Us and Them (Zoo Intro)

The song "Us and Them" by Pink Floyd, featured on their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon, has a fascinating origin story. Originally composed by keyboardist Richard Wright as an instrumental piano piece titled "The Violent Sequence" for the 1969 film Zabriskie Point, the track was rejected by director Michelangelo Antonioni, who found it "beautiful, but too sad… it makes me think of church." The band revisited the piece during the Dark Side sessions, with Roger Waters adding lyrics that critique the senselessness of war, transforming it into a haunting commentary on human conflict. The song’s jazzy, ethereal quality, marked by Wright’s Hammond organ and two saxophone solos by Dick Parry, creates a dynamic contrast between its quiet verses and soaring choruses. A unique aspect of the track is its inclusion of spoken dialogue from roadie Roger "The Hat" Manifold, who recounts a violent altercation, adding a raw, human element to the song’s anti-war message.

Another intriguing tidbit about "Us and Them" is the accidental brilliance behind one of its recording moments. During the sessions, Wright played the song’s grand piano part, believing he was jamming with the rest of the band in the next studio. Unbeknownst to him, the band wasn’t there—it was a pre-recorded track. Producer Alan Parsons later noted in Mojo magazine that this mistake resulted in "one of the best things Rick ever did." The song’s lyrical spareness, as Waters has explained, was intentional, leaving space for the vocals to breathe, a technique he later advised other artists to adopt. The track’s enduring impact is evident in its numerous covers, including by the Flaming Lips and an orchestral version by the London Philharmonic on the 1995 album Us and Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd, which hit number one on Billboard’s Top Classical Crossover Albums chart.

Pink Floyd began in London in 1965, emerging from the city’s vibrant underground music scene. The band was founded by Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), and Nick Mason (drums), initially under various names before settling on Pink Floyd, inspired by blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Barrett’s whimsical, psychedelic songwriting defined their early sound, leading to hits like "Arnold Layne" and their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). However, Barrett’s struggles with mental health and LSD use led to his departure in 1968, with David Gilmour joining as guitarist. Waters then took the helm as primary lyricist, steering the band toward conceptual masterpieces like The Dark Side of the Moon, which marked their shift from psychedelic experimentation to polished, thematic rock. Their innovative use of sound effects, extended compositions, and elaborate live shows cemented their status as progressive rock pioneers.

Fans can connect with Pink Floyd through their official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where updates on re-releases, anniversaries, and archival projects are shared. For deeper engagement, fan-run sites like A Fleeting Glimpse offer news, rare footage, and community discussions. The Pink Floyd Fans Facebook group is a vibrant space for Zoo Freaks to share memorabilia, concert stories, and song interpretations. Another active community, the Grantchester Meadows Discord, provides a platform for real-time chats about the band’s legacy, including iconic tracks like "Us and Them."