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In the Flesh
Pink Floyd Lyrics


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So ya
Thought ya
Might like to
Go to the show

To feel the warm thrill of confusion
That space cadet glow
I've got some bad news for you, sunshine
Pink isn't well, he stayed back at the hotel
And they sent us along as a surrogate band
We're going to find out where you fans really stand

Are there any queers in the theater tonight?
Get 'em up against the wall (get them up)
Now, there's one in the spotlight
He don't look right to me
Then get him up against the wall (get them)

Now, that one looks Jewish
And that one's a coon
Who let all this riffraff into the room?
There's one smoking a joint
And another with spots

If I had my way, I'd have all of them shot

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pink Floyd's "In The Flesh?" are a critique of fan culture and rockstar narcissism. The song begins with the singer inviting the audience to experience a "warm thrill of confusion" and "space cadet glow," which are references to the mind-altering effects of drugs. However, the singer then reveals that the band's leader, Pink, is unable to perform due to mental instability and has been replaced by a "surrogate band." This implies that the band is more concerned with their image and popularity than their actual art and message.


The song then takes a dark turn as the singer urges the audience to identify and condemn any minorities or marginalized groups in attendance. The use of slurs like "queers" and "coons" highlights the singer's bigotry and intolerance. Additionally, the line "If I had my way, I'd have all of them shot" shows a desire for violent oppression of those who are different. This section of the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the dangerous us-vs-them mentality that can be fostered in fan communities and society as a whole.


Overall, "In The Flesh?" is a satirical critique of the cult of celebrity and the dangers of groupthink. By portraying the singer as a narcissistic bigot, Pink Floyd highlights the dangers of blindly following a charismatic leader and ignoring the individuality and diversity of others.


Line by Line Meaning

So ya
Hey there


Thought ya
I assumed that you


Might like to
Would possibly want to


Go to the show
Attend the concert


To feel the warm thrill of confusion
To experience the excitement of chaos


That space cadet glow
The feeling of being out of touch with reality


I've got some bad news for you, sunshine
I have some unfortunate information for you


Pink isn't well, he stayed back at the hotel
The lead singer is ill and could not perform


And they sent us along as a surrogate band
We were chosen to replace them


We're going to find out where you fans really stand
We'll see if the fans are supportive of the replacement or not


Are there any queers in the theater tonight?
Is anyone who identifies as gay here right now?


Get 'em up against the wall (get them up)
Make them stand against the wall (physically)


Now, there's one in the spotlight
One of them is in the center of attention


He don't look right to me
He seems suspicious or different in some way


Then get him up against the wall (get them)
Then, make him stand against the wall too


Now, that one looks Jewish
That person appears to be of Jewish descent


And that one's a coon
That person is of Black/African-American descent


Who let all this riffraff into the room?
Why were all these low-class people allowed in here?


There's one smoking a joint
Someone is smoking marijuana


And another with spots
Someone has a skin condition


If I had my way, I'd have all of them shot
I want to kill them all if I could




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Roger Waters

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Thang Leminh


on Wearing the Inside Out

Trần trụi dễ thương....

Thang Leminh


on Hey You

Tôi yêu PinkPloyd

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