"Arnold Layne" tells the curious tale of a man with an unusual hobby: stealing women's lingerie from washing lines. This character was inspired by a real person, as both Syd Barrett's and Roger Waters' mothers had student lodgers, leading to many bras and knickers on their washing lines that would occasionally disappear. Written by Syd Barrett, this song was chosen as the band's first single because it felt the most suitable for their aspirations to be rock'n'roll stars. It plays like a quirky, observational narrative, inviting you into a peculiar slice of life.