Perfect Sense, part II

Roger Waters' song "Perfect Sense, part II" is a biting critique of the commercialization and trivialization of war in modern society. The lyrics juxtapose the cold, calculated language of economics with the human cost of conflict, highlighting how war is often reduced to mere financial transactions. The repeated refrain, "Can't you see, it all makes perfect sense, expressed in dollars and cents," underscores the idea that the true motivations behind war are often economic rather than moral or ideological.

The song's narrative is interspersed with a mock sports commentary, which serves to further satirize the way media presents war as a form of entertainment. The lines, "Hi everybody I'm Marv Albert... And today we expect a sensational matchup," mimic the tone of a sports broadcast, trivializing the gravity of military actions. This commentary reaches its peak with the description of a submarine captain targeting an oil rig, blending the language of sports with the deadly reality of warfare. The mention of the captain's salary, "200,000 dollars a year," further emphasizes the commodification of military service.

Waters also touches on the personal impact of war, with lines like "Little black soul departs in perfect focus" and "Darling is the child warm in the bed tonight." These lines remind the listener of the individual lives affected by conflict, contrasting sharply with the detached, monetary language used elsewhere in the song. By blending these elements, Waters creates a powerful critique of how modern society views and values war, urging listeners to see beyond the economic justifications and recognize the human cost.