Pink Floyd – Have a Cigar

About the song

Released in 1975 as part of Pink Floyd’s iconic album Wish You Were Here, “Have a Cigar” stands as one of the band’s sharpest critiques of the music industry and its commercialization. The song, with its biting satire and unmistakable wit, addresses the tension between artistic integrity and the corporate machinery that often drives the music business. It remains one of Pink Floyd’s most memorable tracks, both for its musical quality and its societal commentary, cementing its place in the band’s extensive catalog of thought-provoking songs.

Musically, “Have a Cigar” is a standout track that combines a catchy, almost lounge-like rhythm with a slightly sinister undertone. The song opens with a rollicking guitar riff, followed by a quirky, almost carnival-like melody that contrasts with the darkly humorous lyrics. Roger Waters, who wrote the song, uses the voice of an unnamed, smug music executive to deliver the song’s mocking lines. The corporate figure offers a cigar to a band he sees only as a commodity, saying, “The band is just fantastic / That is really what I think.” This character’s superficiality and lack of understanding of the band’s artistry highlight the disconnect between artists and the corporate world that profits from their creativity. The song is a sardonic commentary on the ways in which the music industry commodifies musicians, often reducing their work to nothing more than a product to be sold.

The song’s significance extends far beyond just a critique of the music industry. “Have a Cigar” is emblematic of Pink Floyd’s larger thematic exploration of alienation, disillusionment, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. It fits perfectly within the context of Wish You Were Here, an album steeped in themes of absence, longing, and the commercialization of art. This theme is amplified throughout the record, which was largely inspired by the band’s experiences with their former bandmate Syd Barrett, whose mental health decline and eventual departure from the band mirrored the sense of disillusionment reflected in the album.

Released during a time when the music industry was growing more commercialized and mainstream, “Have a Cigar” resonated with listeners who were becoming increasingly aware of the industry’s corporate interests. As bands like Pink Floyd rose to international fame, they were inevitably drawn into the very system they often criticized. The song highlights how artists, even those with immense creative vision, could become pawns in an industry more concerned with profit margins than artistic expression. It served as an important cultural critique at a time when the music business was becoming more polished, packaged, and commodified — an era that saw the rise of corporate-run radio stations, record labels, and a shift away from the more rebellious, underground ethos of the 1960s.

In terms of its social impact, “Have a Cigar” is as relevant today as it was in the 1970s. The commercialization of music has only increased, with streaming platforms, reality television shows, and massive concert tours turning artists into brands. The critique embedded in this song continues to resonate with many modern-day musicians who feel pressured to conform to corporate expectations, often at the expense of their artistic vision. It serves as a reminder of how the tension between art and commerce is an ongoing issue, one that continues to shape the landscape of contemporary music.

Pink Floyd, known for their layered sound and deep conceptual themes, used “Have a Cigar” to make a pointed statement about the industry’s exploitation of artists. The song’s musical and lyrical tone creates a sense of irony, as the casual, upbeat melody contrasts sharply with the cutting nature of the lyrics. The band’s ability to mix humor with social criticism made “Have a Cigar” a timeless piece, one that not only captured the essence of its time but also spoke to broader, ongoing issues within the world of music and beyond.

In conclusion, “Have a Cigar” is a brilliant example of Pink Floyd’s ability to blend musical experimentation with social commentary. Through its biting satire, the song remains a critique of the commodification of music and the dehumanizing forces of the corporate world. With its clever lyrics, infectious rhythm, and clever musical arrangement, the track continues to resonate with fans and serves as an important cultural reflection on the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the music industry.

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Lyrics

Come in here, dear boy, have a cigar, you’re gonna go far
You’re gonna fly, you’re never gonna die
You’re gonna make it if you try, they’re gonna love you
Well, I’ve always had a deep respect and I mean that most sincere
The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think
Oh, by the way, which one’s pink?

And did we tell you the name of the game, boy?
We call it riding the gravy train

We’re just knocked out, we heard about the sell-out
You gotta get an album out, you owe it to the people
We’re so happy we can hardly count
Everybody else is just green, have you seen the chart?
It’s a hell of a start, it could be made into a monster
If we all pull together as a team

And did we tell you the name of the game, boy?
We call it riding the gravy train