Leaving Beirut

Album: Leaving Beirut (CD Single) (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • At a concert on July 12, 2007 in Darien Lake, New York, Waters gave the audience some background on this song before he played it. The spoken word portions of the song he wrote at the age of 19 while hitchhiking in Lebanon. The refrains he wrote more recently, and they directly reflect his own personal views on the war in Iraq, as well as his opinions regarding George Bush, Tony Blair, Lebanon and the Middle East. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    phil - jamestown, NY

Comments: 2

  • Ricardo Abdahllah from Paris, Francehe used a comic-like karaoke background in most of his 2007 performers so public may sing with him.
  • Johnny from Los Angeles, CaI remember this song from when I saw Roger Waters live at the Hollywood Bowl. He gave some insight to his Lebanese adventures. A comic was displayed on a big screen showing what it was like for him. I don't know if he wrote it, but that would be cool.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?