The Meaning Behind The Song: Keep Talking by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd was known for their music that spoke to people on a deeper level, and the song “Keep Talking” is no exception. Released in 1994, the song was a part of their album named “The Division Bell” that was loved by millions of fans worldwide.
Many people could relate to the song, and it resonated with them in different ways. In this article, we will explore the lyrics and the meaning behind “Keep Talking.”
The Lyrics: A Deeper Look
The lyrics to “Keep Talking” were written by David Gilmour, the lead vocalist and guitarist for Pink Floyd. The song begins with a sample of Stephen Hawking’s voice speaking about communication, and this sets the tone for what is to follow.
The chorus of the song is where the message is most explicit:
“Keep talking
Keep talking
Keep talking
Keep talking”
These lines are repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing their importance. When you look at the lyrics more closely, you’ll find that the song is about the importance of communication, and how it can solve many of the world’s problems.
The verse of the song offers a more personal insight into the meaning behind the lyrics. It speaks about the struggles that people face when communicating with others, and how this can lead to misunderstandings and conflict:
“For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals
Then something happened that unleashed the power of our imagination
We learned to talk”
This verse highlights the fact that communication is what sets humans apart from animals. Without communication, we would be unable to express our thoughts and feelings, leading to chaos and confusion.
The second verse of the song continues on the same theme, emphasizing how important it is to communicate:
“The world’s a complicated place, and it’s hard to keep up
And we’re thrown so many curves that it’s hard to tell what’s up
And we struggle and we scrape and we’re searching for the clue
But we’re all frightened little children, boys and girls alike”
This verse talks about the challenges that people face in trying to keep up with the world around them. It highlights the fact that even though we may feel lost and confused, we are all in this together, and we can find a way through by communicating with each other.
Overall, the song “Keep Talking” is about the power of communication to overcome the challenges that we face in life. It’s a message that is just as relevant today as it was when the song was first released.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
David Gilmour has spoken in interviews about the inspiration behind “Keep Talking.” He has said that he was inspired by Stephen Hawking’s book “A Brief History of Time,” which explores the mysteries of the universe and the concept of time.
Gilmour has also said that the song was a response to the Gulf War that was happening at the time. He has said that he wanted to send a message of hope and unity, and that communication was the key to achieving this.
The band also used a sample of Stephen Hawking’s voice in the song, who passed away in 2018. The sample was taken from a documentary that Hawking did, where he spoke about the importance of communication in understanding the universe.
The Significance of The Song Today
“Keep Talking” may have been released over 25 years ago, but its message is just as relevant today as it was back then. In fact, it could be argued that communication is more important now than ever before, given the challenges that we face as a society.
With the rise of social media and the internet, people are more connected than ever before. However, this doesn’t always translate into effective communication. In fact, it can often lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
“Keep Talking” reminds us of the importance of effective communication, and how it can help us to solve many of the world’s problems. It’s a message that we need to keep in mind as we navigate our way through an increasingly complex world.
FAQs
1. What is the message behind “Keep Talking”?
The message behind “Keep Talking” is about the importance of communication and how it can help us to overcome the challenges that we face in life.
2. What was the inspiration behind the song?
David Gilmour was inspired by Stephen Hawking’s book “A Brief History of Time” and wanted to send a message of hope and unity in response to the Gulf War.
3. What’s the significance of the sample of Stephen Hawking’s voice in the song?
The sample of Stephen Hawking’s voice emphasizes the importance of communication in understanding the mysteries of the universe.
4. How does the song relate to the world today?
The song is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released, reminding us of the importance of effective communication and how it can help us to solve many of the world’s problems.
5. What’s the overall tone of the song?
The overall tone of the song is hopeful, emphasizing the power of communication and how it can help us to overcome the challenges that we face in life.
6. Why is “Keep Talking” considered one of Pink Floyd’s more popular songs?
“Keep Talking” has resonated with many people due to its powerful message about the importance of communication, and how it can help us to solve many of the world’s problems.
7. What instruments are used in the song?
The song features a variety of instruments, including guitar, keyboard, and drums.
8. Was the song a commercial success?
Yes, the song was a commercial success and was one of the most popular songs on the album “The Division Bell.”
9. What genre of music is “Keep Talking”?
“Keep Talking” is considered to be a progressive rock song.
10. Can “Keep Talking” be considered a political song?
While “Keep Talking” was a response to the Gulf War, it’s not necessarily a political song. The message behind the song is more about the power of communication than anything else.
11. What makes “Keep Talking” different from other Pink Floyd songs?
“Keep Talking” stands out from other Pink Floyd songs because of its focus on communication and the message of hope and unity that it conveys.
12. Is there a music video for “Keep Talking”?
Yes, there is a music video for “Keep Talking” that features a CGI robot named Rusty. The video emphasizes the theme of communication in a unique way.
