“Comfortably Numb” by Scissor Sisters

“Comfortably Numb” by Scissor Sisters is the cover of a Pink Floyd song we have already worked on in the past. So if you want a more detailed explanation of the incidents upon which the lyrics is based, we suggest you check out our analysis of the original, which largely centers on certain events in Roger Waters’ life.

And as covers sometimes go, this is not to imply that the wording in this case means the exact same thing as the original in the hands of Scissor Sisters. And from this perspective, we can say that their version centers more on the concept of actually being “comfortably numb”. 

Therefore we’re dealing with a case in which both the vocalist and addressee are presented as being in some state of pain or more to the point of discomfort. However, at the same time they are being encouraged to relax and just take it like that. 

So it can be said that this song is ultimately speaking to the concept of growing accustomed to some type of less-than-ideal situation and even being prodded to accept such a disposition. And of course that idea, in general, is one that can have a number of different applications, especially in the hands of creative artists like musicians.

“Comfortably Numb” Facts

Artist(s): Scissor Sisters
Album/EP: “Scissor Sisters” 

When did Scissor Sisters release “Comfortably Numb”?

January of 2004. It was a single from their “Scissor Sisters” album.

Credits

The song was written by David Gilmour in association with Roger Waters. Scissor Sisters receive no writing credits on this track.

Genre(s)

• Post-disco
• Art rock

“Comfortably Numb” at the Grammys

“Comfortably Numb” along with other very successful songs received a Grammy nomination for “Best Dance Recording” in 2005. The song that eventually emerged as the winner of the category in question was Britney Spears’ “Toxic”. Below are the other members of the category:

• Basement Jaxx and Lisa Kekaula’s “Good Luck”
• Kylie Minogue’s “Slow”
• The Chemical Brothers’ “Get Yourself High”

Chart Performance

Scissor Sisters scored a number 1 in the United Kingdom with this song. Furthermore, they scored another top 10 hit with it in Scotland.

• UK (1)
• Scotland (9)
• Ireland Dance (2)
• Belgium Dance (4)
• Australian Club Chart (4)