Today I'm probably just passing through. Sorry, kinda. With the exception of a good ole baseball game, my team vs your team, Game Day, ESPN football.. the damn Yankees.. "It's RAIDER WEEK", etc, I hear US/THEM, WE/THEY (in real life) and it's fingernails on the chalkboard. It REEKS of discrimination. Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information. Sadly, it's the undercurrent (AND above current) of our/all/certainly most lands, mindsets today.
Credit where credit is due. Copy and pasting today from an online writing about the "The meaning behind the song: Us and Them by Pink Floyd, written by Miriam Dudley.
Released in 1973 on the album “The Dark Side of the Moon”, “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd is an anthem that has become synonymous with the band’s legacy and the era of classic rock. With its powerful lyrics and haunting melodies, this iconic song has fascinated fans and critics alike for decades. But what does “Us and Them” really mean? In this article, we will explore the intricate themes and symbolism behind the song, from the sociopolitical commentary to the humanistic philosophy that underpins the band’s musical vision.
Us and them
And after allWe're only ordinary men
Me and you
God only knows it's not what
We would choose to do
"Forward", he cried from the rearAnd the front rank diedThe general sat and the lines on the mapMoved from side to side
Black and blueAnd who knows which is whichAnd who is who
"One of the most striking elements of “Us and Them” is its critique of the social and political structures that divide human beings. The song’s opening line, “Us and them, and after all, we’re only ordinary men”, sets the tone for a reflection on the arbitrary nature of borders, nations, and ideologies. The lyrics describe how people are “just a little less than one another”, and how they often end up fighting over things that have no inherent value, such as money, power, and status. The chorus conveys a sense of despair and resignation, as if the divide between “us” and “them” is insurmountable and eternal."
Up and downAnd in the endIt's only round and round, and round
"Haven't you heard it's a battle of words?"The poster bearer cried"Listen, son", said the man with the gun"There's room for you inside"
They're not gonna kill yaSo like, if you give 'em a quick short, sharp, shock, they won't do it againDig it? I mean he got off lightly 'cause I would've given him a thrashingI only hit him onceIt was only a difference of right and wrong, innit?But really, I mean good manners don't cost nothing, do they, eh?
Down and outIt can't be helpedBut there's a lot of it about
With, withoutAnd who'll denyIt's what the fighting's all about
Out of the way it's a busy dayI've got things on my mindFor want of the price of tea and a sliceThe old man died
"Another key theme of “Us and Them” is the contrast between war and peace, violence and empathy. The song references the “slaughterhouse” of war, and how it turns human beings into “heroes and cowards”, but also depicts a more peaceful scene, where people are “just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl”. This duality reflects the band’s pacifist stance, as expressed in other songs such as “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Wish You Were Here”. Pink Floyd was known for promoting a message of love, unity, and compassion, and “Us and Them” is a poignant reminder of the need to overcome the destructive forces that tear us apart."
"Despite its specific historical context, “Us and Them” has a timeless quality that makes it relevant and relatable to listeners of all generations. The song captures the essence of the human condition, the eternal struggle between individual and collective identity, between self-interest and altruism, between fear and hope. As the band’s lead singer Roger Waters once said, “The song is about all of us in the world, really. It’s about how we’re divided from one another by the arbitrary boundaries that we create for ourselves. But in the end, we’re all the same.”
"As one of the most iconic bands in music history, Pink Floyd has left a lasting mark on popular culture and the collective imagination. Their ability to blend social commentary, philosophical musings, and technical virtuosity has inspired countless musicians and fans over the years. “Us and Them” remains a testament to the band’s visionary artistry, and a testament to the power of music to unite people across time and space. As Waters put it, “Music is a powerful force, and when used in the right way, it can bring people together and change the world.”
In conclusion, “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd is a song that defies easy categorization or interpretation. Its complex themes and poetic lyrics have captivated audiences for decades, and continue to resonate with new generations of listeners. Whether seen as a meditation on war and peace, a critique of social and political divisions, or a celebration of human empathy and creativity, “Us and Them” stands as a testament to the power of music to move, inspire, and transform. In the words of the song, “Forward he cried from the rear, and the front rank died”. But “Us and Them” reminds us that there is another way, a way of unity, hope, and love.
Still awake? It's me, Victor. Do you ever wander on FB? Click a friend, then a friend of a friend, and another, and forget your outset goal, reason, yada. Victor, you're a stalker! No, no, no, no. I ran across this (and FYI because it was a few clicks further on a wonderful post on 'How to hack happiness chemicals.") Click, click. Found, yes, from clicking on the profile of one who had replied:
"There are two human behaviors. There is the "survival" instinct where we take care of "our people" and exclude or exploit "those other people". Or there is the instinct where we "care for others" especially the less fortunate. In the second case..there is peace and prosperity because everyone is cared for and with prosperity comes great responsibiliity. Cultivate loving-kindess."
If ya ain't never heard Us and Them, or, it's been awhile.. give a listen. It'll relax the hell outta ya. Come to think of it, maybe that's the intent?
Love (all of us) Victurd
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