Following Syd Barrett's departure from Pink Floyd, David Gilmour gradually became the band's permanent guitarist and vocalist, though initially serving as a temporary replacement. During a period of uncertainty about the band's musical direction, Pink Floyd attempted various creative experiments, leading to the unconventional 1969 double album Ummagumma, which invited each member to record individual compositions.

Gilmour's contribution, "The Narrow Way," represented his attempt at melody but ultimately disappointed him, leading to a deliberate avoidance of the recording ever since. This experience reflected the band's larger struggle during this era—they eventually recognised that undirected experimentation was counterproductive and began pursuing albums with greater conceptual coherence and artistic intention.