Hey you, out there in the cold
Getting lonely, getting old
Can you feel me?
Hey you, standing in the aisles
With itchy feet and fading smiles
Can you feel me?
Hey you, don't help them to bury the light
Don't give in without a fight

Hey you out there on your own
Sitting naked by the phone
Would you touch me?
Hey you with you ear against the wall
Waiting for someone to call out
Would you touch me?
Hey you, would you help me to carry the stone?
Open your heart, I'm coming home

But it was only fantasy
The wall was too high
As you can see
No matter how he tried
He could not break free
And the worms ate into his brain

Hey you, out there on the road
Always doing what you're told
Can you help me?
Hey you, out there beyond the wall
Breaking bottles in the hall
Can you help me?
Hey you, don't tell me there's no hope at all
Together we stand, divided we fall


Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae, edited by danibehzi

Hey You [2011 Remastered Version] Lyrics as written by Roger Waters

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sentric Music

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Hey You song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

127 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +12
    General Comment

    In context with the rest of the album, in the past songs this person grew up to resent the people around him and close himself from people. This song is the moment in which being isolated for so long, breaks him. The song is a complex narrative that centers around a nameless person who is basically feeling that no one is answering him or her. The repetition of "Hey You' indicates that the person in the song is desperate to have a connection with other people and bring back his sanity. He is clinging, asking for someone to feel him, touch him, to help him, to hear him. It his isolation from the rest of the world that creates an intense desire for a physical, emotional, communicable level. These forms of communication to another person are basic human needs to avoid feeling desolate. The song quotes, "Would you help me carry the stone." This is the burden of the human condition that needs human affection to have a stable sane life.This person for so long built a wall all around him.
    This song is the manifestation of this emotion. I could imagine this person going to the grocery store and wanting to talk to some random stranger about his life. Ultimately, his isolation tore his mind into shreds. The music helps blend the feeling. The use of guitar for the high repetitive notes with the blend of the low bass melody creates a gloomy, intense and yet it almost seems like the notes in the song is descending into a greater depression. This descend is caused by the one stand out, loud mid (G) double repetitive note that sounds like daodao. And this shifts from that high guitar makes audience feel that transition from a lighter mood, to a darker mood. The timing of the song and the long strides the singer takes to say each phrase makes each word have a stronger emotional meaning. This is what shapes the structure of the song and the meaning behind it.

    khawleyon April 24, 2012   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Album art
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.