She’s versatile with great taste in covers, as shown in her rendition of “Wish You Were Here” (Pink Floyd)
Miley Cyrus’s performance of “Wish You Were Here” on Saturday Night Live at Home captured a raw emotional depth that surprised many. Seated in an intimate campfire setting with just a red light casting a haunting glow, Miley’s acoustic rendition stripped away any elaborate production, allowing her voice and the song’s poignant lyrics to resonate directly with audiences. Accompanied by Andrew Watt on a 12-string acoustic guitar, the arrangement placed emphasis on the reflective themes of longing and nostalgia, which perfectly matched the mood of the world during the pandemic lockdown. Listeners, including die-hard Pink Floyd fans, praised how Miley made the song her own, giving it a new sense of style and simplicity, bridging generational gaps.
“Wish You Were Here,” originally a Pink Floyd classic from 1975, explores themes of isolation and loss, inspired by Roger Waters’s reflections on former bandmate Syd Barrett. In Miley’s hands, the song’s powerful message felt deeply relevant to the time, as audiences worldwide faced isolation and a yearning for connection. Miley’s vocal delivery was both soulful and delicate, revealing a vulnerability that highlighted her growth as an artist. Dressed in a black leather outfit with dramatic gloves, her performance combined visual flair with vocal prowess, creating a lasting impression on listeners.
This rendition of “Wish You Were Here” was not Miley’s first foray into classic rock covers. She previously sang Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” and Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog,” displaying her admiration for classic rock and her willingness to step outside her pop persona. Critics and fans alike noticed that her rock covers showcase a grittier, more authentic side to her musical abilities, contrasting with her earlier pop hits. Her raspy, emotive voice adds a new dimension to these songs, allowing them to connect with both older rock audiences and newer fans.
Listeners familiar with Miley’s pop roots saw a different side of her artistry, where her vocal versatility and emotional delivery took center stage. The choice to perform “Wish You Were Here” acoustically on SNL not only demonstrated her respect for the original but also showed her ability to reinterpret the song in a way that felt personal and contemporary. The acoustic setting created an intimate atmosphere, giving viewers the feeling of witnessing a private moment, which many found refreshing and deeply moving.
Miley’s musical evolution has always been marked by reinvention and experimentation, transitioning from her early days as a Disney Channel star to embracing a more mature and diverse sound. Her career has seen dramatic changes, from her country-pop roots to her controversial “Bangerz” era, and now, to her exploration of rock music. This evolution has allowed her to break free from industry stereotypes and showcase the range and depth of her vocal abilities. Covering classic songs like “Wish You Were Here” and embracing an acoustic style underscore her commitment to showcasing raw, genuine artistry.
The response to Miley’s performance demonstrated how a classic song could find new life through a fresh interpretation. Die-hard fans of Pink Floyd appreciated her unique take on the song, feeling that she honored its original message while infusing it with her own style. The song’s themes of longing and isolation seemed especially resonant during the lockdown period, offering a form of solace and introspection for viewers tuning in from home.
Miley’s stripped-down performance was a powerful reminder of how music can serve as a form of connection and expression during difficult times. With a focus on vocals and emotional storytelling, her rendition appealed to a wide range of listeners, proving her versatility as a vocalist and performer. Her approach to “Wish You Were Here” felt like a nod to the timeless nature of the song, while her vocal interpretation demonstrated an ability to channel the song’s emotional intensity in a way that felt both contemporary and timeless.
As Miley continues to explore rock influences in her career, this performance stands as a defining moment in her evolution as an artist willing to take risks and challenge musical boundaries. The choice to cover such a revered classic, while remaining true to her own style, showcased her ability to embrace multiple genres while staying authentic to her own musical journey. For audiences who witnessed the performance, it was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to transcend time, evoke emotion, and bring people together, even when they are apart.
