In The Flesh Lyrics – The Wall – Pink Floyd
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In The Flesh Lyrics (Waters) 1:36
So ya
Thought ya
Might like to
Go to the show.
To feel that warm thrill of confusion,
That space cadet glow.
I’ve got some bad news for you sunshine,
Pink isn’t well, he stayed back at the hotel
And they sent us along as a surrogate band
We’re gonna find out where you fans* really stand.
Are there any queers in the theater tonight?
Get them up against the wall!
There’s one in the spotlight, he don’t look right to me,
Get him up against the wall!
That one looks Jewish!
And that one’s a coon!
Who let all of this riff-raff into the room?
There’s one smoking a joint,
And another with spots!
If I had my way,
I’d have all of you shot!
The epic rock opera The Wall is one of Pink Floyd’s most popular albums and had great commercial success.
- In the Flesh?
- The Thin Ice
- Another Brick in the Wall Part 1
- The Happiest Days of our Lives
- Another Brick in the Wall Part 2
- Mother
- Goodbye Blue Sky
- Empty Spaces
- Young Lust
- One of My Turns
- Don’t Leave Me Now
- Another Brick in the Wall Part 3
- Goodbye Cruel World
- Hey You
- Is There Anybody Out There?
- Nobody Home
- Vera
- Bring the Boys Back Home
- Comfortably Numb
- The Show Must Go On
- In The Flesh
- Run Like Hell
- Waiting for the Worms
- Stop
- The Trial
- Outside the Wall
“In the Flesh” – An Analytical Overview
1. Introduction to “In the Flesh” “In the Flesh” appears twice on Pink Floyd’s 1979 album “The Wall,” first as the opening track and later reprised towards the end of the album. These two versions, while musically similar, differ in their narrative context and thematic implications. The song sets the tone for the album’s exploration of isolation, trauma, and the consequences of emotional walls.
2. Lyrical Analysis of the Opening Version The opening track, “In the Flesh?”, questions the nature of the protagonist, Pink’s, identity and sets up the album’s narrative. The lyrics are filled with confusion and a sense of foreboding, reflecting Pink’s struggle with his personal demons and the disintegration of his psyche. This version introduces listeners to the themes of alienation and self-reflection that permeate the album.
3. Musical Composition “In the Flesh” features a powerful and theatrical musical arrangement. The song starts with a slow, ominous build-up, leading into a burst of robust and aggressive rock instrumentation. This musical style reflects the turbulent emotions and the narrative intensity of the album. The use of marching sound effects and a screaming crowd in the background adds to the sense of drama and chaos.
4. The Reprised Version and Its Significance The reprised version, titled “In the Flesh,” comes later in the album and portrays Pink’s transformation into a fascist figure. This version has more aggressive and accusatory lyrics, illustrating Pink’s descent into madness and his projection of blame onto others. It represents a critical moment in the album’s narrative, showing the destructive outcome of Pink’s emotional isolation.
5. Contribution to the Album’s Themes Both versions of “In the Flesh” are pivotal in understanding “The Wall’s” overarching themes. The opening version sets the stage for Pink’s journey, while the reprised version marks the culmination of his psychological breakdown. The song encapsulates the album’s exploration of the impact of life experiences on the human psyche and the dangers of emotional withdrawal.
In conclusion, “In the Flesh” in its two incarnations plays a crucial role in “The Wall,” both as a powerful opener and a narrative turning point. The song’s exploration of identity, alienation, and the transformation of pain into anger and hatred, offers a deep and nuanced understanding of the album’s themes. Pink Floyd’s ability to weave complex narratives through their music is vividly displayed in this track, making it a key piece in the album’s storyline.
