David Gilmour told The Sun September 26, 2008 about this song, which was written by him and his wife Polly. Said Gilmour: “That song is really about the aftermath (of the fall of the totalitarian state). First, it was a joy and a release for the people with the freedom of democracy but then it becam...
[Verse 1]
On the day the Wall came down
They threw the locks onto the ground
And with glasses high, we raised a cry
For freedom had arrived
And on the day the Wall came down
The ship of fools had finally run aground
Promises lit up the night like paper doves in flight
[Chorus]
I dreamed you had left my side
No warmth, not even pride remained
And even though you needed me
It was clear that I could not do a thing for you
[Verse 2]
Now life devalues day by day
As friends and neighbours turn away
And there’s a change that even with regret cannot be undone
Now frontiers shift like desert sands
While nations wash their bloodied hands
Of loyalty, of history in shades of grey
[Chorus]
I woke to the sound of drums
The music played, the morning sun streamed in
I turned and I looked at you
And all but the bitter residues slipped away, slipped away
[Guitar Solo]
A Great Day for Freedom was written by Polly Samson & David Gilmour.
A Great Day for Freedom was produced by David Gilmour & Bob Ezrin.
Pink Floyd released A Great Day for Freedom on Mon Mar 28 1994.
Back then a popular theory about this song was that it was about Roger Waters leaving the band. David Gilmour has denied this theory by saying:
There are a couple of hinted mentions that could or could not have something to do with him. But all that I read from people working out what they think it...