[Squawk 8888]

I actually found that most of Waters' early lyrical work expressed profound insights into how one can descend into the living hell of mental illness, no doubt inspired not only by his own personal demons but also by witnessing Syd Barrett's slow-motion suicide of schizophrenia and drug abuse. The Wall was his most powerful work in this regard because it explores how a talented, creative individual can be transformed into a charismatic hatemonger. It also ends on an optimistic note; he is freed from the chains of madness by the judge who sentences him to being exposed for what he really is. That judge is his own conscience, and he is free to be himself at last. Outside the Wall is an anthem expressing the joy at discovering the key to both liberty from self and personal salvation. As someone with intimate knowledge of mental illness, both personally and among friends and family, Pink Floyd's music provided a great deal of comfort during the most painful period of my life.

Unfortunately, The Wall was the pinnacle of his success and things went downhill from there. The Final Cut had some merit, but he introduced politics into his lyrics that tainted the message. Worse still was The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, which was 40 minutes of self-absorbed burnt-out hippie whining. Had he chosen to retire before that release he could've taken a bow and commanded respect for the rest of his life. Instead, all of his utterances now boil down to, "Look at me! I used to be famous!"

[dangus]

I think you pretty much nailed it. No allusion intended.

[crazydad]

Any thing Roger did solo was horrific. And I agree on the mental illness front. I and my oldest daughter suffer from Bi-polar and the music resonates with us so much. Especially the Wall and Shine on you crazy diamonds.