The Show Must Go On

"The Show Must Go On" is the first song on the fourth disc of The Wall, a double album that might be the most famous concept album of all time. The main character is a rock star named Pink who is emotionally damaged and goes through all kinds of transformations. Disc three ends with "Comfortably Numb," where a doctor injects him with something to give him the gumption to go on stage. "The Show Must Go On" finds him wondering if he should really go on, and ultimately deciding he will.

Roger Waters of Pink Floyd was the driving force behind The Wall. On this track he wanted to create a Beach Boys-type sound for the backing, so he bought in Beach Boy Bruce Johnston to sing on it. Toni Tennille of Captain & Tennille is also one of the backup singers.

There is an extra verse that was cut from the studio album but nevertheless appears on its sleeve: Do I have to stand up Wild eyed in the spotlight What a nightmare Why! Don't I turn and run After this, the line "There must be some mistake..." starts. The full song was performed live in concert, and as such appears on Is There Anybody out There? The Wall Live 1980-81.