Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters has released the first single off of his recently-announced, forthcoming LP, Is This The Life We Really Want? Titled “Smell the Roses”, it takes a strong political stance, lyrically speaking.
It marks Waters’ first solo release in 25 years. Enlisting the help of producer Nigel Godrich, Waters goes for more of a throwback sound to ’70s rock.
“There’s a mad dog pulling at his chain/ A hint of danger in his eye,” Waters sings. “Wake up and smell the roses/ Close your eyes and pray this wind don’t change.”
However, the chorus heads to even darker territory – a warning, perhaps? “Wake up and smell the roses,” he sings. “There’s nothing but screams in the field of dreams. Nothing but hope at the end of the rope.”
Is This The Life We Really Want? is due out June 2nd.
Listen to “Smell The Roses” below: