The album's title Meddle is a play on words; a medal, and to interfere.[24] Storm Thorgerson originally suggested a close-up shot of a baboon's anus for the album cover photograph. He was over-ruled by the band, who informed him via an inter-continental telephone call while on tour in Japan that they would rather have "an ear underwater".[27] The cover image was photographed by Bob Dowling. The image represents an ear, underwater, collecting waves of sound (represented by ripples in the water).[24] Thorgerson has expressed dissatisfaction with the cover, claiming it to be his least favourite Pink Floyd album sleeve: "I think Meddle is a much better album than its cover".[28] Aubrey Powell (Thorgerson's colleague) shares his sentiments?"Meddle was a mess. I hated that cover. I don't think we did them justice with that at all; it's half-hearted."[29] The gatefold contains a group photograph of the band (Floyd's last until 1987's A Momentary Lapse of Reason).[28]
--not my words (no doubt)
If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things through narrow chinks of his cavern.
--William Blake, later stolen by Aldous Huxley
