COMPOSER: Waters
YEAR: 1983
LABEL: Harvest EMI
TIME: 43'27
PRODUCER: Waters, Guthrie, Kamen
COVER: Waters, Christie, Dodgers
COUNTRY: UK
GENRE: progressive rock
Roger Waters lead vocals, bass guitar, synthesizer, sound effects, acoustic guitar, artwork
David Gilmour guitars, lead vocals on "Not Now John"
Nick Mason drums, percussion, sound effects (with holophonics)
Michael Kamen piano harmonium, conducting and arranging of the National Philharmonic Orchestra
Andy Bown Hammond organ, Ray Cooper percussion
Andy Newmark drums on Two Suns in the Sunset, Raphael Ravenscroft tenor sax
The Post War Dream
Pink Floyd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Three high court judges have cleared the way)
(It was announced today, that the replacement for the Atlantic Conveyor
The container ship lost in the Falklands conflict would be built in Japan, a spokesman for)
(Moving in. They say the third world countries, like Bolivia
Which produce the drug are suffering from rising violence)
Tell me true, tell me why, was Jesus crucified
Was it for this that Daddy died?
Was it for you? Was it me?
Did I watch too much TV?
Is that a hint of accusation in your eyes?
If it wasn't for the Nips
Being so good at building ships
The yards would still be open on the Clyde
And that can't be much fun for them
Beneath the rising sun
With all their kids committing suicide
What have we done, Maggie, what have we done?
What have we done to England?
Should we shout, should we scream
"What happened to the post war dream?"
Oh Maggie, Maggie what did we do?
The lyrics of Pink Floyd’s “The Post War Dream” are a commentary on the state of the world and a reflection of the band's disillusionment with the society we live in. The opening lines refer to the government's plan to build a nuclear fallout shelter in Peterborough, reflecting the Cold War paranoia at the time. The mention of the high court judges clearing the way suggests there was a legal battle surrounding this issue.
The next line references the replacement for the Atlantic Conveyor container ship that was lost in the Falklands War being built in Japan. The use of the word “replacement” has a sinister connotation, suggesting that human lives are replaceable and dispensable.
The following lines are a series of questions, asking why Jesus was crucified and if it was for this that Daddy died. The line “Did I watch too much TV?” is a reference to the media’s influence on society and how it impacts our perception of the world.
The mention of the Nips (a derogatory term used to refer to the Japanese) being good at building ships is a reflection of the band's disillusionment with the decline of British industry. The lyrics suggest that if the Nips weren't so good at building ships, the yards in Clyde (Scotland) wouldn't have shut down. The final lines question the post-war dream and what has happened to it, as the society and world they knew no longer exists.
Line by Line Meaning
Announced plans to build a nuclear fallout shelter at Peterborough in Cambridgeshire
The government is making preparations for a catastrophic event by constructing a shelter in Peterborough.
Three high court judges have cleared the way
The legal system has given the green light for something to proceed.
It was announced today, that the replacement for the Atlantic Conveyor The container ship lost in the Falklands conflict would be built in Japan, a spokesman for
The new ship replacing the one lost in the Falklands will be built in Japan, according to a spokesperson.
Moving in. They say the third world countries, like Bolivia Which produce the drug are suffering from rising violence
Illegal drug production in third-world countries like Bolivia is leading to increased violence and instability.
Tell me true, tell me why, was Jesus crucified
Questioning the reasons and motives behind historical events, particularly the crucifixion of Jesus.
Was it for this that Daddy died?
Reflecting on personal loss and wondering if it was worth it for the state of the world.
Was it for you? Was it me?
Asking if the sacrifices made in the past were truly for the benefit of everyone, or just a few.
Did I watch too much TV?
Wondering if the media has played a role in shaping beliefs and actions.
Is that a hint of accusation in your eyes?
Sensing that others may hold blame or responsibility for current issues.
If it wasn't for the Nips Being so good at building ships The yards would still be open on the Clyde
Bitterly blaming other countries, specifically Japan, for economic difficulties and job loss in the UK.
And that can't be much fun for them Beneath the rising sun With all their kids committing suicide
Sarcastically suggesting that the Japanese, despite their economic success, are not immune to tragedy and hardship.
What have we done, Maggie, what have we done? What have we done to England?
Questioning the actions and consequences of the prime minister (Margaret Thatcher) and the country as a whole.
Should we shout, should we scream What happened to the post war dream?
Expressing frustration and disillusionment with the unfulfilled expectations of post-WWII society and politics.
Oh Maggie, Maggie what did we do?
Directly addressing and questioning the prime minister and her policies.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: George Waters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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