Meaning of On The Turning Away - Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's song "On the Turning Away" speaks to the heart of social issues and individual struggles. The lyrics, penned by Roger Waters, explore themes of indifference towards the less fortunate and personal inner turmoil. This powerful piece of music resonates deeply with audiences who have experienced hardship or marginalization.
The song's opening lines, "On the turning away / From the pale and downtrodden / And the words they say / Which we won't understand," set a tone of detachment and ignorance towards those less fortunate. It highlights how society often turns a blind eye to suffering, choosing instead to focus on personal gain or apathy. The phrase "the turning away" implies that this indifference is not new, but rather a historical trend that persists.
The song's second verse continues this theme, with the lines "Light is changing to shadow / And casting its shroud / Over all we have known / Unaware how the ranks have grown." These words depict a societal shift towards darkness and negativity, causing us to lose sight of what once brought us light. The phrase "the ranks have grown" suggests that this change has occurred gradually over time, indicating that it's not too late to reverse course.
The song's chorus, "No more turning away / From the weak and the weary / No more turning away / From the coldness inside," demands accountability for our actions and urges us to take responsibility for our communities. The line "Just a world that we all must share" emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards those around us, encouraging listeners to embrace collective action.
The third verse explores personal inner turmoil, with lyrics like "Where the speechless unite / In a silent accord / Using words you will find are strange / Mesmerized as they light the flame." These lines suggest that individuals may feel disconnected from society, struggling to communicate or connect with others. The phrase "speechless" implies that there are many people who lack the ability or platform to speak up and make their voices heard.
The song's final verse continues this theme, with lyrics like "Feel the new wind of change / On the wings of the night." These words suggest a shift towards progress and positivity, indicating that there is hope for change. The phrase "the wings of the night" implies a sense of freedom and liberation, suggesting that positive action can come from unexpected sources.
Overall, "On the Turning Away" by Pink Floyd is a powerful and poignant exploration of social issues and personal inner turmoil. Its narrative encompasses themes of indifference, marginalization, empathy, and hope, making it a universal story of seeking understanding and belonging in a world where we often feel like outcasts. The song's raw emotions and honest lyrics make it relatable and comforting for those with similar experiences, inspiring listeners to take action towards positive change.
The song's opening lines, "On the turning away / From the pale and downtrodden / And the words they say / Which we won't understand," set a tone of detachment and ignorance towards those less fortunate. It highlights how society often turns a blind eye to suffering, choosing instead to focus on personal gain or apathy. The phrase "the turning away" implies that this indifference is not new, but rather a historical trend that persists.
The song's second verse continues this theme, with the lines "Light is changing to shadow / And casting its shroud / Over all we have known / Unaware how the ranks have grown." These words depict a societal shift towards darkness and negativity, causing us to lose sight of what once brought us light. The phrase "the ranks have grown" suggests that this change has occurred gradually over time, indicating that it's not too late to reverse course.
The song's chorus, "No more turning away / From the weak and the weary / No more turning away / From the coldness inside," demands accountability for our actions and urges us to take responsibility for our communities. The line "Just a world that we all must share" emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards those around us, encouraging listeners to embrace collective action.
The third verse explores personal inner turmoil, with lyrics like "Where the speechless unite / In a silent accord / Using words you will find are strange / Mesmerized as they light the flame." These lines suggest that individuals may feel disconnected from society, struggling to communicate or connect with others. The phrase "speechless" implies that there are many people who lack the ability or platform to speak up and make their voices heard.
The song's final verse continues this theme, with lyrics like "Feel the new wind of change / On the wings of the night." These words suggest a shift towards progress and positivity, indicating that there is hope for change. The phrase "the wings of the night" implies a sense of freedom and liberation, suggesting that positive action can come from unexpected sources.
Overall, "On the Turning Away" by Pink Floyd is a powerful and poignant exploration of social issues and personal inner turmoil. Its narrative encompasses themes of indifference, marginalization, empathy, and hope, making it a universal story of seeking understanding and belonging in a world where we often feel like outcasts. The song's raw emotions and honest lyrics make it relatable and comforting for those with similar experiences, inspiring listeners to take action towards positive change.
