Lost For Words by Pink Floyd

Album: The Division Bell (1994)

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This song is widely believed to be the band's (and particularly David Gilmour's) final parting shot at former frontman Roger Waters, who left the band in 1985 after a falling-out with Gilmour. In particular, the song's final verse was purportedly a response to Waters' brusque rejection of his invitation by Gilmour to rejoin Pink Floyd for what Gilmour (correctly) expected would be their final studio album together: "So I open my door to my enemies and I ask, could we wipe the slate clean? But they tell me to please go f--k myself. You know, you just can't win."
In the Division Bell CD liner notes, this song's lyrics are placed next to a picture of a pair of boxing gloves, and the song's interlude features a boxing announcer declaring a "Winner... by a knockout." Some fans have interpreted these as referring to the ongoing commercial success of post-Waters Pink Floyd, as opposed to Waters' own fading into near-obscurity as a solo artist. >>
Suggestion credit:
Joshua - Twin Cities, MN, for above 2

Comments: 16

Roy Somali from The AzorsWho's the guy saying they did a tour in 2005 lol? It was just live 8 but that was cool

Roger maintains a mansion in the U.S. now and has gone full libertarian odd politics I won't get into but look at what Gilmour has said recently and at Pink Floyd's latest single which is big middle finger to Roger's calls for capitulation
Aquaman from CaIs it Miles Lane that does the boxing referee count down when he skips 8? In this corner by knockout? Seems like they should get credit?
Christian Chavez from GuatemalaI wonder what would have happened if Roger had accepted David's invitation. It would probably have been a monumental mega album. Just thinking about it makes me infinitely sad...
Charlie Cooper from Bainbridge OhioBut didn't Gilmour and Watters get back together and do a tour together after that in 2005?
NsomebodyI think Gilmour won't ever think or say that Watters is his enemy! After all they have faced together an all this years....
Ziggy Stardust from MarsThis is THE song that made me want to play guitar. Such a perfect song.
Bahadur from Nepaland I thought about how many people have loved those songs. And how many people got through a lot...
Swastik from Dharan, Netherlands AntillesWhile listening to this song I forget everyhing.The flow of this song is very heartfelting.
-Swastik Bhandari
NEPAL
Chloe from St. Louis, MoEvery time I listen to this song the same thing happens- I'm kind of lulled into a state of calm by the music, then all of a sudden I'm jolted awake by David Gilmour talking about people telling him to go f*** himself. haha
Terry from Wickford, RiI listen to this song for the rift as well....the one between Dave and Rog....
Harry from South Bend, InBesides Keep Talking and High Hopes, this has to be my favorite from The Division Bell album. Sure, it's not the best of Gilmour, but the acoustic guitar rift just sticks with me, and I always seem to have the urge to listen to it solely for the rift.
Rel from Tel Aviv, IsraelDave does not have many acoustic solos, and this one really hits the right notes... nice piece of music
Sully from Clinton, MaChris you are a jackass its David Gilmour and Roger Waters....you can't even spell their names correctly.
Chris from Atlanta, GaThe truth is no one knows (save Gilmore) what ?Lost for Words? is about. David Gilmore has said in interviews that The Division Bell (the album LFW is on) is not about Rodger Waters or the past or current tensions with Waters and the band. Interestingly though, in one interview Gilmore stated that ?The Division Bell? may have had ?a couple of hinted mentions that could or could not have something to do with him [Waters]". While interpretation of lyrical meaning is inherently subjective, it does not take a large degree of convincing that some of the songs are direct shots at Waters. So you be the judge; are parts of The Division Bell deliberately referencing Waters and Gilmore has simply postured himself as a non-confrontational song writer to avoid controversy, or are Gilmore?s explanation truthful and The Division Bell was authored with out Waters in mind?
Jim from Toledo, Ohmaybe its just me, but i feel like, musically (not lyrically) speaking, the tension is released too early and frequently. It seems very atypical of Floyd songs. the first minute or so build it up to be a dark and mysterious song, but then at the end of every verse line it just reverts back to the roots. Still a good song, but i wouldnt say its anything special for Gilmour.
Gilmour from Lockport, NyIt's pretty obvious that this is a song from David to Roger.

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