Yet Another Movie
Pink Floyd
The Cycles of Despair in 'Yet Another Movie' by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's 'Yet Another Movie' delves into the cyclical nature of human suffering and the existential dread that accompanies it. The song opens with a series of singular, poignant moments—'one sound, one single sound' and 'one kiss, one single kiss'—that set the stage for a narrative filled with emotional and physical turmoil. These moments are juxtaposed against a backdrop of confusion and despair, as evidenced by the line 'However did it come to this?' This question encapsulates the bewilderment and helplessness that pervade the song.
The lyrics then shift to a series of vignettes that illustrate various forms of human suffering and deception. The imagery of 'a man who ran, a child who cried, a girl who heard, a voice that lied' paints a picture of a world filled with broken promises and shattered dreams. The 'sun that burned a fiery red' and 'the vision of an empty bed' further emphasize the desolation and loneliness that characterize the human experience. The use of force and submission, as well as the 'march of fate' and 'broken will,' suggest a sense of inevitability and powerlessness in the face of life's challenges.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist is grappling with his own insignificance and the futility of his actions. Lines like 'He's just the same as all the rest, He's not the worst, he's not the best' highlight the universal nature of his struggles. The 'ceaseless murmuring' and 'babbling that I brook' reflect the constant noise and distractions that prevent true introspection. The imagery of 'a man in black on a snow white horse' and 'a pointless life has run its course' underscores the ultimate futility and transience of life. The song concludes with a haunting image of 'red rimmed eyes' and 'tears still run,' as the protagonist fades 'into the setting sun,' symbolizing the end of his journey and the inescapable nature of human suffering.