It's a Miracle

Roger Waters' song 'It's a Miracle' is a biting critique of modern society, wrapped in a veneer of irony and sarcasm. The lyrics juxtapose seemingly miraculous advancements and conveniences with the underlying absurdities and moral compromises that accompany them. Waters uses a series of vivid and often jarring images to highlight the contradictions of contemporary life, from the commercialization of sacred spaces to the trivialization of human achievements.

The song opens with a sardonic tone, listing various 'miracles' such as Pepsi in the Andes and McDonald's in Tibet, which serve to underscore the pervasive reach of consumer culture. Waters continues to paint a picture of a world where natural wonders and historical sites are repurposed for commercial gain, such as Yosemite being turned into a golf course. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the loss of authenticity and the commodification of everything sacred and natural.

As the song progresses, Waters delves deeper into the paradoxes of modern civilization. He mentions a doctor saving a dying man for free, juxtaposed with the idea of famine being available 'when we need it.' This stark contrast highlights the selective nature of progress and the uneven distribution of resources. The repeated refrain 'It's a miracle' becomes increasingly ironic, suggesting that what we often celebrate as progress may, in fact, be a series of moral and ethical compromises.

The song culminates in a scathing critique of cultural and artistic mediocrity, exemplified by the enduring popularity of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's works. Waters' disdain is palpable as he imagines an earthquake hitting a theater, yet the 'awful stuff' continues to run. This final image serves as a powerful metaphor for the resilience of mediocrity in the face of genuine disaster, encapsulating the song's overarching theme of disillusionment with modern 'miracles.'