Have A Cigar

Pink Floyd's 'Have A Cigar' is a scathing critique of the music industry, wrapped in the band's signature progressive rock sound. Released on their 1975 album 'Wish You Were Here', the song addresses the commodification of music and the exploitation of artists by industry executives. The lyrics are delivered with a heavy dose of irony and sarcasm, which is a hallmark of Pink Floyd's lyrical style.

The opening lines of the song invite the listener into the world of the music business, personified by a record executive who congratulates the artist with clichés of success and fame. The phrase 'Have a cigar' itself is a metaphor for the schmoozing and false camaraderie that often occurs in business dealings. The executive's flattery is superficial, as evidenced by the line 'Oh, by the way, which one's Pink?', revealing his ignorance about the band he's supposedly praising. This line has become iconic, highlighting the disconnect between the creators of music and those who profit from it.

The chorus, 'We call it Riding The Gravy Train', refers to the easy wealth and success that the music industry promises to artists, often without delivering. The song's cynical tone suggests that the industry views artists as mere products to be sold, rather than as individuals with artistic integrity. Pink Floyd, known for their conceptual albums and thought-provoking lyrics, uses 'Have A Cigar' to express their disdain for the commercial aspects of the music industry that prioritize profit over artistic expression. The song remains relevant as a commentary on the tensions between art and commerce, a theme that resonates with many artists and fans alike.