First time hearing Pink Floyd "Mother" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@snakeinthegrass7443]

Roger Waters, the singer / song writer here, lost his father when he was a child during WWII. The entire album/ movie is from his perspective growing up with an overprotective mother that actually helped build the psychological wall in his mind and heart. Truly sad and genius at the same time!

[@s.mcpherson6354]

I've always loved how his parts feel like stacking a foreboding stacking of bricks, and hers switches into a soft-edged swaying lullaby. And as always, Gilmour providing the wails and cries on the guitar. It's also beautiful how slowly and subtly each instrument joins that acoustic guitar. From the organ strains at the start, through the piano pieces, and then into the drums.

[@SpotWorksLNC]

And his grandfather died in World War I. There’s a great doc where a Rogers takes his grand kids to both graves. Very sad family history. Both fathers lost their dads to war.

[@larryoneill7432]

Gilmore sings the “Mother” part

[@snakeinthegrass7443]

@@SpotWorksLNC Did not know that! That's so sad. Thank you to both Waters men. You helped save the world in both wars so your deaths were not in vain. But much sadness and pain for those left behind, I'm sure. Wow!

[@joepublic4082]

Excellent comment that saves me making the same points. The Wall is filled with Roger's childhood memories & some memories of Sid Barret too as "Pinky" the character in the movie is essentially a fusion of 80-90% Roger & 10-20% Sid as Pinky is the lead singer of the band in the movie, infamously/famously played by Bob Geldof. An example of a Sid scene [in the movie o-c] is the destruction of the room, shaved eyebrows & such & in particular that aftermath scene where he's arranging all the broken shit into patterns on the floor is a memory of the band turning up at Sid's & what they found when they arrived.

[@centuryrox]

A little context: the story in the album and movie "The Wall", is that the child's father was killed in the war. As a result, the mother had become overprotective of her son, to the point where it became psychologically damaging. And so the son as an adult has built up emotional and social walls around himself.

[@robertwoods3750]

couldn't agree more with your comment but it can also be taken for a stand alone song , in that mothers are there for you when you're a child and need protecting and they also mold you to fit into society to avoid conflict ie the safer path , as a adult if you avoid " risk " , you generally also avoid reward , that's being a adult . the old " when i was a child i thought as a child , when i became a adult i put away childish things " . it's about getting trapped in a mind set too .

[@kenqb5450]

Spoilers!!

[@josea5859]

Yep.

[@nathcascen473]

disfunctional relation.

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Mother! It's the root of evil they say.

[@rockerforlife194]

Yes. She's very over protective. The line, "Of course Mothers gonna help build the wall", refers to the very over protective Mother helping the young boy build a "Wall", in his mind. To possibly keep him home and therefore, protected. You noticed the line "She won't let you fly but she might let you sing", refering to she'll do all she can to keep him in the nest, home. So she can always protect hey very loved young son and, not let hei be exposed by himself, to an open World. Which is in many many places, very cruel.

[@mikek5958]

"Mother did it need to be so high?"

[@Theodre_Verany]

This song does not have a positive message, it basically details an unhealthy relationship between a son and his overprotective mother, this is one reason why the son has chosen to build a wall around himself. Other songs like Comfortably Numb and Hey You detail other factors that contribute to his self imposed isolation. Its really impossible to understand the full meaning of Pink Floyd songs unless you listen to the full albums.

[@imRehnzy]

I'm liking this comment for your name alone. i hope it says something worth liking

[@teddyjackson1902]

It’s people trying to live through upheaval out of their control and how reactive behaviors and outcomes can become. IMO it’s beyond judgment. If a mother loses her husband to war, and her son nearly dies from a fever within the same timeframe, how can you judge her for becoming overprotective? Everyone is so easy to judge and no one is self-aware.

[@teethhuller8275]

Much of Pink Floyd’s songs (especially on the albums The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, the Final Cut) are a part of a “story” that requires listening to the entire album from beginning to end to get the full perspective of each piece.

[@GearJammerGarage]

And the album Animals

[@greggalbright9849]

I agree. If you can’t watch the movie, then you need to listen to the entire album in order

[@willrichardson519]

Each song is a chapter in the album book

[@mr.knowitall6440]

The album "The Wall" is all one connected story. On its surface, it's about a Rock Star who has gone "a bit mad" after attaining fame and living the rock star life. So it's as if he's self-analyzed, then written a song for each chapter of his life, and the various things that he feels contributed to his "having issues". I feel that this song expresses love for his Mother, while at the same time expressing that he feels that his mother's being overprotective has contributed to his "building a wall" to protect his emotions.

[@kevinstarr516]

BJ straight up hit it. In the context of the album "The Wall", Pink's mother was highly overprotective and overbearing. And now that he's grown and on his own, he's feeling lost, abandoned and betrayed by everyone around him while feeling the need to build "The Wall" around him for protection that his mother had given him.

[@oscarmadrid280]

Roger water's mother , not pink mother, thank you.

[@davidhapka5410]

As many others are saying, The Wall is a story as created from Roger Waters childhood among other events. It is a must that the entire album be experienced as a whole.

[@greg2976]

Agree with you 100%. A must is to see the movie!

[@artsilva]

As others said, in the context of The Wall album this is about an over protective single mother. The last lyric says it all; "Mother did it need to be so High?"... talking about the wall she finally helped him build.

[@mr.knowitall6440]

You guys owe it to yourselves to listen to "The Wall" in it's entirety, all at once. Just treat it like watching a movie, and you could chop it up into multiple reactions. I'd suggest making a list of the songs on each vinyl album side, and only commenting between songs, then comment at the end of each album side. It's like watching acts in a play... each album side is it's own act. So small comments between songs, with longer comments "between acts". Enjoy...

[@FallenHellscape]

Yup. There’s no other way to listen to these songs.

[@feduptexan311]

And of course then watch the movie after listening to the album

[@madmex2k]

I think the movie has a better explanation of what the whole album concept is. Its closely based on Roger Waters life.

[@DR.DisInfect]

Needs to happen 🍄

[@BillBarnesLexSouthCarolina]

Yes!!

[@edwardrutledge2765]

Pink Floyd delivered exceptional storytelling from the quietly chilling Mother to more energetic rock anthems. They may have been the greatest rock band…ever?

[@josephdurham6051]

"one of my turns" has always been one of my favorites from The Wall. "Nobody home". is another great song

[@tomekstrand1988]

My understanding of the last line about "Mother did it need to be so high?" refers to the wall that Mother helped him build around himself.

[@John-fk3rv]

One of my favorite aspects of listening to Pink Floyd is that their music starts a great conversation. It can have different meanings for different people. Their lyrics aren't only written to sound pleasing to the ear, but to challenge your perceptions of yourself and the world around you. Genius

[@mamaflush9945]

Medaphores can get tricky... You have to think in 3D ;-)

[@stecumo6459]

best band ever lived folks,the touches in this song are so special from gilmour's melodic break,to water's 2 note bass second verse,the ride cymbal work,wright's deft tinkles,it beggar's belief.the wall is a work of art,all the way through the album gilmour is the sweet relief to roger's paranoid,isolated,pain ridden screams/lyrics a ying to his yang if you will.that "you'll always be baby to me" at the end is the most beautiful audible hug you'll ever hear.dive down the floyd rabbit hole and have your mind/heart altered

[@randallforrest7683]

Legendary group...filled huge stadiums, kicked some ass both musically and visually at concerts. PF and RUSH were my all-time favorite concerts. Thanks for the great memories. Peace and love, ya'll!

[@dagmar.6954]

Pink Floyd is an English rock band formed in London in 1964. They became a leading band of the progressive rock genre. They are one of the best-selling music artists of all time. "Wish You Were Here", "The Dark Side Of The Moon" & "The Wall" are among the best-selling albums of all time. They have a huge library of music. Some of their big hits were "See Emily Play", "Money", "Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2", "Not Now John", "On The Turning Away" & "High Hopes".

[@2869may]

Solo David Gilmour ~ "No Way Out Of Here", "Raise My Rent", "So Far Away" and "No Way"....

[@skyscraper7474]

Still? In 2022? We need to explain who and what pink floyd are? Really?

[@dagmar.6954]

@@skyscraper7474 You would be surprised how many of the younger generation are clueless about classic rock!

[@rudedogmat]

The song is about a terrible mother, not a wise and nurturing one. She messed up his mind and ruined his spirit. Mother did it need to be so high refers to the wall she builds around him.

[@skyscraper7474]

@@dagmar.6954 i know, i know. I m not surprised. And all i can say is that i m very sorry, for them. Aniway, when we talk about pink floyd we are not only talking about a rock band, simply a rock band. but something that is part of the social, historical and cultural heritage of humanity. regardless if you know them or not and if you like them or not. because whether you are old or young, I will never believe that at least once in your life you have not listened to a song on the radio, seen on TV or heard about pink floyd.

[@destinyreelly2974]

What I love so much about this song is it’s one of the first to talk about dysfunctional (parent/child) mother/son relationships…at a time when these things really weren’t talked about. She instilled so much fear and insecurity in him that he could crumble at any time. It’s heartbreaking.

[@verszka1678]

This song reminds me of a line from one of my favorite movies, Ingmar Bergman's Autumn Sonata: "The mother's injuries are handed down to the daughter. The mother's failures are paid for by the daughter. The mother's unhappiness is the daughter's unhappiness. It's as if the umbilical cord had never been cut."

[@rhwinner]

The perils of (s)motherly love....

[@briankent9097]

I love your your show guys. If you want your mind blown, purchase The Wall movie. Pink Floyd developed a skit for each song. Comfortably Numb and Mother will answer all your questions. It’s very cool to get in they’re head space.

[@kimberlinibambini1988]

2 words sum this up- overprotective Mother- In the beginning “Mamas gonna make all your nightmares come true...” TOO overprotective and therefore he becomes a mess of insecurities,etc..- the last line... “Mother did it need to be so high?” Meaning “the wall” she helped him build... 💖💙👍🤘🏼

[@markherring3513]

I always thought the lyric was "Mother did you have to be so high"..implying his mom was always high to deal with her pain and loss.........but you today you just educated me..thanks. Your explanation makes more sense to me.

[@hazza9595]

@@markherring3513 Thought the same until I saw the lyric video

[@srt8rocketship241]

No one can bring the emotions like this Masterclass band. Professional and no detail overlooked , no matter how small.

[@ALong-fo5so]

This song has one of the shortest but the most intense and emotional guitar solos that only Gilmour can play. One of Gilmour’s best.

[@alexthegemini666]

"Mother did it need to be so high" referring to all the insecurities and fears that a mothers mind can put on a child which can cause them to build a metaphorical Wall, eventually leading to isolation and depression

[@empyrealone]

The last line "mother did it need to be so high?" is referring to the wall. As in the wall she built around him to protect him. She was overprotective.

[@briangbv1]

Great reaction video!!! So many people commented on the song and the amazing album it was on already...but I want to say how amazing of a couple you two are together as well. Your interactions with one another is pure love...and it is fantastic. Keep these videos coming...they bring many of us joy, happiness and hope.

[@lonelyboy90210able]

Hey guys, you need to listen to the live version from 1980, very emotional, it'll break your heart apart.

[@muadib0137]

In the context of the full movie/album (which I truly hope y'all will react to the whole movie...not just the album) this stand alone song is about an overprotective mother that helps her son to start building emotional and social walls and cutting himself off from the World.

[@deejayturtle]

It must be legendary bangers Friday at Asia and Bj's... I'm here for it , let's go!

[@melaniejordan1199]

Asia, you are right. I lost my Mom last April at the age of 87 (I'm 53) and I still wish I could get a hug or a hand-hold from her when I'm sad or struggling. It doesn't matter your age. There is NOTHING like a Mom.

[@quintondees4501]

Genius music, Pink Floyd, best ever.....

[@Dickey_Moe09]

Watch the movie, sir. It's called Pink Floyd "The Wall" It's somewhat of an autobiography

[@candilumpkin1196]

I love Pink Floyd😍 have never seen them live. It breaks my heart. Every blue moon they tour in Europe. And their old guitarist David Gilmore tours solo as well. But once in a while their tours cross paths and they do a few tunes together. And that’s the show I want to go to. A few years ago they were both touring and I saw where they were crossing paths in London around 2001 or 2002. He sings live on top of the wall. I begged my husband to go to the 2 scheduled shows knowing he was gonna show up at one of them I just knew. My hubby refused and then it hit the internet after the show. I set up the laptop and showed my husband. He’s been trying to make it up to me ever since. Lol. I’ve never predicted another one. And they haven’t toured in the us since I was old enough to go to rock concerts. But every Pink Floyd album is set up to listen from beginning to end its an experience

[@flash218ily]

Mother's gonna help build "The Wall"....that's the wall of alienation from people...."Mother did it need to be so high?".....that means the wall of alienation has produced a grown man who's a train wreck with psychological issues....and no other band can take dismal memories from real life experiences and turn it into a moving piece of musical gold!

[@samiware1704]

One of the most genius and deep moments in this song is when Roger says "OOOOOHHHH A, mother will she break my heart" wwwoooowww. As if it came from the sky.

[@bigron725]

This song is part of the album 'The Wall' which tells the story of Pink, a man who becomes more and more isolated from his feelings and others due to the events of his life. These events are seen as 'bricks' in a wall which he builds between himself and his feelings towards others. This particular song relates how his over-protective mother places the first bricks in the wall by trying to protect him from everything. This is due to his father being killed in the fighting of World War 2. The song particularly relates how his mother attempts to shield him from sex. Quoted from a lyric site

[@chriscollesano8463]

Lost my mom when I was 12. So many things I needed to hear from her..

[@jonathansmith3742]

I was listening to The Wall in 1979. Saw the concert in 1980. Best show ever. Try listening to The Wall start to finish no stops except to flip and change the records. "Mother, did it need to be so high?"

[@jimhardiman3836]

The key lyric in this song is: Mother should I build a wall. Which ties this song into the context of the concept album The Wall. The protagonist of the story is traumatized throughout his life by his father, his mother, his girlfriends, his teacher as they project their neuroses upon him until he builds a wall to escape from it all. It is partially autobiographical about the bassist/singer Roger Waters. It's an excellent double album well worth listening to that's like a movie for your ears.

[@DB-kl9bp]

You pretty much nailed it except that the main character wasn't traumatized by his father, because the father died in WW 2.

[@jimhardiman3836]

@@DB-kl9bp yes I should have said traumatized by the death of his father during the war.

[@carlbaker7242]

BJ , Asia. I wasn't on the team 2 years ago but we take our PF very deep. This is one of my touching favorites. Thanks for doing this one. ❤

[@supertrexandroidx]

It's basically about an overprotective, suffocating mom. Rogers Waters told Mojo magazine in 2009: "My mother was suffocating in her own way. She always had to be right about everything. I'm not blaming her. That's who she was. I grew up with a single parent who could never hear anything I said, because nothing I said could possibly be as important as what she believed. My mother was, to some extent, a wall herself that I was banging my head against. She lived her life in the service of others. She was a school teacher. But it wasn't until I was 45, 50 years old that I realised how impossible it was for her to listen to me."

[@leonardbellinger5223]

This is part of the story try the video "The Wall" it's an experience you will enjoy and it has a lot of very good music.

[@TheMkamix]

One of many great tracks from one of rock's best ever albums.

[@troycoxdeoccultingtheoccul358]

You two should watch the wall movie versions of the songs. You will have much better context. When you guys have time you should watch the movie “Pink Floyd The Wall”. I love watching you two listen to old classic rock. Thank you.

[@sonjadarby1158]

Pink Floyd albums usually tell a story. listening to random selections is nice enough, but to get the full story you really do need to listen to the album from beginning to end. Pink Floyd albums aren't just records, they are an experience.

[@spagsketti]

This is one of my favorites on "The Wall" LP. (yes I said "LP" My experience with this album was on vinyl at 15-16 years old in 1983-1984). This song is a great example of Roger Waters shrill highs that add to the greatness of his singing.

[@andersonlmjr]

Asia, you got it. I’m 55 grew up listening to PF. I also grew up without a mother. My father did his best but you can’t replace the love of a mother. I wore out 3 or 4 cassette tapes of the Wall in my teen years. This song still hits me the same way it did the first time i herd it.

[@KentBalzer]

This song fits into the concept of the album The Wall. The Wall is a psychological barrier that we create to protect our sensitive emotions from pain. Our mothers tend to be the most influential at creating strong barriers against the outside world and that's what this song is all about.

[@sonicart1808]

Well spotted BJ... this song is indeed about an over protective mother, great band and great reaction thank you both.

[@sarahmendezmathis]

This is one of my favorite bands, but my all-time favorite Pink Floyd song is Wish You Were Here. Yall should check it out

[@roymeryman8098]

Watch “The Wall”. These songs are contextual.

[@lordjoakim]

Swedish band "Hellacopters" are releasing first album in 14(!) years, two new singles out but check out some old ones!! You'll love songs like "hopeless case of a kid in denial" and "toys and flavors" 👍

[@2869may]

Solo David Gilmour ~ "No Way Out Of Here", "Raise My Rent", "So Far Away" and "No Way"....

[@tnightwolf]

The Wall (original double-album + original VHS/DVD) it's just an incredible and timeless experience!

[@josea5859]

You guys are awesome. One of my favorite Pink Floyd albums is "Animals" and my favorite songs in the album are "Pigs", "Sheep" and "Pigs on the Wing 2". You guys should give them a listen.

[@Randsurfer]

You are giving "Mama" too much credit. She is an utter villain in The Wall. She psychologically sabotages her son at every turn.

[@QCTred]

“Mother did it need to be so high” I mean Roger Waters is just a genius. There’s literally no other way you could end that song any better. The album is the Wall. It’s studied around the world. The Wall is used as a metaphor for everything. In this song it’s used as protection to keep out the danger but then also was it built too tall to where it’s still going to leave negative impacts. It’s just brilliant

[@danielmarshall3102]

This song was written within the context of the whole album "THE WALL". The albums songs go through a collection of life's circumstances a person may encounter that build "Walls", within ourselves and between each other.

[@davenoppe8574]

The last line: “Mother did it to be so high?” It’s question about the Wall that Mother helped build. Did the walk need to be so high? Just my interpretation. Will ask Roger Watters next time I see him.

[@donebaltazar5069]

I hear you Asia exactly. When it's taken away, it's your turn. 💪👍 You both are awesome. Keep on, keeping on. ❤️

[@waywatcher9779]

I love you people! You guys have an honest conversation...

[@stanleymyrick4068]

This song is part of a story, that the album "The Wall" tells.

[@inJesusname1992]

I'm on a pink floyd binge witb yiu guys, great reaction!!

[@chriko22]

Nice to see you reating to pinkfloyd angain! please react to Shine on creazy diamond album version one day you will love it!

[@asmr-art1844]

💯 I second this 👌

[@jasonq111]

“Mothers gonna put all of her fears into u….” Again, Roger Watsrs is exploring universal truths and heavy themes about parents instilling their own insecurities and fears into their children. Just incredible lyrics by Waters, per usual……

[@gregw1973]

The key to its meaning is in the last words... "Mamma did it need to be so high?" He means the Wall that she helped start to build around him as a child with her over protective nature after his dad died. Sees it as a key to his later isolation. ✌😁 Good stuff. Love your reactions.

[@emmett-amber5456]

My mom passed two months after I turned 17. I am now 32, and a mom myself and this song is just beautifully written. Their music brings emotions out that need to be healed. It hit me differently when I was younger than 17. It hit differently when I lost her. It hit differently when I became a mom. The way you both view it is correct, because it's your own personal view. Both views are hitting you personally, in a different way and that's why their music is genius. You should check out their song "Childhood's End".

[@boroush7918]

This is a great song.

[@texastedskol]

You need to listen to this album from start to finish to have any of the songs make sense. This was during WWll and focuses on an English child growing up in England during that terrible time. And follows him in the later years.

[@jonathanmoon86]

The Final Cut is an amazing album also by Waters

[@conrad98gtp]

It's almost a sense of misguided love. Not allowing you to see the world realistically, and allow you to bloom. Taking in her fears and insecurities and building you up with that sense of fear and insecurity, leaving you to venture into the world unprepared.

[@Kelson64]

There is really nothing “nurturing” about this song. If anything, it’s terrifying. The song describes an overbearing mother who refuses to let her son grow up and be his own man. Whenever I hear this song, it reminds me of Norman Bates from Psycho.

[@TheWizardOfEgo]

Yes a very unhealthy dynamic - esp the lyric - implying that girls are 'dirty'

[@PaulJoeTX]

OmgMother….❤️ you guys! Woohoo!

[@LetsDoEntertainment]

As stated, the whole album, The Wall, is one story. Part autobiographical, part dystopian view of the future of the world from the perspective of a musician. A deeply troubled musician. Watch the film. Straight through.

[@hollyharvey1986]

I feel ya Asia..I ate some chips and the roof of my mouth is hurting:/ love this song and I love y’all’s channel and what you guys are doing! Much love 💚 Little Texas

[@albataalbata1380]

I remember reading somewhere when waters left pf they “let him” take “the wall” cause according to Gilmour nobody could ever sing Waters’ parts with that emotion as he did

[@johnw2290]

Please, please.....watch the "Pulse" concert movie from the 1994 Division Bell Tour. The audio is perfect for a live show, and it is one of, if not THE best stage lighting/light shows you will ever see. It took 3-1/2 days to construct the stage, lighting, and audio/visual equipment. Because of this, they had 3 identical stages that leapfrogged venues, so they would be set up when they got there. They also had to do this because, in addition to the 3-1/2 day lead time to build the stage, it also took 2 days to take it down. It's like a 2 hour concert, but it doesn't feel like it if you like Pink Floyd. Plus, you get the extended live version of a lot of these songs you're listening to. Or I guess you could watch the concert, doing reaction videos for the songs. Maybe a couple at a time, because a lot of them feed from one song to the next.

[@UPYOUREYEBALL]

You'll need to watch The Wall...gives a perspective to the music

[@agunslinger9349]

One really needs to watch the movie The Wall to see how Floyd really intended these song to portray in that story line. The Wall, there great rock opera story, sheds a lot of light of light on many of these songs that people try to guess the meaning of. It's spelled out very clearly in The Wall. Amazing movie and soundtrack.

[@nathanielhorrigan9085]

Love you guys!!! Peace and love

[@stephenbrown199]

One of my favorite songs

[@mattsmith8901]

The guitar solo itself tells the story. Brilliant.

[@frederickgallegos2047]

What I always say to reactors when they listen to a Pink Floyd song from the movie "the wall". Is to watch the movie and a lot of it will make sense.

[@trevorholden7423]

BJ you were so right on the money earlier in your clip, yes it is about an over protective mother and the damage that they can do to an innocent child who is so dependent on what is the mothers opinion.. Thanks so much guys

[@delivertilidie8356]

Check out Floyd’s song “ The Gunners Dream “. You never hear it on the radio but it’s a great song off a very underrated album.

[@hazza9595]

I always thought the last line was "mother, did you need to be so high?", not "mother, did it need to be so high". Completely changed the message of the same for me. One of my favourite Pink Floyd song for sure.

[@danielwilliams6952]

Out of all the pink flyod songs b this is my favorite

[@trudy5963]

I just found out that Pink Floyd has a Facebook channel in which they have posted the movie, "The Wall". Watch it to understand the entirety of the music from the Wall.

[@srt8rocketship241]

Y'all should watch the movie entitled Pink Floyd The Wall. Make sure you turn up the Soundsystem.

[@roddydiaz1090]

Love you guys, check out the whole album.

[@WiseOwlAdvice]

For the understanding of all 'The Wall' songs it is crucial to start at the very beginning. And then work yourself through the story. Every song of the album gives you another brick of the wall. By picking single songs out of the whole you cannot get the meaning of the lyrics.

[@leonardbellinger5223]

Pink Floyd is meant to listen to as a complete album to really get an understanding of many of Pink Floyd is to watch "Pink Floy the Wall" or due the 2 cd set of the Wall, one of the best concerts the "Wall" in Berlin as the USSR collapsed and the Berlin wall was torn down and Berliner's were reunited Great music and times a rarity in these days of nuclear annihilation threat.

[@samiware1704]

The voice of Roger in 7:24 till 7:43 feels like it comes from deep within the heart of suffering it is something amazing it is like magic something angelic. Though david gilmour has such a trait in his voice sometimes, but it never comes close to that of Roger.

[@2869may]

"Mother did it need to be so high..."

[@georgelynch6139]

Floyd’s albums are like novels, you’ll always have issues trying to understand by only reading one random chapter.

[@PriestessOfNothing]

Despite not really being the intended idea of the song, this song still seems to bring a lot of people to tears with good memories of their mothers. It definitely hits harder when you start bringing mama into the story.

[@user-kn5vp2qq6d]

PF albums are like books. The wall is no exception. The first song begins the story and the last ends it. The mother is from the middle, so you can’t fully understand her meaning. Others have already explained it and the best advice is to listen to the whole album.

[@mikejohnson7473]

I think you should listen to "animals" all the way through, full album you won't regret it

[@walterfleury3840]

Love how Roger Waters and David Gilmour trade off lead vocals on this one. Roger plays the part of the son asking the questions, David plays the part of the mother talking to the child.

[@joycemullins3233]

If you watch the movie, "The Wall", you would see how the main character, Pink, was raised then watch his decent into mental illness... It would help you better understand all the songs from "The Wall".