“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” is one of Pink Floyd’s most iconic songs, released in on November 30, 1979 as part of their concept album The Wall. Written by the band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Roger Waters, the song became a global hit and is widely regarded as a protest anthem. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topped charts in many other countries. The song is best known for its message against authoritarianism in education and its catchy chorus, “We don’t need no education.”
“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” is part of a three-part song cycle on The Wall, a rock opera that tells the story of a character named Pink, who builds a metaphorical wall around himself as a defense mechanism against the trauma and isolation he experiences throughout his life. Each “brick” in the wall represents an event or emotional wound that pushes Pink further into isolation. In “Part 2,” the “brick” represents Pink’s negative experience with the educational system, particularly the oppressive, authoritarian teachers who stifle creativity and individuality. The song reflects Waters’ own experiences with the rigid British schooling system of his youth and critiques how institutionalized education can turn children into conforming, unthinking individuals.
Musically, “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” blends rock, funk, and disco influences, which was a departure from Pink Floyd’s more traditional progressive rock sound. The song’s rhythm is driven by a prominent disco-style bassline, combined with a catchy guitar riff by David Gilmour and a steady drumbeat. This gave the track a groovy, accessible feel that contributed to its wide appeal. One of the most memorable aspects of the song is the children’s choir that sings the chorus. Waters and producer Bob Ezrin hired a group of children from a local school to sing the “We don’t need no education” refrain, which adds a powerful, anthemic quality to the song. This element gives the track a sense of collective defiance and protest. David Gilmour’s guitar solo toward the end of the song is another standout feature, showcasing his expressive and melodic playing style, which contrasts the rhythmic, structured feel of the earlier sections.
“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” was a huge commercial success for Pink Floyd. It became their only single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topped the charts in several countries, including the UK, Germany, and South Africa. The song’s success helped drive the popularity of The Wall, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The music video for “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” is part of the larger narrative of The Wall film, released in 1982. The video depicts scenes of children being forced through an industrial, dehumanizing education system, represented as a factory where students march in line, wearing masks, and are molded into identical, faceless figures. The video also shows them being fed into a meat grinder, symbolizing the loss of individuality. Eventually, the children rise up in rebellion, destroying the school and breaking free from their oppressors. The imagery in the video powerfully reinforces the song’s message of resistance against authoritarianism and conformity.
“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” is a timeless anthem of rebellion and individuality. Its powerful message against authoritarianism, coupled with its innovative use of a children’s choir and crossover musical style, made it one of Pink Floyd’s most successful and influential songs. As part of the The Wall album, the song played a key role in cementing the album’s status as one of the greatest concept albums in rock history, while also resonating with generations of listeners who see it as a call for personal freedom and resistance to oppressive systems.