Not Now John

Pink Floyd's 'Not Now John' is a scathing critique of the relentless pace and priorities of modern society, particularly in the context of the early 1980s. The song, from their album 'The Final Cut,' reflects the band's disillusionment with the political and economic climate of the time. The lyrics are a chaotic blend of frustration, urgency, and cynicism, capturing the essence of a world obsessed with progress and competition at the expense of human values and well-being.

The song opens with a blunt rejection of distractions ('Fuck all that, we've got to get on with these'), emphasizing the need to compete with other nations, particularly Japan. This reflects the economic anxieties of the West during the rise of Japanese industry. The repeated phrase 'Gotta get on' underscores the relentless drive to keep moving forward, regardless of the cost. The lyrics also touch on various societal pressures, from job loss and mental health issues to the omnipresence of technology ('Can't stop, lose job, mind gone, silicon').

The chorus, 'Not now, John, we've got to get on with the film show,' symbolizes the superficial distractions that keep people from addressing deeper issues. The reference to Hollywood and the entertainment industry highlights how society often prioritizes escapism over confronting real problems. The song also critiques political and military actions, with lines like 'We showed Argentina, now let's go and show these,' referencing the Falklands War and the aggressive foreign policies of the time. The mention of 'Maggie' refers to then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, whose policies and leadership style were controversial and polarizing.

In essence, 'Not Now John' is a powerful commentary on the pressures of modern life, the superficiality of popular culture, and the aggressive nature of political and economic competition. It captures a moment in history when the world was rapidly changing, and people were struggling to keep up, often at the expense of their own humanity.