He says "What have we found? The same old fears." In this interpretation, the word "they" in the second verse refers to the fears.
Tom from OregonTo me this song is about fear, the way fear numbs us and prevents us from being present and fully living our lives. The danger that is always just around the corner that somehow is made worse by the feelings of loss felt by those left behind when people die or become institutionalised. I think it is a song about depression, the 'black dog' that hovers overhead at tough times waiting for us to succumb to its pull, and the daily struggle that people suffering from mental illness must endure in order to just stay afloat. The music is so simple yet the words are so profound. The instant you hear that opening riff on the guitar it touches you in a place so deep, so personal and it always brings back memories of loved ones and feelings of loss. I am not an overly emotional person yet this song has the capacity to bring me to tears, so powerful is the undercurrent that runs through it. For a band categorised as Prog Rock, Pink Floyd really displayed a great knowledge of blues and folk styles, and this song in particular is in my opinion the most emotionally affecting song in the whole canon of modern popular music. My own experience of this song is so emotional. And that was the last time they saw Sid ever again. Roger Waters was so unnerved by the whole experience of seeing what had become of his once best friend that he broke down in tears and could not complete the session. His appearance had changed so much since '68 that he had become virtually unrecognizable (he was overweight and his head was shaved bald) and it took members of the band nearly an hour to discover the true identity of 'the strange looking man in the corner listening to all of our music'. Titan from Adelaide, South AustraliaI have heard that this song and the album of the same name are both a tribute to original band member Sid Barrett and that during the recording of this album said ex-member Sid actually made an appearance in the studio for one session. Now the cage is seen to be the lockdown cell, and the chains are the restraints one might have to wear. Instead of exchanging "a walk-on part in the war", you've exchanged "a walk-on part in the world" (which most of normal humanity accepts) for the key to my thinking, "a lead role in a cage". So instead of "cold comfort for change" I hear "cold comfort for chains". I believe that the song is about Syd Barrett, and the life circumstances that were created by his well-known mental illness problems To me, the song portrays the horrors of the mental institutions where a person with a very severe case of psychological issues might be sent for treatment.for example, locked down one-person isolated cells, being forced to wear straight jackets or handcuffs, etc. Larry from CalifI have my own personal take on this song, and I "hear" different lyrics than those presented in Song Facts. 
It is a reminder that despite what seperates us we are not to much different after all. This song is a reminder of friends and family lost and opportunities missed. Would you go back again if you could? Would you have had the courage to tell that crush how you felt, or one of your friends or family that you really did love them? That you understood them even though it seemed like didn't at the time. Its raw emotion stirring musical and lyrics speaks to many people on many different levels. It is also about the connections we make each other and how even though we are different personalities we share common hopes and fears. It also about very personal loss and wish to go back and say the things you wanted to say and live the moments that slipped by and are now lost to time. There was a big push for us to leap into the unknown future and forsake the things of the past that had served us well. John from UsaThis song is about loss during a time in our history that marked by major social and political changes.
Madmanonabike from Nottingham UkFirst heard this wonderful album, in full, no interruptions, played by the legendary John Peel - I was alone, and at the time lonely, listening on my new Bush radio to the whole album - went out as soon as I had the money and bought it !! Wow.To me when the man coughs and the music is playing. Donna from Scott City MoI've told everyone in my life basically that I want this song played at my "funeral".It took a lot of time to actually realise that it is something I am gifted with. Mani from IndiaI have been prone to mental illness since the moment I opened my eyes.
Your Comment send your comment Comments: 316
0 kommentar(er)
