perhaps the most revealing and honest song ever penned by Roger (and he wrote a lot of those types of songs...)

some people get by with a little understanding, some people get by with a whole lot more..

Think back to when Bon Scott played his last gig with AC/DC (it’s actually this day 27.01) back in 1980 before he would succumb to an untimely death due to misadventure and remember how the world seemed less complicated and more focussed on serious issues as opposed to Tik Tok or Instagram and if we don't think we've lost something we're crazy...but if we think it's coming back anytime soon then we are complete fools. Michael Keaton in a scene from 'Birdman' is here due to his brilliant acting abilities as well as the late great John Belushi...dig Mike & John, supreme talents for sure! can you still recall in the juke box hall when the music played and the world spun round to a brand new sound in those far off days.. in their blue suede shoes they would scream and shout as they sang the blues, let it all hang out.. rock and roll...

Song Info

Genre

Alternative • Cover Songs

Charts

Peak #12

Peak in subgenre #2

Author

Roger Waters

Rights

c. 1979 Roger Waters

Uploaded

April 01, 2025

Track Files

MP3

MP3 4.6 MB • 179 kbps • 3:37

Story behind the song

story behind Rog's two LP's, The Wall and Pros and Cons...Roger had both suites of songs pretty much ready to go but he also knew he would (at some stage in the future) leave the band so he wanted to keep the most introspective and emotionally charged set for his solo debut...so, as we soon discovered that sure did see 'Pros and Cons' elevated to some sort of lofty and exalted level, being thought of by it's author as more emotionally wrought, nakedly honest and achingly real than that of The Wall.. man, just gotta love Rog! this version have used Kath's sampled & OG vocals in the mix.

Lyrics

Got a little black book with my poems in
Got a bag with a toothbrush and a comb in
When I'm a good dog, they sometimes throw me a bone in

I got elastic bands keeping my shoes on
Got those swollen hand blues
I got thirteen channels of shit on the TV to choose from
I've got electric light
And I've got second sight
I've got amazing powers of observation
And that is how I know
When I try to get through
On the telephone to you
There'll be nobody home

I've got the obligatory Hendrix perm
And the inevitable pinhole burns
All down the front of my favourite satin shirt
I've got nicotine stains on my fingers
I've got a silver spoon on a chain.
I've got a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains
I've got wild staring eyes
And I've got a strong urge to fly
But I got nowhere to fly to
Oooooh, babe when I pick up the phone
There's still nobody home...

I've got a pair of Gohil's boots
But I got fading roots...

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Comments 7

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KeithMitchell

Jan 26

Another great cover Greg. The vocals, yours and the female backgroud are sublime. Superb stuff!

Ridiculousdream

Jan 26

Nice cover! Roger is a great lyric writer in my opinion. One of the best, right there with Dylan.

Nigel Hardy

Sep 23, 2025

Brilliant cover Greg. I think it’s from the wall album if I’m not mistaken. Love the way you perform this. The female part sounds great also. You really nailed all the orchestral parts! Fantastic production and performance

soundsbyramolly

Jun 17, 2025

Good cover production, nice work on your interpretation, love the background vocal.

Tony DeLecce

Jun 17, 2025

Excellent musical production.  Enjoyed the piano performance.  Vocals are very good 
I am not familiar with this song but I hear the Roger touch. Nice !

MikeBennett

Jun 15, 2025

Another fine version of a classic. Love piano tone and mix with the vocals riding on top. Nice!

steveweyman

Apr 29, 2025

I think the vocals are great ! Production and playing are really good . You portray Roger Waters brilliantly!

Nobody Home

GeeS