The Show Must Go On

Album: The Wall (1979)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "The Show Must Go On" is the first song on the fourth disc of The Wall, a double album that might be the most famous concept album of all time. The main character is a rock star named Pink who is emotionally damaged and goes through all kinds of transformations. Disc three ends with "Comfortably Numb," where a doctor injects him with something to give him the gumption to go on stage. "The Show Must Go On" finds him wondering if he should really go on, and ultimately deciding he will.
  • Roger Waters of Pink Floyd was the driving force behind The Wall. On this track he wanted to create a Beach Boys-type sound for the backing, so he bought in Beach Boy Bruce Johnston to sing on it. Toni Tennille of Captain & Tennille is also one of the backup singers.
  • There is an extra verse that was cut from the studio album but nevertheless appears on its sleeve:

    Do I have to stand up
    Wild eyed in the spotlight
    What a nightmare Why!
    Don't I turn and run


    After this, the line "There must be some mistake..." starts.

    The full song was performed live in concert, and as such appears on Is There Anybody out There? The Wall Live 1980-81. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Javier - Corpus Chisti, TX

Comments: 1

  • Lisa from Toronto, CanadaThat's cool about the Beach Boys thing. I had no idea
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."