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Pink Floyd — What Do You Want From Me
Album: The Division Bell
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1268









Released: 1994
Length: 4:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
As you look around this room tonight
Settle in your seat and dim the lights
Do you want my blood, do you want my tears?
What do you want?
(What do you want from me?)
Should I sing until I can't sing anymore?
Play these strings until my fingers are raw
You're so hard to please
What do you want from me?

Do you think that I know something you don't know?
(What do you want from me?)
If I don't promise you the answers, would you go?
(What do you want from me?)
Should I stand out in the rain?
Do you want me to make a daisy chain for you?
I'm not the one you need
What do you want from me?

You can have anything you want
You can drift, you can dream, even walk on water
Anything you want

You can own everything you see
Sell your soul for complete control
Is that really what you need?

You can lose yourself this night
See inside, there is nothing to hide
Turn and face the light

What do you want from me?
Comments (85)add comment
 gbarker wrote:

Greatest song. Period.



Absolutely!
 brian.gass77551 wrote:


Pink Floyd lost their soul during the split.  Pink Floyd stopped existing for me after The Wall.   No one deserved to carry on the name.  


I dunno about that. For me "The Wall" actually hasn't aged very well and I no longer hold it up as the apex of PF or music in general like I used to. And this is coming from somebody who spent a couple of years watching the movie about once/week. Possibly I just over-listened, but earlier PF has held up much better to me than The Wall. Granted this song isn't as transcendent as "Wish You Were Here," but then again, most songs aren't! And man, David Gilmore can play a good guitar! I'd listen to this just to hear him play. "Not quite as good as back in the day" David Gilmore is still better than about 99.99 percent of other guitarists. Just relax and enjoy for what it is. Cheers.  : )
 IndyDoug wrote:

Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?




Wasn't that on the Pulse album?
 PhoenixArtDj wrote:

Waters needs Gilmores musical chops and Gilmore needs Waters conceptual approach to music. Each without the other is less than the sum of their parts. Great artists on their own, but as band mates -transcendent. 



That may very well be but doesn't prevent this from being a great song and even greater album.
Greatest song. Period.
 Derecho wrote:



This song strikes me as Have A Cigar Part II, in sound and message. Now that they've made it big, the demand of the audience becomes a weight.



To me it sounds more like Gilmour's solo album. I also don't understand how 'making it big' translates to having to appease an audience. artists do what artists do, and I don't believe Floyd has ever pandered to an audience - prime example, The Wall. They were way big way before that, and this album as well.
 jjbchansen159 wrote:

A bit derivative of their early stuff. Trademark Gilmour solos with the dramatic backup vocals.




This song strikes me as Have A Cigar Part II, in sound and message. Now that they've made it big, the demand of the audience becomes a weight.
 IndyDoug wrote:

Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?




That was on Pulse.  SO COOL!
A bit derivative of their early stuff. Trademark Gilmour solos with the dramatic backup vocals.
Wow! A new (to me) Pink Floyd tune that I like!
 PhoenixArtDj wrote:

Waters needs Gilmores musical chops and Gilmore needs Waters conceptual approach to music. Each without the other is less than the sum of their parts. Great artists on their own, but as band mates -transcendent. 



Pink Floyd lost their soul during the split.  Pink Floyd stopped existing for me after The Wall.   No one deserved to carry on the name.  
 jmsmy wrote:
 That was Pulse - Mine IS STILL Blinking.
If you replace the batteries every 3-6 years it will still Blink. 
 
Same with Grandma's pacemaker.
 IndyDoug wrote:
Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?
 
I have a few of them.
Lights still blinking with the help of new batteries.

In my playlist Pink Floyd got the best marks but also the worst marks thanks to this album.
Waters needs Gilmores musical chops and Gilmore needs Waters conceptual approach to music. Each without the other is less than the sum of their parts. Great artists on their own, but as band mates -transcendent. 
This is one of those later Floyd songs that Waters rightfully dubbed 'a clever forgery.' 

I don't mind the song, and it's recognizable as PF, but just doesn't move me as it just sounds like an alternate take of an older Floyd song.
One of the best tracks from the "Gilmour Years". Still my favorite guitarist of all time. 
 IndyDoug wrote:
Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?
 
I bought the Vinyl, but I saw it in the record shop at the time, it almost made me want the CD.
Sometimes, band have to stop
Same old, same old. Well, actually, no, nowhere near as good as the same old. I never expected to give such a low rating to PF but there's no way out of it: this is really tedious and, yes, "ho-hum". Definitely no evolution or progress of any sort here.
 Stingray wrote:
NIGHTMARISH, BORING, OLD-FASHIONED SYNTHIE-SOUP FOR THE STADION-MASSES

and those who will never understand what ROCK is all about!


 
A comment only Stingray can make. Noisy, radical and provocative, but well put, original and humorous (for those who want to see it).  Now he seems to be vanished from the RP-planet I would love to see someone taking his place. 
 Jota wrote:
 Perfect description.

sivvon wrote:
Lacks in any purpose.  A nice sounding hodge-podge of musical techniques and studio sounds with lyrics that fail to generate any interest.  A cue ball with some eyes drawn on it.

 

 

 
Yeah, no DTSOM or Meddle this. Still, we should hear these atypical PF cuts—like the great album art—as semi-autobio reflections on Gilmour's split from Waters. I hear most tracks from this in the context of that. The lyrics almost bear me out. 
 jmsmy wrote:
Gazzyboy
Posted: Feb 10, 2017 - 10:39
 

 
Wasn't that Pulse?
 

That was Pulse - Mine IS STILL Blinking.
If you replace the batteries every 3-6 years it will still Blink. 



 
My friend used to keep that CD box in his car for years, it made it look like he had a security system installed. No one broke into his car, so I guess it worked (?).
Gazzyboy
Posted: Feb 10, 2017 - 10:39
 

 IndyDoug wrote:
Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?

  
Wasn't that Pulse?
 

That was Pulse - Mine IS STILL Blinking.
If you replace the batteries every 3-6 years it will still Blink. 


 IndyDoug wrote:
Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?

 
Wasn't that Pulse?
 
What an amazing show at Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas - April 1994
With special effects provided by God. 
 IndyDoug wrote:
Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?

 
Wow, that's a blast from the past.
I remember this fitting better into the album as a whole than as a single, but I haven't listened to it since the 90s so it probably still wasn't that good.
Anyone remember the red blinking led light on the CD packaging when this album was released?
 Skydog wrote:

yep, just boring horror movie music

 
...and to think that is what this band had come to.
 sivvon wrote:
Lacks in any purpose.  A nice sounding hodge-podge of musical techniques and studio sounds with lyrics that fail to generate any interest.  A cue ball with some eyes drawn on it.

 

 
yep, just boring horror movie music
 Perfect description.

sivvon wrote:
Lacks in any purpose.  A nice sounding hodge-podge of musical techniques and studio sounds with lyrics that fail to generate any interest.  A cue ball with some eyes drawn on it.

 

 


Magic! {#Music}
Lacks in any purpose.  A nice sounding hodge-podge of musical techniques and studio sounds with lyrics that fail to generate any interest.  A cue ball with some eyes drawn on it.

 
It's very good, just strikes me as a little too predictable
 Imkirok wrote:

I've always thought that Waters and Gilmour together proved the theory of "the whole can be more than the sum of the parts."  On their own each is brilliant, but together they were something truly outstanding.

 
My sentiments exactly. 
 Otomi wrote:

And Wright and Mason added an exquisite flavor to the psychedelic stew.

 
Indeed, on both accounts.
 Relayer wrote:
I uploaded the new PF song Louder Than Words.  I think it is a pretty decent tune, but it is still stuck in LRC with no reviews yet.

 
It's basically an outtake from The Division Bell — & to my ears is inferior to the tracks that made it on to the album. The new album has some nice keyboard & guitar noodlings from Wright & Gilmour, but is pretty underwhelming when compared to their other recordings. 
I uploaded the new PF song Louder Than Words.  I think it is a pretty decent tune, but it is still stuck in LRC with no reviews yet.
 Imkirok wrote:

I've always thought that Waters and Gilmour together proved the theory of "the whole can be more than the sum of the parts."  On their own each is brilliant, but together they were something truly outstanding.

 
And Wright and Mason added an exquisite flavor to the psychedelic stew.
 wleister wrote:
I always liked Waters' poetry, and the way he pushed the music in different directions, but Gilmour's guitar style is what makes Floyd instantly recognizable. Nothing soothes me better than listening to Gilmour's guitar. If David G. recorded 45mins of nothing but one rambling guitar piece, with a bass line, no percussion, or keyboards, I'd be a contented listener. 

 
I've always thought that Waters and Gilmour together proved the theory of "the whole can be more than the sum of the parts."  On their own each is brilliant, but together they were something truly outstanding.
I applaud Division Bell for its ambition.  This is not a strong song from the album, imo.  The Waters Gilmour feud will go on forever.  Certainly PF is not/has not been the same band w/o Both.  And PF, unfortunately is the less for that feud.
I will keep marching toward my grave knowing that PF was there for me when I needed them. They just always seem to pop up, synchronistically, with the exact right view at the exact moment  need it. Maybe Radio Paradise has a hand in it too, but I prefer to think its the Universe with its hand up all our backs...
I can understand the complaints with this song. But most who have tried writing a song will appreciate the expert song construction on display here.  And the guitar work of Gilmore is the icing on the cake.
Man, I love this song.
Posted: May 30, 2013 - 11:54
 < Reply >

 Stingray wrote:

NIGHTMARISH, BORING, OLD-FASHIONED SYNTHIE-SOUP FOR THE STADION-MASSES

and those who will never understand what ROCK is all about!



 

You do realize this track is 17 years old, right? Back when synth music was extremely popular? Division Bell was admittedly a strange mix of Pink Floyd's traditional moody music and more modern stuff, but I would hardly classify them as 'those will never understand what rock is all about'.


**You DO realize this Stingray guy has the same lack of understanding for anything....what HE likes is what rock is all about; I havent heard bieber here?
 


Although i always liked R.Waters' bondage to ,or  i would say struggle with the system, especially " Amused to death " album ,  timeless masterpiece.Physician help yourself))
Waters had always worried about social aspects  more-comparing to Gilmour's  Artistic Spirit of freedom ,released from any efforts to describe the Myriads  ....)) that we see in The Division Bell
 wleister wrote:
I always liked Waters' poetry, and the way he pushed the music in different directions, but Gilmour's guitar style is what makes Floyd instantly recognizable. Nothing soothes me better than listening to Gilmour's guitar. If David G. recorded 45mins of nothing but one rambling guitar piece, with a bass line, no percussion, or keyboards, I'd be a contented listener. 

 

Once Floyd moved past Umma Gumma, it became Gilmour's iconic guitar for me.

Its blues from there on.  An original and still unique interpretation of the blues guitar.
that's what I keep on wondering...{#Frustrated}
 rockpommel16 wrote:


 
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
my response to aforementioned comments....

Just crank it and shut up!!!
Pompous, overrated and (yawn) soooooooo boooooring

Over wrought, bombastic.

 

And absolutely lovely.


 Stingray wrote:

NIGHTMARISH, BORING, OLD-FASHIONED SYNTHIE-SOUP FOR THE STADION-MASSES

and those who will never understand what ROCK is all about!



 

You do realize this track is 17 years old, right? Back when synth music was extremely popular? Division Bell was admittedly a strange mix of Pink Floyd's traditional moody music and more modern stuff, but I would hardly classify them as 'those will never understand what rock is all about'.
The guitar 'stylings' are unmistakable.  I bow down in deference to a master.
Please, make it stop.
I was subjected to this, Animals, and Another Brick in the Wall so many times that I cannot really appreciate them anymore......
I consider this song to be "Have A Cigar, Part Two", in intent if not in execution.
I always liked Waters' poetry, and the way he pushed the music in different directions, but Gilmour's guitar style is what makes Floyd instantly recognizable. Nothing soothes me better than listening to Gilmour's guitar. If David G. recorded 45mins of nothing but one rambling guitar piece, with a bass line, no percussion, or keyboards, I'd be a contented listener. 

Song is fkn awesome, love it on headphones bicycling or super loud driving the car on a higway.


meh - nightmare - i could not agree more. this is SOOO terrible and embarrasing. :-((

NIGHTMARISH, BORING, OLD-FASHIONED SYNTHIE-SOUP FOR THE STADION-MASSES

and those who will never understand what ROCK is all about!


Meh
 justsomeone wrote:


I have to disagree - for instance check out "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"


 
Roger presented both Pro's and Con's and The Wall concepts to PF back in the day. The band chose The Wall and he made Pro's on his own, obviously..... I think its JUST AS GOOD as ANYTHING the Floyd did. Eric Clapton did a pretty good job channeling Gilmore.....
you can't argue that PF w/o Waters is the same as with - its definitely different. But it's still great music.
What is with all the Pink Floyd? Three songs in a row last night and more today? No thanks. Time to hit PSD
Still an excellent Pink Floyd, diversified, after the strictures of telling Roger's life story in music.
 sirdroseph wrote:
It is one of those gray nuances that are impossible to articulate but nevertheless is there. It sounds like old Pink Floyd, but without Waters something is missing.....
 
Yep. Edge. Post-Waters Floyd is pleasant and listenable enough, nice on the ears, but it's bland compared to the old Floyd.
 sirdroseph wrote:
It is one of those gray nuances that are impossible to articulate but nevertheless is there. It sounds like old Pink Floyd, but without Waters something is missing.....
 
Indeed - there is really no conversation to be had of - PINK FLOYD -   ....without Waters reallly!  
It is one of those gray nuances that are impossible to articulate but nevertheless is there. It sounds like old Pink Floyd, but without Waters something is missing.....
 linzie wrote:

I dont care what anyone thinks about PF-less Waters, they carried the torch quite well as far as I'm concerned....


 

I completely agree
 Relayer wrote:
People will complain about Post Waters PF, but I'm sorry, the solo catalog that Roger put out is nice, but no where as good as this stuff.
 

I have to disagree - for instance check out "The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking"




I'm really grateful David got together with Nick Mason to produce Momentary Lapse of Reason, with Richard Wright joining them for this album. They produced two very decent albums, and I even enjoy a snarky, Rogeresque song like this ;)


Smooooooth
Some guitar player!
People will complain about Post Waters PF, but I'm sorry, the solo catalog that Roger put out is nice, but no where as good as this stuff.
 linzie wrote:

I dont care what anyone thinks about PF-less Waters, they carried the torch quite well as far as I'm concerned....


 

{#Yes}

I dont care what anyone thinks about PF-less Waters, they carried the torch quite well as far as I'm concerned....


Another great example of the post-Waters money-nabbing coattail ballads.
... such a heartbreaking end to the discology (remasterings and endless compilations not included)..
Nicely bracketing the day, with "High Hopes" earlier this morning...
Everything they touch is gold.
Because it's really average stuff and should not even be called Pink Floyd.
Why don't they play this? This is a great song.