Concept and storyline The Final Cut (album)

british paratroopers guard argentine prisoners of war on falkland islands. waters frustration @ events surrounding falklands war evident in album.

the final cut anti-war concept album, lyrics explore waters regards betrayal of fallen british servicemen—such father—who during second world war sacrificed lives in spirit of post-war dream. post-war dream victory usher in more peaceful world, leaders no longer eager resolve disputes resorting war. album s lyrics critical of thatcher, policies , decisions waters regarded example of betrayal. referred maggie throughout album.

the opening track, post war dream , begins recorded announcement replacement atlantic conveyor, ship lost during falklands campaign, built in japan. waters lyrics refer dead father, loss of britain s shipbuilding industry japan, , margaret thatcher, before moving on possible pasts , rewritten version of 1 of songs rejected wall. in 1 of few , rejected song, schoolteacher wall features main character, presented war hero returned civilian life. unable relate experiences wife, , in hero s return tormented loss of 1 of air crew. gunner s dream discusses post-war dream of world free tyranny , threat of terrorism (a reference hyde park bombing) , followed in paranoid eyes teacher s descent alcoholism.

the second half of album deals various war-related issues. while southampton dock lament returning war heroes , other soldiers heading out death, not john addresses society s ignorance of political , economic problems. filthy hands off desert deals waters feelings war , invasion, , fletcher memorial home (the title nod waters father) reflects fantastical application of final solution on gathering of political leaders including leonid brezhnev, menachem begin , margaret thatcher. album s titular song deals aftermath of man s isolation , sexual repression, contemplates suicide , struggles reconnect world around him. album ends 2 suns in sunset , song portrays nuclear holocaust; final result of world obsessed war , control.