Listen to "The Gunner's Dream" with that understanding and you can't help but be moved. It's a tremendous song. As Americans, we don't fully understand the effect of having a war fought on our own soil. Both of my parents were caught up in WWII, being English and Polish, and the war stayed with them their entire lives. My father used to watch "World at War" seemingly every weekend. Half of his family was wiped out in the war. Also, having lost my dad when I was in my early 20's, I can empathize with Waters' sense of loss. His sadness is real, and not posturing.
I have heard that the line in "Wish You Were Here" that says "did you exchange your walk on part in a war for a lead role in a cage" is about his dad too. The theme seems to be a major topic for his lyrics.
That's my favorite line in any rock song. I didn't know where it came from, though. Thanks.
P.S. On the "Final Cut" the song "Fletcher Memorial Home" is named for his dad Eric Fletcher Waters 1918-1944
Another great, heartfelt song from the album. The politics are wrong, but the sentiment is understandable.