"I'm treading the backward path. Mostly, I just waste my time"

In this quote, Syd Barrett is revealing his feelings of being stuck in a cycle of unproductivity and aimlessness. By saying he is "treading the backwards path," he is acknowledging that he is stagnating forward or making progress in his life. Rather, he is wasting his time, perhaps participating in activities that do not bring him fulfillment or purpose. This might be a reflection of Barrett's battles with mental health and substance abuse, which ultimately resulted in his departure from the band Pink Floyd. In general, the quote communicates a sense of disappointment and remorse for not using his time more carefully.