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"Pink Floyd: Another Brick in the Wall" is a song that was released as part of Pink Floyd's rock opera album "The Wall" in 1979. Here are some interesting facts about the song and its significance:
Three Parts: "Another Brick in the Wall" is divided into three parts on the album. Part 1 and Part 2 are the most famous, with Part 3 being a more instrumental and subdued continuation of the theme.
School Choir: The chorus of children singing in Part 2 of the song is from the Islington Green School in North London. The school was chosen because it was close to the recording studio.
Anti-Education Themes: The song's lyrics express anti-education sentiments and criticize the authoritarian and repressive nature of the British education system. It reflects the band's disdain for their own school experiences.
Chart-Topping Success: "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" became a massive hit. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it Pink Floyd's only chart-topping single in the US.
Ban in South Africa: The song was banned in South Africa in 1980 by the government due to its use by protesting students during the Soweto Uprising. The students adapted the lyrics to reflect their own struggle against apartheid.
Music Video: The song's music video features a mix of animation and live-action footage, contributing to its iconic status. The animated segments were created by political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, who also worked on the animation for the movie adaptation of "The Wall."
Grammy Nomination: "Another Brick in the Wall" received a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Rock Duo or Group, but it did not win the award.
Live Performances: During Pink Floyd's live performances of "Another Brick in the Wall," a giant inflatable schoolteacher character would often appear on stage to emphasize the song's themes.
Cultural Impact: The phrase "We don't need no education" from the song has become iconic and is often quoted or referenced in popular culture to express defiance or rebellion against authority.
Part of a Concept Album: "Another Brick in the Wall" is part of Pink Floyd's concept album "The Wall," which tells the story of a rock star's descent into madness and isolation. The song contributes to the narrative by representing the main character's traumatic experiences in school.
"Another Brick in the Wall" is not only one of Pink Floyd's most famous songs but also an anthem that has had a lasting impact on music and culture, particularly in its critique of the education system and its call for individuality and freedom.