Welcome to the Machine

Pink Floyd

About Welcome to the Machine

"Welcome to the Machine" is the second song on Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here. It features heavily processed synthesizers and acoustic guitars, as well as a wide range of tape effects. Both the music and the lyrics were written by bassist Roger Waters.


Year:
1992
7:29
106 
#2

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Welcome my son, welcome to the machine
Where have you been?
It's alright we know where you've been
You've been in the pipeline, filling in time
Provided with toys and 'scouting for boys'
You brought a guitar to punish your ma
And you didn't like school, and you
Know you're nobody's fool
So welcome to the machine

Welcome my son, welcome to the machine
What did you dream?
It's alright we told you what to dream
You dreamed of a big star
He played a mean guitar
He always ate in the Steak Bar
He loved to drive in his Jaguar
So welcome to the machine

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Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd were an English rock band formed in London. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. more »

59 fans

Written by: George Roger Waters

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origins
"Welcome to the Machine" is a track from Pink Floyd's ninth studio album called "Wish You Were Here," which was released in 1975.
Songwriter
The song was written by Roger Waters, who was the bassist and vocalist of Pink Floyd.
Duration
Clocking in at 7 minutes and 31 seconds, "Welcome to the Machine" is one of the longer tracks on the "Wish You Were Here" album.
Sound Production
"Welcome to the Machine" is remarkable for its rich sound design, which includes the use of synthesisers and a series of sound effects that mimic various mechanical noises, hence the title.
Music Video
The song's accompanying music video, directed by Gerald Scarfe, is a disturbing animation that showcases the dehumanizing effects of technology.
Song Theme
Lyrically, the song is a critique of the music industry, presenting it as a dehumanizing entity that treats artists as products rather than people.
Song Interpretation
Roger Waters intended "Welcome to the Machine" as a commentary on the commodification of art and the alienation of artists in the capitalist system.
First Live Performance
The song was first performed live during Pink Floyd's 1977 "In the Flesh Tour".
Cover Versions
"Welcome to the Machine" has been covered by several artists throughout the years, including the rock band Shadow Gallery.
Reinterpretation
In 2016, Pink Floyd released a surround sound version of "Welcome to the Machine" as part of their immersive box set, The Early Years 1965–1972, breathing new life into the classic track.

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