Another Brick in the Wall
Encyclopedia
"Another Brick in the Wall" is the title of three songs set to variations of the same basic theme, on Pink Floyd
's 1979 rock opera
, The Wall
, subtitled Part 1 (working title "Reminiscing"), Part 2 (working title "Education"), and Part 3 (working title "Drugs"). All parts were written by Pink Floyd's bassist, Roger Waters
.
Part II is a protest song
against rigid schooling in general and boarding school
s in particular, which led to the song being banned in South Africa during the apartheid regime. It was also released as a single and provided the band's only number-one hit in the United Kingdom, the United States, West Germany
and many other countries. In addition, in the US, along with the tracks, "Run Like Hell", and "Don't Leave Me Now", "Another Brick in the Wall" reached number fifty-seven on the disco chart. In the UK, it was their first single since 1968's "Point Me at the Sky
"; the song was also the final number-one single of the 1970s. For Part II, Pink Floyd received a Grammy
nomination for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group and lost to Bob Seger
's "Against the Wind
". In addition, Part II was number 375 on Rolling Stone
s list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
". The single sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
The single, as well as the album The Wall, were banned in South Africa in 1980 after the song was adopted by supporters of a nationwide school boycott protesting racial inequities in education.
. The vocals are softer and gentler in tone than in Parts 2 and 3, although there is a short, sharp rise in dynamics and tone for a brief period towards the end of the lyrical portion. Sniffing, shouting, wailing, calling, and children can be faintly heard in the background. The solo goes into "The Happiest Days of Our Lives
" before being interrupted by a yelling teacher and helicopter.
" discussed during the previous song breaks when Pink becomes older and learns of the death of his father. Pink is devastated by this reality and begins to build The Wall.
", with Roger Waters' signature scream. The song has strong drums, a well-known bass line and distinctive guitar parts in the background with a smooth, yet edgy guitar solo. The song also features a group of school children for lead vocals in the second verse: as the song ends, the sounds of a school yard are heard, along with the teacher (portrayed as a Scotsman) who continues to lord it over the children's lives by shouting such things as "Wrong! Do it again!" which somehow sounds mocking, and "If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?!", and "You! Yes! You behind the bikesheds! Stand still, laddie!", all of it dissolving into the dull drone of a phone ringing and ending with a deep sigh.
Producer Bob Ezrin had immediately recognised the hit potential of this song, but it took some manoeuvring behind the band’s back until "Part II" had the now familiar shape.
It was Ezrin’s idea to use a school choir
for this song, as he explained in 2009:
Griffiths did indeed approach music teacher Alun Renshaw of Islington Green School
about the choir, around the corner from Pink Floyd’s Britannia Row Studios
.
Though the school received a lump sum payment of £
1000, there was no contractual arrangement for royalties from record sales. Under a 1996 UK copyright law, they became eligible for royalties from broadcasts, and after royalties agent Peter Rowan traced choir members through the website Friends Reunited
and other means, they lodged a claim for royalties with the Performing Artists' Media Rights Association in 2004.
The idea for the disco beat came likewise from Ezrin. As David Gilmour explained in 2009:
Of the final outcome, Roger Waters has commented:
While Gilmour added:
During the song, the teacher's "meat and pudding" lines are folded into the first few lines of the school choir's lines, and are performed by the teacher in the film, played by Alex McAvoy
.
, depicted students running in a playground and the teacher puppet from The Wall concerts was used. The video also mixed in some animated scenes later used in "The Trial
" and "Waiting for the Worms
". The children who sang on "Another Brick in the Wall (Pt. II)" were not allowed to appear in the video as they didn't hold Equity Card
s.
Once the film was completed, the actual scenes of "The Happiest Days of Our Lives" and "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" were combined into a new video, which now represents the music video for "Another Brick in the Wall".
". He concludes that he no longer needs anything at all, dismissing the people in his life as just "bricks in the wall".
For this version Waters used the first part of "Las Mañanitas" song for the normal verse of "Another Brick on the Wall", but he left the original chorus and, as the Another Brick on the Wall song, he performed it twice.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
's 1979 rock opera
Rock opera
A rock opera is a work of rock music that presents a storyline told over multiple parts, songs or sections in the manner of opera. A rock opera differs from a conventional rock album, which usually includes songs that are not unified by a common theme or narrative. More recent developments include...
, The Wall
The Wall
The Wall is the eleventh studio album by English progressive rock group Pink Floyd. Released as a double album on 30 November 1979, it was subsequently performed live with elaborate theatrical effects, and adapted into a feature film, Pink Floyd—The Wall.As with the band's previous three...
, subtitled Part 1 (working title "Reminiscing"), Part 2 (working title "Education"), and Part 3 (working title "Drugs"). All parts were written by Pink Floyd's bassist, Roger Waters
Roger Waters
George Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
.
Part II is a protest song
Protest song
A protest song is a song which is associated with a movement for social change and hence part of the broader category of topical songs . It may be folk, classical, or commercial in genre...
against rigid schooling in general and boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
s in particular, which led to the song being banned in South Africa during the apartheid regime. It was also released as a single and provided the band's only number-one hit in the United Kingdom, the United States, West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
and many other countries. In addition, in the US, along with the tracks, "Run Like Hell", and "Don't Leave Me Now", "Another Brick in the Wall" reached number fifty-seven on the disco chart. In the UK, it was their first single since 1968's "Point Me at the Sky
Point Me at the Sky
"Point Me at the Sky" is the fifth United Kingdom single by the British band Pink Floyd, released on 17 December 1968. The song was an early collaboration by bassist Roger Waters and guitarist David Gilmour. The single was not released in the United States However, it was released by Capitol...
"; the song was also the final number-one single of the 1970s. For Part II, Pink Floyd received a Grammy
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
nomination for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group and lost to Bob Seger
Bob Seger
Robert Clark "Bob" Seger is an American rock and roll singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist.As a locally successful Detroit-area artist, he performed and recorded as Bob Seger and the Last Heard and Bob Seger System throughout the 1960s...
's "Against the Wind
Against the Wind (Bob Seger song)
"Against the Wind" is the title of a song by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band from the 1980 album Against the Wind. "Against the Wind" was the highest ranking single from the album, peaking at #5...
". In addition, Part II was number 375 on Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
s list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
"The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" was the cover story of a special issue of Rolling Stone, issue number 963, published December 9, 2004, a year after the magazine published its list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time"....
". The single sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
The single, as well as the album The Wall, were banned in South Africa in 1980 after the song was adopted by supporters of a nationwide school boycott protesting racial inequities in education.
Concept
Each of the three parts has a similar, if not the same, tune and lyrical structure (though not lyrics, aside from the "all in all" refrain), and each is louder and more enraged than the one before, rising from the sadness of Part I to the protesting Part II to the furious Part III. This tune is repeated in almost every song on the album, albeit in a different form each time.Composition
Part 1 of the song is very quiet dynamically and features a long, subdued guitar soloGuitar solo
In popular music, a guitar solo is a melodic passage, section, or entire piece of music written for an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar. Guitar solos, which often contain varying degrees of improvisation, are used in many styles of popular music such as blues, jazz, rock and metal styles such...
. The vocals are softer and gentler in tone than in Parts 2 and 3, although there is a short, sharp rise in dynamics and tone for a brief period towards the end of the lyrical portion. Sniffing, shouting, wailing, calling, and children can be faintly heard in the background. The solo goes into "The Happiest Days of Our Lives
The Happiest Days of Our Lives
"The Happiest Days of Our Lives" is a song by Pink Floyd. It appeared on The Wall album in 1979.-Composition:The song is approximately 1 minute, 46 seconds in length, beginning with 24 seconds of a helicopter sound effect; followed by shouting from the schoolmaster . Then the sound effects abruptly...
" before being interrupted by a yelling teacher and helicopter.
Plot
"The Thin IceThe Thin Ice
"The Thin Ice" is a song by Pink Floyd. It appeared on The Wall in 1979.-Composition:The song is 2 minutes, 30 seconds in length. The first few seconds are occupied by the sound of a baby crying , lasting around seven seconds...
" discussed during the previous song breaks when Pink becomes older and learns of the death of his father. Pink is devastated by this reality and begins to build The Wall.
Film version
Pink's mother is seen praying in a church after the death of her husband overseas. Pink, however, is, at this point, oblivious of his death, and can be seen playing with a toy aeroplane. The song continues with Pink playing in a public park after his mother leaves him to go shopping. He sees a man who he takes a liking to in the absence of his own father. The man gives Pink a lift onto a ride, and it's clear Pink feels as if this man is his real father. Pink follows the man's son around, copying him, but doesn't understand why the other boy's father isn't paying attention to him. He grabs the man's hand but is shooed away, only to grab the man's hand again. The man pushes Pink away again, and dejectedly he sits on a swing (which is too far off the ground for him to swing himself). He looks over at the other parents swinging their kids, feeling even more alone.Part 2
Composition
In the album version of The Wall, "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" segues from "The Happiest Days of Our LivesThe Happiest Days of Our Lives
"The Happiest Days of Our Lives" is a song by Pink Floyd. It appeared on The Wall album in 1979.-Composition:The song is approximately 1 minute, 46 seconds in length, beginning with 24 seconds of a helicopter sound effect; followed by shouting from the schoolmaster . Then the sound effects abruptly...
", with Roger Waters' signature scream. The song has strong drums, a well-known bass line and distinctive guitar parts in the background with a smooth, yet edgy guitar solo. The song also features a group of school children for lead vocals in the second verse: as the song ends, the sounds of a school yard are heard, along with the teacher (portrayed as a Scotsman) who continues to lord it over the children's lives by shouting such things as "Wrong! Do it again!" which somehow sounds mocking, and "If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?!", and "You! Yes! You behind the bikesheds! Stand still, laddie!", all of it dissolving into the dull drone of a phone ringing and ending with a deep sigh.
School choir
Producer Bob Ezrin had immediately recognised the hit potential of this song, but it took some manoeuvring behind the band’s back until "Part II" had the now familiar shape.
It was Ezrin’s idea to use a school choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
for this song, as he explained in 2009:
Griffiths did indeed approach music teacher Alun Renshaw of Islington Green School
Islington Green School
Islington Green School was a comprehensive mixed secondary school from 1966 to 2008. The school was situated in North London and had an age range of 11 to 16. The City of London Academy in Islington replaced Islington Green School in September 2008...
about the choir, around the corner from Pink Floyd’s Britannia Row Studios
Britannia Row Studios
Britannia Row Studios is a recording studio in Fulham, London SW6, England.Pink Floyd built the original Britannia Row Studios, located in the street Britannia Row, Islington, London N1, after their 1975 album Wish You Were Here was released...
.
Though the school received a lump sum payment of £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
1000, there was no contractual arrangement for royalties from record sales. Under a 1996 UK copyright law, they became eligible for royalties from broadcasts, and after royalties agent Peter Rowan traced choir members through the website Friends Reunited
Friends Reunited
Friends Reunited is a portfolio of social networking websites based upon the themes of reunion with research , and job-hunting...
and other means, they lodged a claim for royalties with the Performing Artists' Media Rights Association in 2004.
Disco beat
The idea for the disco beat came likewise from Ezrin. As David Gilmour explained in 2009:
Of the final outcome, Roger Waters has commented:
While Gilmour added:
Plot
After being insulted by the teacher, Pink dreams that the kids in his school begin to protest against their abusive teachers.Film version
Following "The Happiest Days of Our Lives" Pink starts to daydream during his class. He imagines several students marching in unison to the beat of the song, following a path until they fall blindly into an oversized meat-grinder to re-emerge as putty-faced clones void of individual distinction. Starting with Gilmour's guitar solo, the children destroy the school building using hammers (foreshadowing the subsequent neo-fascist Nazi-like animated sequence with its marching hammers) and crowbars, creating a bonfire, dragging their teacher out of the burning school kicking and screaming. The song ends with Pink rubbing his hand, which the teacher slapped with a ruler in the song previously.During the song, the teacher's "meat and pudding" lines are folded into the first few lines of the school choir's lines, and are performed by the teacher in the film, played by Alex McAvoy
Alex McAvoy
Alex McAvoy was a Scottish actor, known for his role as Sunny Jim in the BBC Scotland adaptation of Neil Munro's Para Handy stories, The Vital Spark....
.
Music video
Prior to the film, the first video for the track, directed by album/concert/film art designer Gerald ScarfeGerald Scarfe
Gerald Anthony Scarfe, CBE, RDI, is an English cartoonist and illustrator. He worked as editorial cartoonist for The Sunday Times and illustrator for The New Yorker...
, depicted students running in a playground and the teacher puppet from The Wall concerts was used. The video also mixed in some animated scenes later used in "The Trial
The Trial (song)
"The Trial" is a track from the rock opera/concept album The Wall, by Pink Floyd. The song, written by Roger Waters and Bob Ezrin, marks the climax of the album and the film.-Plot:...
" and "Waiting for the Worms
Waiting for the Worms
"Waiting for the Worms" is a song from the 1979 Pink Floyd album The Wall. It is preceded by "Run Like Hell" and followed by "Stop".-Overview:...
". The children who sang on "Another Brick in the Wall (Pt. II)" were not allowed to appear in the video as they didn't hold Equity Card
Equity Card
An Equity Card is proof of membership in an organization of stage actors such as the Actors' Equity Association of the United States or the British Equity...
s.
Once the film was completed, the actual scenes of "The Happiest Days of Our Lives" and "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" were combined into a new video, which now represents the music video for "Another Brick in the Wall".
Live Versions
When performed as part of the various live shows of The Wall, the teacher is represented by a giant inflatable puppet, based on the figure from Scarfe's animations. This puppet duly becomes the focus of the song's anger and frustration.Alternative versions
- The single version had a short guitar intro but fades out earlier, ending after approximately 3 minutes 11 seconds.
- The 1981 compilation A Collection of Great Dance SongsA Collection of Great Dance Songs-8-track cartridge:Program 1#"One of These Days"#"Wish You Were Here"Program 2#"Sheep"Program 3#"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" Program 4#"Money" #"Another Brick in the Wall " -Personnel:Pink Floyd...
includes a hybrid (3:54) version which, like the single version, omits the segue from "The Happiest Days of Our Lives" but retains the longer playground ending of the studio version. - The versions from live albums and videos Delicate Sound of ThunderDelicate Sound of Thunder-LP / Cassette:Side 1# "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"# "Learning to Fly# "Yet Another Movie"# "Round and Around"Side 2# "Sorrow"# "The Dogs of War"# "On the Turning Away"Side 3# "One of These Days"# "Time"...
and P*U*L*S*E (recorded after Waters' departure from the band) feature the main guitar solo by David Gilmour, followed by an additional tapped guitarTappingTapping is a guitar playing technique, where a string is fretted and set into vibration as part of a single motion of being pushed onto the fretboard, as opposed to the standard technique being fretted with one hand and picked with the other...
riffRIFFThe Resource Interchange File Format is a generic file container format for storing data in tagged chunks. It is primarily used to store multimedia such as sound and video, though it may also be used to store any arbitrary data....
by touring guitarist Tim RenwickTim RenwickTimothy John Pearson 'Tim' Renwick is an English guitarist.-Career:Renwick started playing guitar in the 1960s. He performed with many bands, including Little Women, Wages of Sin, Junior's Eyes, The Hype, Quiver and Lazy Racer...
. These are backed by Guy PrattGuy PrattGuy Pratt is a session bassist and also a songwriter, actor and comedian. He is the son of actor Mike Pratt. In Kensington and Chelsea, London, in 1996, Pratt married Gala Wright, the daughter of Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright...
's slapSlappingIn music, the term slapping is often used to refer to two different playing techniques used on the double bass and on the bass guitar.-Double bass:...
bass lines. On Delicate Sound of Thunder, the children's choir part is played from tape, while on P*U*L*S*E, it is performed by the backing singers. - The version from Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980–81 (from the 1980–81 concerts at Earls CourtEarls Court Exhibition CentreThe Earls Court Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre, conference and event venue located in west London, United Kingdom in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea . It is the largest exhibition venue in central London. It is served by two underground stations, Earl's Court and West...
, London) also features an extended solo by Snowy WhiteSnowy WhiteSnowy White is an English guitarist, known for having played with Thin Lizzy and with Pink Floyd and, more recently, for Roger Waters'...
and an organ solo by Richard Wright. - In 1990, prior to The Wall – Live in Berlin a rare, limited edition promo CD titled "The Wall Berlin '90" was issued to radio stations (Columbia CSK 2126) which included When the Tigers Broke FreeWhen the Tigers Broke Free"When the Tigers Broke Free" is a Pink Floyd song by Roger Waters, describing the death of his father, Eric Fletcher Waters, during the Second World War's Operation Shingle...
and a new version of "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2" credited as a "New Recording by The Bleeding Heart Band / June 1990". - The version from The Wall Live in Berlin has Cyndi LauperCyndi LauperCynthia Ann Stephanie "Cyndi" Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, actress and LGBT rights activist. She achieved success in the mid-1980s with the release of the album She's So Unusual and became the first female singer to have four top-five singles released from one album...
singing lead vocals, and features Rick DiFonzo playing the original solo, Snowy WhiteSnowy WhiteSnowy White is an English guitarist, known for having played with Thin Lizzy and with Pink Floyd and, more recently, for Roger Waters'...
playing a second guitar solo, Peter Wood playing an organ solo, and Thomas DolbyThomas DolbyThomas Dolby is an English musician and producer. Best known for his 1982 hit "She Blinded Me with Science", and 1984 single "Hyperactive!", he has also worked extensively in production and as a session musician.-Early life:Dolby was born in London, England, contrary to information in early 1980s...
playing a synthesiser solo. - The song was included with "The Happiest Days of Our Lives" in the compilation Echoes: The Best of Pink FloydEchoes: The Best of Pink FloydEchoes: The Best of Pink Floyd is a compilation album by Pink Floyd. It was released by EMI Records in the United Kingdom on 5 November 2001 and the following day in the United States through Capitol Records. It debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart on 24 November 2001, with sales...
, and segues into the first note of an edited version of "EchoesEchoes (Pink Floyd song)"Echoes" is a song by Pink Floyd including lengthy instrumental passages, sound effects, and musical improvisation. Written in 1970 by all four members of the group , "Echoes" provides the extended finale to Pink Floyd's album Meddle...
". - Another version of this video featured children with faceless masks arriving on a train, and several scenes feature a "conveyor belt" of school desks which the students sit at after marching through a steel tunnel; and even another machine featuring a hammer built against the side, pounding up and down to make it run, again referring to the "marching hammers".
- During The Wall Live tour 2011, Waters added an acoustic coda to "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" with brand new lyrics referring to the death of Jean Charles de Menezes:
- All in all it's just another brick in the wall
- All in all you're just another brick in the wall
- Just another blunder
- Just another lousy call
- Just another clap of thunder
- And apologies ring hollow
- From the guilty in Whitehall
- And there's no hint of sorrow
- Just the whitewash on the wall
- Just one man dead
- And nothing is gained
- Nothing at all
- And Jean Charles de Menezes remains
- Just another brick in the wall
Chart
| Chart (1979–1980) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
1 |
| Austrian Singles Chart Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... |
1 |
| Danish Singles Chart Tracklisten Tracklisten is a Danish top 40 record chart that is presented every Thursday midnight at .The weekly Danish Singles Chart also known as Track Top-40 combines the 40 best selling tracks from legal music downloads and the sales of music singles on either CD or vinyl... |
1 |
| French Singles Chart Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
1 |
| German Singles Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
1 |
| Italian Singles Chart Federation of the Italian Music Industry The Federation of the Italian Music Industry is an umbrella organization that keeps track of virtually all aspects of the music recording industry in Italy.... |
2 |
| Spanish Singles Chart | 1 |
| Swedish Singles Chart Sverigetopplistan Sverigetopplistan, earlier known as Topplistan and Hitlistan and other names, is since October 2007 the Swedish national record chart, based on sales data from Swedish Recording Industry Association .... |
1 |
| Swiss Singles Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
1 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
1 |
Composition
The song is dynamically loud, and features the once subtle bass line, now much louder, to express Pink's rage. It is also the shortest 'part' of "Another Brick in the Wall".Plot
Pink decides to finish this wall as a result of his rage after his wife's betrayal. He states that he has seen "the writing on the wallThe writing on the wall
"The writing on the wall" , an idiom, is a portent of doom or misfortune. It originates in the Biblical book of Daniel—where supernatural writing foretells the demise of the Babylonian Empire...
". He concludes that he no longer needs anything at all, dismissing the people in his life as just "bricks in the wall".
Film version
In the film, the song is accompanied by a montage of events that contributed to the construction of the wall. This version was also completely re-recorded with a faster tempo.Award
The song, part number unspecified, won Waters the 1983 British Academy Award for 'Best Original Song' from the movie of The Wall.Personnel
- Roger WatersRoger WatersGeorge Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
: music, lyrics, bass guitar, lead vocals on "Part I" and "Part III", harmony vocals, guitar on "Part III" - David GilmourDavid GilmourDavid Jon Gilmour, CBE, D.M. is an English rock musician and multi-instrumentalist who is best known as the guitarist, one of the lead singers and main songwriters in the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has worked as a producer for a variety of...
: guitars, lead vocals on "Part II" (in unison with Waters), harmony vocals on "Part I" - Nick MasonNick MasonNicholas Berkeley "Nick" Mason is an English drummer and songwriter, best known for his work with Pink Floyd. He was the only constant member of the band since its formation in 1965...
: drums on "Part II" and "Part III" - Richard WrightRichard Wright (musician)Richard William Wright was an English pianist, keyboardist and songwriter, best known for his career with Pink Floyd. Wright's richly textured keyboard layers were a vital ingredient and a distinctive characteristic of Pink Floyd's sound...
: Hammond organ "Part II", Prophet-5 synthesiser - Islington Green SchoolIslington Green SchoolIslington Green School was a comprehensive mixed secondary school from 1966 to 2008. The school was situated in North London and had an age range of 11 to 16. The City of London Academy in Islington replaced Islington Green School in September 2008...
students (organised by Alun Renshaw): vocals on "Part II"
Selected single sales
| Country | Certification | Sales | Certification date | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Gold | 841,000 | 1980 | |
| United Kingdom | Platinum | 995,000 | January 1980 | |
| USA | Gold | 1,000,000 | 03/24/1980 | Re-certified platinum 9/25/01, same sales level. |
| USA | Gold | 500,000 | 5 August 2008 | Digital Sales Award |
| Germany | Gold | 150,000 | 1993 |
Cover versions
- A teacher in Chicago cut his own record as a rebuttal to Pink Floyd, changing the lyrics to "We all need an education."
- In 1986, à;GRUMH...À;GRUMH...à;GRUMH... was a Belgian EBM/industrial band, founded in 1981 by SΔ3 Evets and JΔ3 Seuqcaj , both from Charleroi, Belgium...
covered "Part II" on their Underground EP. - In 1994 Polish thrash metal band Acid DrinkersAcid DrinkersAcid Drinkers are Polish thrash metal band formed in September 1986 in Poznań. Acid Drinkers were formed on September 21, 1986 consisting of Tomasz "Titus" Pukacki and Robert "Litza" Friedrich . The band's style from back then to present is thrash metal, with influences of heavy metal...
presented their version of "Part II" on the FishdickFishdickFishdick is the fifth studio album and first cover album by Polish thrash metal band Acid Drinkers. It was released on June, 1994 in Poland through Loud Out Records. The album was recorded from January 22 to March 20, 1994 at Modern Sound Studio, Gdynia...
album. - In 1995, Jaz ColemanJaz ColemanJeremy "Jaz" Coleman is a musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is notable for his vocal contributions to rock band Killing Joke...
released an album titled Us and Them: Symphonic Pink FloydUs and Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd- Chart position :...
, including symphonic arrangements of Pink Floyd songs including "Another Brick in the Wall". - In 1998, for the film The FacultyThe FacultyThe Faculty is a 1998 science fiction horror film written by Kevin Williamson and directed by Robert Rodriguez...
, "Part II" was covered by Class of '99Class of '99Class of '99 was a short-lived alternative rock band consisting solely of members from notable rock bands: Layne Staley of Alice in Chains as the vocalist, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine on guitar, Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction as the drummer, bassist Martyn LeNoble of Porno for...
. A cover of "Part I" also appeared on the soundtrack album. - In 1999, Salt-n-PepaSalt-N-PepaSalt-N-Pepa is an American hip hop trio from Queens and Brooklyn, New York, that was formed in 1985. The group, consisting of Cheryl "Salt" Renee James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton, and Deidra "DJ Spinderella" Roper, was one of the first all-female rap crews....
sampled their 1998 hit "Gitty Up" with Pink Floyd's instrumental version of "Another Brick in the Wall" as "The Brick Track Versus Gitty Up", which became Salt-n-Pepa's final UK hit, peaking at #22. - In 1999, Tournesol turned Parts I and II into an acoustic thump.
- In 1999, the British Rock Symphony with Eric BurdonEric BurdonEric Victor Burdon is an English singer-songwriter best known as a founding member and vocalist of rock band The Animals, and the funk rock band War and for his aggressive stage performance...
released a cover of "Part II". - In 1999, ApologetiXApologetiXApologetiX is a Christian parody band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The band was founded in 1992, and since then, has played in 44 states, released 17 studio albums, and built up a fan club that includes 45,000 people. The band is currently composed of J...
parodied the song under the name "Kick in the Wall Pt. 2" on their album Biblical GraffitiBiblical GraffitiBiblical Graffiti is the 5th album by Christian parody band ApologetiX. 5 tracks from this album would later be featured on the band's greatest hits album, while another 2 would later be included on Hits: The Road....
. - Since 2001, Umphrey's McGeeUmphrey's McGeeUmphrey's McGee is an American progressive rock jam band based in Chicago whose music is often referred to as "progressive improvisation", or "improg" ....
has performed a cover of "Another Brick in the Wall" over 20 times live. On Halloween 2008, they combined "Another Brick in the Wall" with Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's "ThrillerThriller (song)"Thriller" is a song recorded by American recording artist Michael Jackson, composed by Rod Temperton, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the seventh and final single from his sixth studio album Thriller. It was released on January 23, 1984 by Epic Records...
" to create a unique mash-up song. - In 2001, Luther Wright and the WrongsLuther Wright and the Wrongs-History:The band began as a side project for Wright when he was a member of Weeping Tile. When that band amicably parted ways following their 1998 recording This Great Black Night, the Wrongs became Wright's primary band. The band membership has shifted a number of times since its inception...
released Rebuild the WallRebuild the WallRebuild the Wall is a 2001 album by Canadian alternative country band Luther Wright and the Wrongs. The album is a cover of Pink Floyd's progressive rock classic The Wall, reimagining each track as a bluegrass country song.-Track listing:...
, a country and western version of The Wall, including cover versions of "Another Brick in the Wall". - In 2004, KornKornKorn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
released their version of the song on the compilation album Greatest Hits Volume 1Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 (Korn album)-Bonus DVD: Live at CBGB's :-Chart positions:AlbumSingles...
, consisting of all three parts of "Another Brick in the Wall" and "Goodbye Cruel World". - In 2005, rock group ParasonParasonParason is a rock band from Belarus, one of the winners of Basovišča in 2006. Leader of Parason is Andre Karp...
made a cover version of "Part II" named "Vaša škoła" (Ваша школа), meaning Your school in BelarusianBelarusian languageThe Belarusian language , sometimes referred to as White Russian or White Ruthenian, is the language of the Belarusian people...
. - In 2005, DJ Snatch produced an electric version of "Part II".
- In 2005, Keller WilliamsKeller WilliamsKeller Williams is an American musician from Fredericksburg, Virginia, who began performing in the early 1990s. He is also known by the names K-Dub or just Keller, when performing. Williams' music combines elements of bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, reggae, electronica/dance, jazz, funk, and...
released a bluegrassBluegrass musicBluegrass music is a form of American roots music, and a sub-genre of country music. It has mixed roots in Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish traditional music...
version of the song on the album GrassGrass (album)Grass is the 10th studio album by Keller Williams, released in 2005. On Grass, Keller is accompanied by The Keels, a husband and wife duo named Larry and Jenny Keel. On this album, Larry Keel, Keller's childhood friend, plays lead guitar, Jenny Keel plays bass, and Keller plays rhythm guitar...
. - Lounge/comedy group Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the MachineRichard Cheese and Lounge Against the MachineMark Jonathan Davis , known by his stage name Richard Cheese, is an American musician and comedian. He was born in New York...
covered "Part II" on their 2006 album The Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard CheeseThe Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard CheeseThe Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard Cheese is the fifth album from Richard Cheese, released February 7, 2006. The album title and artwork are spoofs on Pink Floyd's album, The Dark Side of the Moon as well as the jazz standard On the Sunny Side of the Street...
. - In 2008, Out of Phase covered Parts I, II, and III as part of his The Wall tribute.
- In 2006, Revolting CocksRevolting CocksRevolting Cocks, also known as RevCo, is an American–Belgian industrial rock band and sometime supergroup that began as a musical side-project for Richard 23 of Front 242, Luc Van Acker, and Al Jourgensen of Ministry.-History:...
parodied the chorus of the song in the track "Revolting Cock au Lait", from the album Cocked and LoadedCocked and Loaded-Retail:-Revolting Cocks:*Alien Jourgensen - lead guitar , guitar , bass , keyboards , chorus guitar , chorus bass , percussion , background vocals , slide guitar , vocals , drums , drum programming , programming , fiddle , production, mixing*Gibby Haynes - vocals , background...
, alluding topics like masturbationMasturbationMasturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
and child sexual abuseChild sexual abuseChild sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. Forms of child sexual abuse include asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities , indecent exposure with intent to gratify their own sexual desires or to...
. - In 2007, Eric PrydzEric PrydzEric Sheridan Prydz is a Swedish DJ and producer based in London, United Kingdom. The pronunciation of his surname is often questioned; it is pronounced "prids", but when under his alias, Pryda, it is pronounced "pride-ah"...
released a remix of the song, entitled "Proper EducationProper Education"Proper Education" is a remix by the Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz. The original song by Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II", was remixed to create this song; it has a much more emphasized 4/4 beat than the original song...
" which was released as a single. - In 2007, Pearl JamPearl JamPearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
added a portion of Part II in their live performance of "DaughterDaughter (song)"Daughter" is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam, released in 1993 as the second single from the band's second studio album, Vs. . Although credited to all members of Pearl Jam, it features lyrics written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and music primarily written by guitarist Stone Gossard. The...
" on their Lollapalooza performance. - In 2008, the song was covered by the Taliesin OrchestraTaliesin OrchestraThe Taliesin Orchestra is a British musical group that specializes in remaking famous songs into orchestra-style melodies. The band's first album, Orinoco Flow: The Music of Enya, was a collection of songs originally created and sung by Enya; it was released in 1996...
on the band's Rock Rhapsody album. - StahlhammerStahlhammerStahlhammer is a Neue Deutsche Härte band from Austria that formed in 1992. They incorporate elements from hardcore, groove metal, industrial metal and symphonic metal into their songs. The band has to this date produced six albums, where the majority of songs are in German...
covers the song on their Killer InstinktKiller InstinktKiller Instinkt is an album by the Austrian heavy metal band Stahlhammer. It was released in 1995. The album became popular throughout Germany and Austria, mainly due to the success of their video for the Pink Floyd cover "Another Brick in the Wall"....
album. - Bob RiversBob RiversBob Rivers is a well-known American rock and roll radio on air personality in the Pacific Northwest as well as a prolific producer of parody songs, most famous for his Christmas song parodies....
made two parodies called "Another Dick in the Mall" and "Another Kick in the Balls". - YelaWolfYelawolfMichael Wayne Atha , better known by his stage name YelaWolf, is an American rapper. He is currently signed to Shady Records, Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records...
made a rap cover to the song with the same title. - UlverUlverUlver is a musical group from Norway. Since their first, folklore-influenced black metal release entitled Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler , Ulver’s musical style has been fluid and increasingly eclectic, blending genres such as rock, electronica, symphonic and chamber traditions, noise and...
recorded a cover of "Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 1" for The Wall Re-Built! tribute compilation album for MojoMojo (magazine)MOJO is a popular music magazine published initially by Emap, and since January 2008 by Bauer, monthly in the United Kingdom. Following the success of the magazine Q, publishers Emap were looking for a title which would cater for the burgeoning interest in classic rock music...
magazine (December 2009, issue 193). - In 2011, Serdar OrtaçSerdar OrtaçSerdar Ortaç is one of the popular singers of the Turkish pop folk music since 1990s.-Early life:He was born in Istanbul...His first album was the best selling album of the year by 2 million copies. His album, Cakra was the best selling album of 2004 as well.He composes most of the songs in his...
covered "Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2".
"Hey Ayatollah" cover
A cover version designed to protest the Iranian government's actions during the 2009–2010 Iranian election protests, was created by the Toronto rock band Blurred Vision. The band is fronted by two brothers who fled Iran in 1986. The cover substitutes the original lyrics with "Hey, Ayatollah, leave those kids alone!" Proceeds from iTunes downloads were donated to Amnesty International and the video to the cover went viral and became popular throughout South America, Europe, the UK, and North America. The video also garnered attention in Iran, where among the youth Pink Floyd is popular. Before the video was released the band sought permission from Roger Waters, who gave his blessing and full permission to use the track and ceded them any rights to the phrase "Hey Ayatollah, leave those kids alone." Waters also commented on his Facebook page, "I think it's great that these guys are using the song to protest against the repressive and brutal regime in Iran. I am proud to be a small part of this resistance. I think the Blurred Vision video is very accomplished and makes its point powerfully." In early August 2010 Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei banned all forms of music, causing the band to speculate that their cover may have played a part in his decision."Las Mañanitas" version
During Roger Waters's The Wall Live Tour concerts in Mexico City during December 2010, some fans suggested Waters play "Another Brick on the Wall Part II", changing the lyrics of the song to the verses of the traditional Mexican birthday song "Las Mañanitas". He performed it as an "experiment" in front of his fans during the concerts of 19 and 21 December at the end of The Wall performance and using acoustic instruments to the delight of the Mexican public.For this version Waters used the first part of "Las Mañanitas" song for the normal verse of "Another Brick on the Wall", but he left the original chorus and, as the Another Brick on the Wall song, he performed it twice.
External links
- Islington Green School's article on their contribution
- BBC story on royalties suit
- BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
– ONE Life – Islington Green singers reunion. Aired 3 October 2007. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz1d1pdy3sQ – Roger Waters's take of Las Mañanitas in one of the Mexico City concerts. December 2010.