"Us and Them" is a song by Pink Floyd from their landmark 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. Composed by Richard Wright with lyrics by Roger Waters, it stands out as the album’s longest track at 7 minutes and 49 seconds and is sung by David Gilmour with harmonies by Wright12.
Musical and Lyrical Features:
- The song is noted for its somber piano introduction, lush saxophone solos by Dick Parry, and a dreamy, layered soundscape that contrasts gentle verses with powerful choruses342.
- Lyrically, "Us and Them" explores themes of division, the absurdity of war, civil liberties, and social indifference. Waters’ lyrics reflect on the arbitrary lines that separate people—whether in war, race, or everyday life—and the senselessness of these conflicts342.
- The first verse addresses the dehumanization and futility of war: "Us, and them / And after all, we're only ordinary men. / Me, and you. / God only knows it’s not what we would choose to do. / Forward he cried from the rear / and the front rank died. / And the general sat and the lines on the map / moved from side to side"32.
- The second verse discusses civil liberties and racial prejudice, while the final verse describes societal apathy, such as ignoring a homeless person2.
- The refrain “With, without / And who’ll deny it’s what the fighting’s all about?” underscores how conflict often arises from trivial differences42.
Production and Impact:
- Produced by Pink Floyd and engineered by Alan Parsons, the track features innovative studio techniques and one of the band’s earliest uses of female backup singers2.
- "Us and Them" was released as a single in the US, reaching No. 72 on the Cash Box Top 100 and No. 85 in Canada12.
- Critics have praised the song for its hypnotic, ethereal quality and its poignant, timeless message. It consistently ranks among Pink Floyd’s greatest works1.
Cultural Legacy:
- The song’s enduring relevance is reflected in Roger Waters’ decision to name a recent tour after it, noting that the issues addressed remain unresolved decades later4.
- "Us and Them" remains a powerful meditation on the human tendency toward division and the hope for empathy and understanding.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) |
| Songwriters | Richard Wright (music), Roger Waters (lyrics) |
| Vocalists | David Gilmour (lead), Richard Wright (harmonies) |
| Key Themes | War, division, prejudice, social indifference, shared humanity |
| Notable Features | Saxophone solos, layered production, spoken interlude by Roger "The Hat" Manifold |
| Chart Performance | US: #72 (Cash Box), Canada: #85 |
| Legacy | Critically acclaimed, enduring social and political relevance, centerpiece of live tours |
