful of Secrets

Who wrote the songs on A Saucerful of Secrets?
Authorship was shared as the band transitioned away from Syd Barrett. Roger Waters wrote 'Let There Be More Light,' 'Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun' and 'Corporal Clegg,' while Richard Wright wrote 'Remember a Day,' 'See-Saw' and 'It Would Be So Nice.' Barrett contributed only 'Jugband Blues,' and the title track was credited to all four members.
Was Jugband Blues Syd Barrett's last song for Pink Floyd?
Yes, 'Jugband Blues' was Syd Barrett's only contribution to the album and his last song published with Pink Floyd. The recording featured an eight-piece Salvation Army brass band whom Barrett told to play whatever they wanted. The lyrics are widely read as Barrett reflecting on his own alienation and departure from the group.
When was A Saucerful of Secrets released?
The album was released on 28 June 1968 by EMI Columbia. It was recorded between May 1967 and May 1968 at EMI Studios and De Lane Lea in London. It was the band's second studio album.
Who produced A Saucerful of Secrets?
Norman Smith produced the album, continuing his work from the debut. It was the last full Pink Floyd studio album he produced. The sessions spanned the period in which David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett.
How did A Saucerful of Secrets chart?
The album reached number 9 on the UK Albums Chart in 1968. It did not chart in the US until April 2019, when it reached number 158. It was later certified Gold in the UK.
Is A Saucerful of Secrets the only album with all five Pink Floyd members?
Yes, it is the only Pink Floyd studio album to feature all five members who passed through the classic lineup. Syd Barrett appears on 'Jugband Blues' while David Gilmour plays on other tracks, overlapping during the transition. Roger Waters, Richard Wright and Nick Mason complete the lineup.

Sources