What Shall We Do Now?

Pink Floyd's 'What Shall We Do Now?' delves into the existential crisis of modern life, exploring the myriad ways people attempt to fill the voids in their lives. The song's lyrics present a series of rhetorical questions, each suggesting different activities or material pursuits as potential solutions to an underlying sense of emptiness. The 'empty spaces' and 'waves of hunger' metaphorically represent the insatiable desires and unfulfilled needs that plague human existence.

The song critiques the consumerist culture and the relentless pursuit of external validation. Lines like 'Shall we buy a new guitar?' and 'Shall we drive a more powerful car?' highlight the superficial attempts to find happiness through material possessions. The mention of 'more and more applause' underscores the futile chase for recognition and approval from others, suggesting that these pursuits only lead to temporary satisfaction.

Furthermore, the song touches on the darker aspects of this quest for fulfillment. References to 'drop bombs,' 'contract diseases,' and 'break up homes' illustrate the destructive behaviors that can arise from a desperate need to fill the void. The final lines, 'But never relax at all / With our backs to the wall,' encapsulate the relentless and exhausting nature of this pursuit, emphasizing that despite all efforts, true contentment remains elusive. Pink Floyd's poignant lyrics serve as a powerful commentary on the human condition, urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the ways they seek meaning and satisfaction.