The Gnome

"The Gnome" is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. Written by Syd Barrett, it is the eighth song on their 1967 debut album, The [Piper at the Gates of Dawn]. The song takes place in a fictional gnome world from the perspective of a gnome.

Background

The song tells the tale of a scarlet tunic wearing gnome named Grimble Gromble. The lyrics ostensibly "came off the top head". "The Gnome" was included on the B-side of the US Pink Floyd single "Flaming", which was never released in the UK.

Personnel

Syd Barrett – acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Roger Waters – bass guitar, backing vocals
Richard Wright – celesta, vibraphone, backing vocals
Nick Mason – temple blocks, cymbal