Faces Of Stone

David Gilmour's 'Faces Of Stone' is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The song opens with a vivid image of 'faces of stone' watching from the dark, setting a somber and reflective tone. This metaphor suggests the unchanging and stoic nature of memories, which remain fixed even as time moves on. The swirling wind and the act of taking the narrator's arm in the park evoke a sense of nostalgia and intimacy, as the characters reminisce about the past.

The lyrics delve into themes of love and loss, with the mention of a lover who is gone and a replacement whose difference is not understood. This confusion and sense of displacement highlight the emotional turmoil that comes with change and the passage of time. The imagery of walking through darkening grey streets further emphasizes the melancholic mood, as the characters discuss their childhood and the innocence that has been lost over the years.

In the final verses, the song shifts to a more introspective tone. The narrator's 'disguise' and the 'Hollywood smile' of the other character suggest a facade, a mask worn to hide true feelings. Despite this, the narrator learns all they need to know through the unspoken moments shared on the roof. The song concludes with a focus on the future, held tightly in the heart, indicating a glimmer of hope and the enduring human spirit's ability to look forward despite the shadows of the past.