Waiting for the Worms

This is one of the more disturbing songs on the concept album The Wall. It takes place near the end of the story, following "Run Like Hell," where the main character, a rock-star turned despot named Pink, leads his followers on a rampage, targeting minorities. In "Waiting For The Worms" they're even more dangerous, taking over the government and looking to exterminate any opposition or anyone who isn't "pure." It's a clear parallel to the Nazis and The Holocaust, meant to show the dangers in following a charismatic leader over the edge.

The beginning of the song starts with sweet harmony vocals with a chorus that includes Toni Tennille of the Captain & Tennille and Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys. The original plan was to have all members of the Beach Boys harmonize on this song and "The Show Must Go On," but they could only get Johnston. These dreamy vocals lend a stark contrast to what's to come in the song.

The Wall is the creation of Roger Waters, a founding member of Pink Floyd. He enlisted producer Bob Ezrin to help see his vision through, and Ezrin delivered, helping plan out the story musically and segue the songs together seamlessly. The album was expanded into a stage show the band performed in 1980 and 1981 where an actual wall was build on stage (a big one... like 35-feet high). It was also made into a movie in 1982 starring Bob Geldof as Pink.