What God Wants, part III

Roger Waters' 'What God Wants, part III' is a scathing critique of the intersection between religion, commerce, and power. The song paints a vivid picture of a world where faith and business are intertwined, often to the detriment of genuine spirituality and human connection. Waters uses a variety of metaphors and characters to illustrate his points, creating a tapestry of imagery that is both surreal and deeply critical.

The song opens with the line 'Don't be afraid it's only business,' setting the tone for a narrative that exposes the commercialization of faith. The 'alien prophet' and various animals like the vulture, magpie, and monkey serve as symbols of different societal roles and behaviors. The vulture and magpie, for instance, represent those who profit from the system, while the monkey, who 'slowly drifts out of range,' symbolizes the marginalized and disillusioned individuals who are left behind.

Waters also touches on the universality of religious practice, mentioning Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews all praying in banks, a setting that underscores the commodification of faith. The imagery of animals like the raccoon and groundhog making up bags of change further emphasizes the transactional nature of modern spirituality. The song's climax, with bullets flying and rivers running dry, paints a bleak picture of a world in chaos, driven by greed and deception. The soldier alone in the 'video zone' and the network anchors lying highlight the isolation and misinformation prevalent in contemporary society.

Ultimately, 'What God Wants, part III' is a powerful commentary on the ways in which religion and commerce are manipulated to control and exploit people. Waters' use of vivid, often unsettling imagery serves to underscore the song's message, making it a poignant critique of modern society's moral and spiritual failings.