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)
Stop
Roger Waters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take off this uniform and leave the show!
I'm waiting in this cell because
I have to know (have to know)
Have I been guilty all this time? (time time
The song "Stop" by Roger Waters is a profound reflection on the fear, uncertainty, and desperation that can accompany a life lived in conformity and obedience. The singer of the song is expressing a desire to break free from the constraints of his current situation, which is represented symbolically by the uniform he wears. He wants to escape the "show" and discover the truth about his past actions and their consequences. The singer is trapped in a cell, waiting for answers, and the repetition of "have to know" emphasizes the urgency of his situation. The question "Have I been guilty all this time?" speaks to a pervasive sense of guilt and shame that can accompany a life lived according to societal norms and expectations.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of frustration and anger at the singer's current circumstances, and a desire to escape and discover the truth. The chorus of the song serves as a defiant cry of rebellion against the forces that are keeping the singer trapped, and a declaration of his determination to break free.
Overall, "Stop" is a powerful reflection on the human desire for freedom and the dangers of living a life driven by fear and conformity. It speaks to the importance of individual agency and the need to break free from societal expectations in order to discover one's true self and live a meaningful life.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop! I want to go home!
I am tired and I want to leave this place
Take off this uniform and leave the show!
I don't want to play this role anymore
I'm waiting in this cell because
I'm stuck in this situation
I have to know (have to know)
I need answers
Have I been guilty all this time? (time time)
I'm questioning my actions and whether I have been wrong
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROGER WATERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind