There is indeed a hidden message in this song. The part at the 1:12 mark, when played backwards, reveals this: Congratulations. You have just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the Funny Farm, Chalfont... Pink is the main character on the album The Wall and in the 1982 film version. He's the creation of Pink Floyd bass player Roger Waters, who came up with the concept. After this first message, the voice of engineer James Guthrie is heard over an intercom, shouting out "Roger! Carolyne's on the phone!" This is a reference to Carolyne Christie, who was Waters' wife from 1976-1992.
"Empty Spaces" is one of the fragmented tracks on The Wall, running just 2:10 with the first half entirely instrumental. It advances the storyline with Pink asking, "How should I complete the wall?" At this stage, Pink understands the trauma and disconnect forged from his childhood. He's building the metaphorical wall to cope.
In the movie version of The Wall, an extended version is used, retitled "What Shall We Do Now?" This full version asks many more questions, with Pink, now a rock star, wondering what to do with his riches ("Shall we buy a new guitar?... Fill the attic with cash?").
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