Roger Waters was the main lyricist for the classic British rock band Pink Floyd. He, along with Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, formed the band in 1965 and released their first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn in 1967. In 1968, Syd Barrett was replaced by guitarist/singer David Gilmour. He and Gilmour were the main creative forces behind the albums Meddle, Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here; Waters eventually became the primary songwriter, being the driving force behind Animals, and The Wall as well as the sole songwriter of The Final Cut. Waters became well-known for being an intense perfectionist and his controlling nature alienated the rest of the band. The Final Cut, released in 1983, was essentially a Roger Waters solo album "performed by Pink Floyd" as the credits stated. This would be the group's last album with Waters. David Gilmour decided to carry on with Pink Floyd and Waters, believing that Pink Floyd was a "non-entity" without him, sued the rest of the band to retire the Pink Floyd name. His lawsuit ultimately failed, and Pink Floyd released three more studio albums and two double live albums, without him.
The feud between David Gilmour and Roger Waters lasted for decades, and it wasn't until Live 8 in 2005 that they finally decided to set their differences aside and perform a brief set for the charity gig. This would be the last time that Pink Floyd would ever perform together in their "classic" lineup. Shortly after the show, there was much speculation that Pink Floyd would get back together for a full reunion tour, but Gilmour ultimately nixed the idea, stating that although the Live 8 gig was fun, the rehearsals were not.
Much to everyone's surprise, Gilmour and Waters reunited once again on July 11, 2010 for a charity performance for âThe Hoping Foundation,â an organization that supports Palestinian refugee kids. At Ronnie Scottâs club in London, the duo performed four songs together: âTo Know Him Is to Love Himâ (a cover of the old Teddy Bearâs song), âWish You Were Here,â âComfortably Numb,â and finally (after a special request) âAnother Brick in the Wall Part 2.â Once again, just like after the Live 8 Reunion, speculation began regarding future reunions. No official Pink Floyd reunion has yet been set, but Gilmour did promise that he would join Roger Waters for one show on his 2010-11 âThe Wallâ tour, performing âComfortably Numb.â Gilmour fulfilled his promise on May 14, 2011 in London.
Waters has so far released the following solo albums:
* Music from The Body soundtrack with Ron Geesin(1970)
* The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (1984)
* When the Wind Blows soundtrack with contributions from other artists as well (1986)
* Radio K.A.O.S. (1987)
* The Wall: Live in Berlin (1990)
* Amused to Death (1992)
* In the Flesh live (2000)
* Flickering Flame: The Solo Years, Vol. 1 (2003)
* Ăa Ira (Opera) (2005)
*Is This the Life We Really Want? (2017)
*Igor Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale (2018)
*The Lockdown Sessions (2022)
Any Colour You Like
Roger Waters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to Roger Waters's song "Any Colour You Like" seem to convey a sense of confusion and overload in the face of various influences and stimuli. The opening line, "It's hard to understand - Bombarded, as we are, by hard words," suggests that the barrage of information and complex language we encounter can make it difficult to comprehend our surroundings and make sense of our experiences.
The mention of molecules and an electron microscope reinforces the idea of being overwhelmed by complexity. It implies that we are constantly inundated with intricate details and elements that are difficult to fully grasp. The line "Battered from pillar to post" further emphasizes the feeling of being tossed around and overwhelmed by the demands and pressures of life.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of commerce and negotiation, with mentions of trade, men in suits, and tactics and strategy. This might suggest that even in the realm of personal relationships, there is a sense of transaction and negotiation, as represented by the phrase "Barter in the time of love."
The mention of a CAT scan slice of life hints at the idea of examining our existence and relationships on a deeper level, possibly peering beneath the surface to understand the true nature of things. The repetition of the phrase "Any colour you like" suggests a desire for freedom and choice, perhaps in contrast to the overwhelming bombardment of external influences. The reference to a rainbow at the end may imply the potential for harmony and beauty amidst chaos.
Overall, the lyrics of "Any Colour You Like" depict a world that is challenging to understand and navigate, where various influences impact our perception and decision-making. It hints at a longing for freedom and choice, as well as a search for meaning and connection amidst the chaos of modern life.
Line by Line Meaning
It's hard to understand
Our world is complex and confusing
Bombarded, as we are, by hard words
We are constantly inundated with complicated language and information
Like molecules
Just like the tiny particles that make up matter
In an electron microscope
Observed closely and intensely, like under a powerful microscope
Battered from pillar to post
Thrown around and exposed to hardships from every direction
Trade
The act of exchanging goods or services
Men in suits
Businessmen or politicians in formal attire
Tactics and strategy
Various methods and plans
Barter in the time of love
Negotiating and compromising in relationships
Soft skin
Delicate and vulnerable humanity
A CAT scan slice of life
A glimpse into the intricate details of existence
A flag
A symbol representing a group or identity
Any colour you like
Choose whatever color you prefer
Blue and yellow
Colors symbolizing calmness and positivity
Pink
A color often associated with love and vulnerability
Red
The color of passion, anger, or intensity
Black
Symbolizing darkness, mystery, or despair
Rainbow
A spectrum of colors representing diversity and harmony
Yeah, rainbow
Indeed, a spectrum of colors
Why don't we re-record Dark Side of the
Expressing frustration or disbelief towards a different topic or situation
He's gone mad
Suggesting that someone has become insane
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID GILMOUR, NICK MASON, RICHARD WRIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack Thornes
I canât believe some people call this a âthrowaway trackâ on Dark Side
UMAMIMAMU
It's my favorite part of the album!!
Joe Peirmont
No way! This is by far my favorite cut on the album.
Bad Beard Bill
I feel like this is the climax of the album, with Brain Damage and Eclipse being a nice ending.
Itâs always an amazing experience to go from Us and Them to Any Colour You Like.
Giorgi Tsintsabadze
I honestly believe that this piece of music is their pick performance
avid2112
It's the finest track on the album IMO
Galo van Reins
Nick Mason is sadly one of the most underrated drummers ever. He's just an incredible player and a very musical drummer. His fills are absolutely tasteful.
D C
Truth
g P
not so inscredible...just listen at ' two suns in the sunset'
Mancunian
He's an incredible drummer.