Back in 1984, David Gilmour released his solo album About Face, and one of the songs from the album, “You Know I’m Right,” was written by Gilmour to express his frustration. But why was he frustrated in the first place? it is well known to us all that the creative difference between Gilmour and Roger Waters created tension in their band Pink Floyd.
Another question that arises is that David was still in Pink Floyd but why did he have to release a solo album? well, that is what we will be discussing today.
David Gilmour expressed his frustration in his track You Know I’m Right
Yes, as mentioned, Gilmour was frustrated by Roger Waters because Waters did not let Gilmour do anything in Pink Floyd’s 1983 album and since David was the frontman of the band he had every right to make some change or give his opinion however, Waters refused to listen and it affected their already shaken relationship more.
Gilmour wrote in his song You Know I’m Right that which one of us has the problem you or me? He further wrote that you [Roger Waters] never agree, try to see another side as well. And yes, David did not take Waters’ name however, it is pretty clear that he was pointing to Waters with his song.
Furthermore, Gilmour’s words were really on point because just like there are two sides to a coin, there are also two sides to the story. So who was in the wrong here? well, we are not here to judge anyone or support anyone but Nick Mason, the drummer of Pink Floyd, thinks that Waters doesn’t respect Gilmour.
In an interview with Rolling Stone Mason told, “I think the problem is Roger doesn’t really respect David. He feels that writing is everything, and that guitar playing and the singing are something that, I won’t say anyone can do, but that everything should be judged on the writing rather than the playing.”
Furthermore, Gilmour recalled their situation in 2015 when talking to Mojo and said, “This didn’t begin life as a song about Roger but ended up as one, prompted by the future of Floyd being in doubt, you are tempted to allow yourself to let those grumbles surface in things. I think it’s generally a poor idea. And if I went back to it, I probably wouldn’t do that. It’s impossible not to grumble and moan about the inequalities and injustices of life (laughs).”
Many fans think that Roger wanted control of the band because he was the founding member and David was not however, Nick Mason said that he should respect Gilmour and should realize that songwriting alone is not everything. However, their different opinion started tension and debate in the band.
Which led Waters to quit the band in 1985 and start a solo music career. However, it did not end with Roger quitting the band, he also sued the band as he thought Pink Floyd should not be continuing without him. But after he left the band he was in no position to decide for the band.
