4 Songs That Show the Softer Side of Roger Waters
An article explores four songs that reveal a more tender, empathetic side to Roger Waters, whose writing is often associated with caustic lyrics and dark themes. Across his work with Pink Floyd and as a solo artist, these songs express distance, longing, love and the possibility of solidarity.
The songs are “If” from 1970’s *Atom Heart Mother*; “Wish You Were Here”, written by Waters to David Gilmour’s music for the 1975 album of the same name; “Nobody Home” from *The Wall*; and “The Tide Is Turning (After Live Aid)”, which closes his 1987 solo album *Radio KAOS*. The article links the last song’s hopeful mood to the unity Waters saw in audiences at the 1985 Live Aid concerts, although he did not perform at them.
In short
- Four songs reveal Waters’s gentler songwriting.
- They span Pink Floyd and his solo career.
- Live Aid crowds helped inspire a hopeful closing song.
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