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)
The Happiest Days Of Our Lives
Roger Waters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When we grew up and went to school
There were certain teachers
Who would hurt the children any way they could
By pouring their derision upon anything we did
Exposing every weakness
However carefully hidden by the kids
But in the town it was well known
When they got home at night
Their fat and psychopathic wives would thrash them
Within inches of their lives
The lyrics to The Happiest Days of Our Lives by Roger Waters depict the oppressive education system in which the singer grew up. The song begins with a command from an authority figure - "You! Yes you! Stand still laddy!" - which immediately creates a tone of domination and control. As the song progresses, Waters reflects on the teachers who would purposely hurt and humiliate their students, highlighting the power dynamics of the classroom. The teachers would "pour their derision" on anything the children did and expose their weaknesses, making them feel small and insignificant. The haunting "maniacal laughter" is a chilling reminder of the way in which some teachers would take pleasure in the emotional abuse of their students.
The second verse of the song shifts focus to the home lives of these abusive teachers. While they may have held power over their students during the day, they return home to wives who are just as violent and oppressive as they are. The the use of the word "fat" suggests a stereotype of a domineering and unattractive woman, and the term "psychopathic" implies a deeper level of mental instability. The image of a violent, unhappy household is a sharp contrast to the supposed safety and happiness of childhood. The lyrics suggest that the adults in charge of these children are not looking out for their best interests, but are instead using their power to exert control over them.
Overall, The Happiest Days of Our Lives is a haunting reflection on the ways in which people in positions of power can use that power to harm and traumatize those who are vulnerable. This song serves as a cautionary tale about the ways in which the education system can perpetuate cycles of abuse and trauma.
Line by Line Meaning
You! Yes you! Stand still laddy!
Addressing a student in a forceful manner to stop them from moving.
When we grew up and went to school
Referring to the past, where the singer and others went to school.
There were certain teachers
Talking about specific teachers that stood out.
Who would hurt the children any way they could
The teachers would intentionally harm the students in various ways.
By pouring their derision upon anything we did
The teachers would mock anything the students did, making them feel inadequate.
Exposing every weakness
The teachers would bring attention to the students' vulnerabilities.
However carefully hidden by the kids
Even if the students tried to hide their insecurities, the teachers would find them.
(mananical laughter)
The teachers would laugh maniacally at the students' expense.
But in the town it was well known
However, everyone knew what went on behind closed doors.
When they got home at night
The teachers would go home after school.
Their fat and psychopathic wives would thrash them
Their wives, who were overweight and had psychological issues, would physically abuse the teachers.
Within inches of their lives
The beatings were so severe, the teachers were close to death.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Roger Waters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kriijan3747
I just love how the people in the crowd are so different. Kids, teens, adults, older people....
This music seems to resonate with everyone.
@SpaceTimeManipulatorSTM
the way younger people weren't just there, they were super emotional about it.
@aidanbouw5224
Even saw a guy with a full on battle jacket, which I'm going to assume had patches of metal bands on them
@paradoxward2533
it is the quasi-tragedy of human existence that resonates with everyone....,
@robertmiller5425
Its because roger waters and the rest of the group will always be cool no matter how old they get
@erikvandoorn1674
True. I was there with my daughter.
@zickerrr___1759
I get goosebumps no Matter how many times I hear the transition between Happiest Days Of Our Life and Another Brick In The Wall.
@patrickellis6529
Same, bro
@wimpytheory8053
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE "we don't need no education"
@MK-nn7gm
It’s a buildup, it’s insane. I can’t explain it I feel like I’m gonna explode at that part