Drum Sheet – Pink Floyd – One Of My Turns

“One of My Turns” is a standout track from Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock opera The Wall, an album known for its intense storytelling and emotional depth. The song, written by Roger Waters, captures a pivotal moment in the protagonist Pink’s psychological breakdown, blending soft, eerie passages with explosive, chaotic outbursts.

The song was recorded at Super Bear Studios in France and Producers Workshop in Los Angeles, where Pink Floyd meticulously crafted The Wall under the guidance of producer Bob Ezrin. The composition reflects the band’s experimental approach, combining atmospheric synth textures, unsettling spoken-word passages, and a sudden shift into aggressive rock. The recording features Nick Mason on drums, delivering one of his most dynamic performances on the album.

The track begins with a detached, dreamlike intro, featuring Richard Wright’s delicate synthesizers and David Gilmour’s eerie guitar textures, creating an atmosphere of unease. The drums enter subtly, providing a slow, steady foundation as Roger Waters delivers a half-spoken, emotionless vocal performance.

Then, the song explodes into a frantic, almost unhinged hard rock section, with Nick Mason’s drumming taking center stage. His playing is raw and forceful, using thunderous tom fills, crashing cymbals, and a relentless snare attack to convey Pink’s violent outburst. The drums are mixed prominently, giving the section a chaotic, almost unbalanced energy that perfectly matches the song’s psychological unraveling. Mason’s transitions between tension and release are crucial in building the emotional impact of the track.

Pink Floyd performed “One of My Turns” during The Wall Tour in 1980-81, where it was part of the elaborate stage show featuring giant projections and theatrical destruction. During live shows, Roger Waters fully embodied Pink’s breakdown, smashing props on stage while Mason’s drumming intensified the song’s aggression. The powerful live drumming, coupled with the dramatic visuals, made the song a highlight of the concert.

For drum enthusiasts, “One of My Turns” showcases Mason’s ability to use rhythm as a storytelling tool. The transition from restrained to explosive drumming demonstrates dynamic control, and the frantic fills in the climax are some of the most expressive moments in The Wall. The contrast between the eerie, spacey intro and the unrelenting percussion-driven climax makes this track a must-study for drummers looking to master dynamics and emotional impact in rock drumming.