Is This The Life We Really Want​?

Roger Waters' song "Is This The Life We Really Want?" is a scathing critique of contemporary society, questioning the values and priorities that drive modern life. The song opens with a sample of Donald Trump, setting the tone for a commentary on political and social chaos. Waters juxtaposes this with imagery of excess and inequality, such as the "goose" getting fat on luxury while others suffer in "subprime homes" and "broken homes." This stark contrast highlights the disparity between the wealthy and the poor, questioning whether success is truly meaningful if it comes at the expense of others.

Fear is a recurring theme in the song, described as the force that keeps society in line. Waters points out how fear of foreigners and crime is manipulated to maintain control, suggesting that this fear is a tool used by those in power to keep the populace compliant. The rhetorical question, "Is this the life we really want?" challenges listeners to reflect on whether the current state of affairs is truly desirable or just a result of collective apathy and manipulation.

The song also delves into various global injustices, from students being run over by tanks to journalists rotting in jail. Waters lists these atrocities to emphasize the widespread nature of suffering and the collective responsibility of humanity. He questions whether people are simply numb to these issues, distracted by reality TV and other trivialities, or if they lack the empathy to care. The final lines serve as a powerful indictment of societal indifference, suggesting that every tragedy is a result of collective inaction and silence.