The Best Pink Floyd Songs By Roger Waters

Pink Floyd’s distinctive sound was greatly influenced by Roger Waters, whose songwriting and vision propelled many of the band’s greatest hits. His lyrics frequently addressed complex subjects like greed, control, mental health, and society’s imperfections, making Pink Floyd’s music iconic and thought-provoking. Here are a few of the greatest Pink Floyd songs that Roger Waters wrote.

“Money” (1973)
One of the best examples of Pink Floyd’s foresight is this song. Waters was talented at penning realistic tunes, and Money is no exception. The song emphasizes societal corruption and greed by reciting the proverb, “Money is the root of all evil.” Ironically, “Money” was featured on the album The Dark Side of the Moon, which sold over 34 million copies worldwide and became one of the best-selling records ever.

“Brain Damage/Eclipse (1973)”
Few lyrics are as iconic as “I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.” These two tracks, often played together, delve into the theme of mental illness, inspired by the band’s troubled former member, Syd Barrett. His experimentation with hallucinogens led to his decline, and “Brain Damage/Eclipse” serves as a hauntingly beautiful tribute to him. The song’s dreamy yet unsettling atmosphere captures the fragility of the human mind.

“Hey You” (1979)
One of The Wall’s most enigmatic songs, “Hey You,” sounds like a last-ditch appeal from a place of loneliness. The song seems to have a strong connection to Syd Barrett’s hardships because of its creepy tune and poignant lyrics. Waters, who frequently returned to themes of alienation and loss, seems to pour all of his emotions regarding Barrett into this song. It seems as though he was attempting to contact his old pal via music.

“Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” (1968)
It’s clear why drummer Nick Mason considers this song to be one of his favorites. It is a Pink Floyd classic due to its hypnotic rhythm, creepy soundscape, and Waters’ melancholic vocal performance. Waters demonstrated early on that he was a songwriter with a profound artistic vision by infusing “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” with an almost magical spirit that was inspired by a book of old Chinese poetry.

“Sheep” (1977)
Waters never shied away from pointing out social injustices, and “Sheep” is a perfect illustration. This song by Animals depicts a depressing image of people mindlessly deferring to government or religious authority. The people, according to Waters, are like sheep—mindlessly following orders without question. His sinister, defiant lyrics and the song’s dramatic musical crescendo combine to produce one of Pink Floyd’s most potent and politically charged moments.