Building a Wall

Album: Yes (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song utilizes Cold War imagery alongside stories from Neil Tennant's childhood. Some bloggers have also interpreted this song as a dig at British immigration policies.
  • In the middle eight, Chris Lowe pops up and says "who do you think you are, Captain Britain?" This was first time Lowe's voice had been heard on a Pet Shop record since "I Believe In Ecstasy," the hidden track on their 1993 album Very. Lowe told Q magazine that his Pet Shop Boy partner Neil Tennant told him, "to say that. I'd never heard of him." Tennant then explained: "It was scripted by me 'cos I was the London editor of Captain Britain at Marvel Comics."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Rock Revenge Songs

Rock Revenge SongsMusic Quiz

John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of the artists who have written revenge songs. Do you know who they wrote them about?

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.