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 “The Hoping Foundation,” an organization that supports Palestinian refugee kids. At Ronnie Scott’s club in London, the duo performed four songs together: “To Know Him Is to Love Him” (a cover of the old Teddy Bear’s song), “Wish You Were Here,” “Comfortably Numb,” and finally (after a special request) “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.” 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 “The Wall” tour, performing “Comfortably Numb.” 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)
* Ça Ira (Opera) (2005)
*Is This the Life We Really Want? (2017)
*Igor Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale (2018)
*The Lockdown Sessions (2022)
Is There Anybody Out There
Roger Waters Lyrics
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Is there anybody out there?
Is there anybody out there?
Is there anybody out there?
The repetition of the question "Is there anybody out there?" in Roger Waters's song is a poignant reflection on the isolation and disconnect that many individuals feel in life. The haunting melody and sparse instrumentation amplify the feeling of emptiness and longing. The repetition also highlights the desperation behind the question, as if the singer is calling out into a void, hoping someone will answer. The lack of response emphasizes the loneliness and isolation the singer is feeling, as if they are truly alone in the world.
The song can also be interpreted as a commentary on the societal and political structures that perpetuate disconnection and isolation. The repetition of the question can be seen as a challenge to those in power who have created systems that leave individuals feeling disconnected from each other and from themselves. The lack of response can be interpreted as an indictment of these systems and a call to action to create a more connected and equitable society.
Line by Line Meaning
Is there anybody out there?
Does anyone exist who can hear or understand me?
Is there anybody out there?
Is there someone who can reach out to me and connect with me?
Is there anybody out there?
Is there anyone who can relate to the loneliness and isolation I feel?
Is there anybody out there?
Does anyone care enough to notice my existence and reach out to me?
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SERGIO PORTALURI, DAVID SION, FULVIO ZAFRET, EAMMON DEERY, NICHOLAS MURPHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind