In Any Tongue

David Gilmour's 'In Any Tongue' is a poignant exploration of the human cost of war and the universal experience of grief and sorrow. The song delves into the emotional turmoil of a soldier returning from conflict, weighed down by the consequences of his actions and the impact of war. The lyrics suggest a deep sense of regret and a struggle to reconcile with the past, as seen in lines like 'What has he done? God help my son.' The song's title itself, 'In Any Tongue,' emphasizes the idea that certain human experiences, such as sorrow and the cry of a mother ('mama'), are the same across all languages and cultures, highlighting the shared humanity in the face of tragedy.

The narrative perspective shifts between the soldier's experience and the observer's viewpoint, creating a dialogue about the difficulty of understanding and coping with the aftermath of war. The reference to 'a joystick in my hand' could be interpreted as a critique of the detachment and dehumanization that technology, such as drones, brings to modern warfare. This line also touches on the dissonance between the reality of war and the way it is often perceived or experienced from a distance, as if it were a game.

Gilmour's songwriting is known for its emotional depth and often addresses themes of conflict, loss, and the human condition. 'In Any Tongue' is no exception, as it uses powerful imagery and a haunting melody to convey its message. The song resonates with listeners because it captures the timeless and borderless nature of grief, a feeling that transcends language and culture, reminding us of the shared pain that war inflicts on all sides.