Top Rated Interpretation

anonymous April 24th, 2006 12:36PM  

On the 30th Anniversary "Dark Side of the Moon" DVD, Roger Waters gives a good description on his philosophy and how this song is a good example of it. Here is my understanding of the meaning of the song: Everything we do and say has an effect on other people, so the best way to live is to be empathetic. Our thoughts and actions can have far-reaching effects, just like the "echoes" of distant tides can have an effect on the deepest cave of coral in the ocean.

Human emotions, actions, and words are all very powerful. It's important to think of what other people will feel as a result of your actions. Being empathetic is the ideal way to live, according to Roger Waters' philosophy. It puts aside feelings of selfishness and focuses on doing what is best for everyone. This is the best way to promote peace and harmony in the world. Sounds easy (right!), but it sure would be tough to get everyone on the same page. A lofty goal, but certainly a noble and good one.

For a closer look at the feeling of "empathy" check out the 2nd verse that states "Strangers passing in the street, by chance two separate glances meet, and I am you and what I see is me." Sounds cryptic, but it's sn example of how two perfect strangers could fully understand and feel what the other person is feeling. Wouldn't it be great if the world could see things this way? I always thought of Pink Floyd's songs as sounding musically "lofty" or "airy", and the lyrics and their meaning certainly follow that.