In The Flesh?
Michael Kamen; Pink Floyd; Bob Ezrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thought ya
Might like to go to the show
To feel the warm thrill of confusion
That space cadet glow
Tell me is something eluding you, sunshine?
Is this not what you expected to see?
If you want to find out what's behind these cold eyes
Lights, turn on the sound effects, action
Drop it, drop it on 'em, drop it on them
These lyrics are the opening lines of the song "In The Flesh?" by Pink Floyd. The song is the first track of their 1979 rock opera album, "The Wall." The verse addresses the listener and seems to invite them to join in the concert experience, setting up the themes of confusion, alienation, and disillusionment that are at the heart of the album. The references to a "space cadet glow" and a "disguise" suggest that the concert may be a place where people can escape their mundane lives and assume new identities.
The second part of the verse takes a darker turn, with the line "Is something eluding you, sunshine?" suggesting that the singer is challenging the listener to confront their own feelings of dissatisfaction and disillusionment. The lyrics also seem to critique the concert-going culture, suggesting that people go to shows hoping to find something meaningful, but often leave feeling disappointed.
Overall, the lyrics of "In The Flesh?" set up the themes of "The Wall," which explore the psychological effects of building barriers between oneself and the outside world, as well as the dangers of constructing powerful personal narratives that can become oppressive and self-destructive.
Line by Line Meaning
So ya
Hey, you there
Thought ya
I thought you might
Might like to go to the show
Would enjoy attending the concert
To feel the warm thrill of confusion
To experience the exciting mix of emotions and uncertainty
That space cadet glow
The vibrant, trippy aura of the performers
Tell me is something eluding you, sunshine?
Is something bothering you, my friend?
Is this not what you expected to see?
Is the concert not meeting your expectations?
If you want to find out what's behind these cold eyes
If you want to understand the true intentions of the performers
You'll just have to claw your way through this disguise
You'll have to fight and work hard to uncover their secrets
Lights, turn on the sound effects, action
Let's get the show started with lights and sound!
Drop it, drop it on 'em, drop it on them
Let the music and energy overwhelm the crowd
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER WATERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
C. E. Anderson
Somebody in the production team new a choir director at a local school. Middle school I think. He sent the lyric and the reacher rehearsed with this kids.
One day the director sneakf the kids to the studio where they , all in one room, sang their part.
They then hurried back to school.
Ezrin quadruple tracked the choir.
The choir director got in trouble because he hadn't asked permission .
That's what I remember from an interview one of the team gave.
Not sure if kids were credited.
Also they actually built the wall on stage for only 5 concerts in England.
Too much production to take on the road.
Gilmour played comfortably numb from the top of the wall.
Then they tore it down.
I'm old. I read and hear things .
This was the end of Floyd.. the Wall was Rogers solo album with backing by Pink Floyd.
Dave Fink
Ezrin here is the superstar. Without his touch, The Wall would have been a dreary, inaccessible Watersfest. His talent is gently redirecting mad geniuses to deliver product we can all latch onto and enjoy.
Marty Guy
Ewww..... his money and "power" can't buy the perspective or idea of the concept. Nor will it ever give him a credit twords it. Even the creator says that......
Ken Ozyuk
Great episode Janda & Christian.
The Wall's a great album.
The first Floyd record I had by them but they seemed like a band drifting apart.
Bob Ezrin was the hero it GREAT producer!!
Was looking for a "Dark Side" episode but this one did not disappoint.
You guys have a great stash of tunes on this I have to catch up on some of the them!
Behind The Song
Glad you liked this one, Ken! Thank you!
Michael Drysch
Great podcast Janda...Awesome job Christian!!! As always you guys ROCK!!!
Behind The Song
Thanks so much Michael!
Panhd
Great episode! Would sure like to see you do the other Pink Floyd albums.
Behind The Song
Thank you! I will do more Pink Floyd for sure.
sean hayes
Still one of my favorite albums. I was just starting high school back in Florida. Nice work, Janda. Good work, Christian.
Behind The Song
Thank you Sean!