Us and Them

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some mind-bending trivia about Pink Floyd's "Us and Them" from their iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon, now spinning on THE ZOO! This track, clocking in at 7 minutes and 49 seconds, is the longest on the album and was born from a piano piece by keyboardist Richard Wright, originally titled "The Violent Sequence" for the 1970 film Zabriskie Point. Director Michelangelo Antonioni rejected it, calling it "beautiful, but too sad… it makes me think of church." Roger Waters later added lyrics that tackle the senselessness of war, with lines like "Forward he cried from the rear / And the front rank died," painting a vivid picture of conflict's futility. The dreamy saxophone by Dick Parry and David Gilmour’s haunting vocals, paired with Wright’s harmonies, create a soundscape that’s both ethereal and heavy. Fun fact: the song includes snippets of interviews with Abbey Road staff, like roadie Roger "The Hat" Manifold, who rants about a road altercation, adding a raw, human touch to the track.

Another cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: "Us and Them" was released as a single in the U.S., hitting No. 72 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart in 1974. Its origins as a rejected soundtrack piece didn’t stop it from becoming a fan favorite, with covers by artists like The Flaming Lips and Easy Star All-Stars, who gave it a reggae twist on their Dub Side of the Moon album. Roger Waters, who penned the lyrics, once explained the verses as reflections on war’s dehumanization and societal issues like racism and consumerism. The song’s creation also ties to Pink Floyd’s innovative studio work, with engineer Alan Parsons weaving in multitrack recording and tape loops to craft its lush, immersive vibe. It’s no wonder this track still resonates, urging listeners to see beyond division and embrace shared humanity.

Now, let’s rewind to how Pink Floyd got started, Zoo Crew style! Formed in London in 1965, the band emerged from the city’s underground psychedelic scene, led by Syd Barrett on guitar and vocals, Roger Waters on bass, Nick Mason on drums, and Richard Wright on keyboards. Barrett, the early creative force, penned quirky, whimsical hits like "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play," which captured the trippy vibe of their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). Named after blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, the band played at venues like the UFO Club, blending extended jams with wild light shows. By 1968, Barrett’s struggles with mental health and LSD use led to his departure, with David Gilmour stepping in on guitar. Waters then took the lyrical helm, steering the band toward concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), which skyrocketed them to global fame with over 45 million copies sold.

Zoo Freaks, you can dive deeper into Pink Floyd’s world through their official channels: visit their website, check out their Facebook, follow their Instagram, and catch updates on X. Fans are keeping the flame alive at sites like The Pink Floyd Fandom, a treasure trove of news, lyrics, and reviews. Join the vibe on Facebook groups like Pink Floyd Fans, where devotees share stories and rare finds. Whether you’re grooving to "Us and Them" or exploring the band’s psychedelic roots, Pink Floyd’s legacy is a cosmic journey that keeps on shining.