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- This article is about the Pink Floyd song. For other uses, see In the Flesh (disambiguation).
In the Flesh is a song by the British progressive rock band Pink Floyd. It was released on The Wall album in 1979.
Composition
The song is rather loud in dynamics. It is approximately 4 minutes, 18 seconds in length. The introduction segment of the song features the same explosive organ sequence heard in the introduction to In the Flesh?. Following this, the song then moves into a slightly quieter, "angelic sounding" choir chorus, before the lyrical section. The end of the song features another organ sequence, and the song fades out to the sounds of chanting.
Plot
As with the other songs on The Wall, In the Flesh tells a portion of the story of Pink, the main protagonist. This song marks the first of a series of songs in which Pink, fuelled by a drug-induced state, likens himself to a dictator figure, crowing over his faithful audience; this particular song is his hallucination that his concerts can be likened to a political rally, and the song is essentially a satire of the fan-following modern musicians such as rock and pop stars are responsible for. It may also serve as an exploration of the actions of some as an effect of insecurity; behind their respective 'walls.'
This song and the following two "Run Like Hell" and "Waiting for the Worms" can also be compared to three stages of Hitler's rise to power. "In the Flesh" is his rallying cry for everyone to follow him. "Run Like Hell" is the beginning of his attempt to destroy those he hates, and "Waiting for the Worms" is the culmination of his insanity. In the end he forces his people to fear him than to follow him. In the movie this is seen in the sequence of people throwing their curtains closed as he passes by on the street.
Controversy
Certain of the lyrics are inflammatory to various groups of people, including homosexuals, Jews, and Blacks. Heard out-of-context, one assumes that the song is a racist work. In fact, it is intended as a satire - not only does it mimic the loyal following of fans to musicians, it also mimics the prejudices against various groups; it would be considered ridiculous, for instance, to persecute those suffering from a bout of spots.
Also, Hitler hated the Homosexuals and the Jewish. That adds to the fact that at this point Pink may be an allegory to Hitler.
Social effects
While the song was intended as a satirical piece, during the filming of the corresponding sequence in The Wall, a number of the youths acting the parts of Pink's loyal cult members became considerably excited with the lyrics. Inadvertently, the film, and the song, inspired the group known as the Hammerskins' (an extreme white racist group) name and symbol.
Personnel
- David Gilmour - guitars, sequencer
- Nick Mason - drums
- Roger Waters - vocals, bass, synthesizer
- Bob Ezrin - synthesizers
- Freddie Mandell - organ
- James Guthrie - sequencer
- Joe Chemay - backing vocals
- Stan Farber - backing vocals
- Jim Haas - backing vocals
- Bruce Johnston - backing vocals
- John Joyce - backing vocals
- Toni Tennille - backing vocals
See also
"In the Flesh"