Us And Them

Pink Floyd's 'Us And Them' is a profound exploration of the human condition, particularly the senseless nature of conflict and the arbitrary lines that divide people. The song is a track from their 1973 album 'The Dark Side of the Moon', which is known for its thematic content dealing with the pressures of life and the various ways these pressures can manifest. 'Us And Them' stands out for its commentary on war and the human cost of power struggles.

The lyrics begin with a reflection on the commonality of human experience, suggesting that despite the roles we play, we are all 'ordinary men'. This sets the stage for a critique of the dehumanization that occurs in conflict, as exemplified by the lines 'Forward, he cried from the rear / And the front rank died'. Here, the song points to the disconnect between those who command and those who are commanded to fight and die, highlighting the absurdity of war. The 'lines on the map' moving 'from side to side' symbolize the arbitrary nature of territorial disputes and the transient nature of political power.

The song also delves into the theme of communication and misunderstanding, as seen in the stanza 'Haven't you heard? It's a battle of words'. This suggests that many conflicts are fueled by rhetoric and propaganda, rather than genuine grievances. The conversation snippets embedded in the song further illustrate the trivial justifications for violence and the lack of empathy that can pervade human interactions. The final verses, 'Out of the way, it's a busy day / I've got things on my mind', speak to the indifference that can lead to the suffering of others, as exemplified by the old man who dies 'for want of the price of tea and a slice'. In this way, 'Us And Them' is a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity.