Meaning of "Watching TV" by Roger Waters
The lyrics of "Watching TV" tell a poignant story of a woman, referred to as the "yellow rose," who tragically lost her life during the Tiananmen Square protests. The song paints a vivid picture of her, describing her as a talented pastry chef with shiny hair and perfect breasts. She was a student of philosophy and the daughter of an engineer. The song mournfully asks the listener to shed a tear for the yellow rose and her bloodstained clothes, highlighting the brutality of her death.
The lyrics also take aim at those in power, who are seen as enablers of oppression and suffering. The line "So get out your pistols, get out your stones, get out your knives, cut them to the bone" suggests a call to action against those who perpetuate injustice. The lyrics condemn the "lackeys of the grocer's machine" who built the "dark satanic mills" that create hell on earth. With the reference to buying front-row seats on Calvary, the song implies that those in power are complicit in crucifying the innocent.
The song further explores the yellow rose's connection to history and revolution. Her father fought against Chiang Kai-shek, the former dictator of China, and Mao Tse-tung's rise to power in 1948 is referenced. The island of Taiwan, referred to as Formosa, becomes a symbol of global power struggles as it turns into a shoe factory.
The lyrics also make a powerful statement about the yellow rose's uniqueness and her symbolic role. She is described as different from historical figures like Anne Boleyn and the Rosenbergs, as well as from marginalized groups such as the Aztecs and the Cherokee. She is everyone's sister and embodies the failure of society. Her death is presented as a televised event, emphasizing the impact of mass media and the need for change.
Overall, "Watching TV" is a heartfelt and complex exploration of loss, oppression, and the power of individual stories to inspire change. The lyrics evoke a sense of injustice and call for action against those who perpetuate suffering.
