The song has often been described as a protest song and is one of the more political tracks Pink Floyd released after the departure of Roger Waters. The main concept came from Anthony Moore, but David Gilmour has stated that he re-wrote the last verse of both "On the Turning Away" and "Learning to Fly".[4] Musically, it has been called a power ballad. Bassist Guy Pratt has said about its musical structure (referring to the fact that he had to guide Phil Manzanera and Steve DiStanislao through a completely unplanned performance of it in 2006): "The song only has five chords in it, but they don't necessarily show up where you think they will."[5]
It has also been noted for being one of Pink Floyd's rhythmically most complex songs, constantly alternating between various time signatures.[6] Some reviewers have described it as Celtic sounding.
Released as the second single from the album, it reached number one on the BillboardAlbum Rock Tracks chart in early 1988.[7] In the United Kingdom, the song charted at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart.[8]
Song charted at 47 in the Netherlands,[9] and 34 in New Zealand [10]
Cash Box, referring to Waters' departure and Gilmour taking over the songwriting duties, said that "Atlasshrugged, and the results are stunning" and that the song "is filled with apocalyptic imagery and roughhewn rock foundations that Floyd fans crave."[11]
The music video for the track featured a live recording and concert footage filmed during the band's three night run at The OmniinAtlanta, Georgia from 3 to 5 November 1987 directed by Lawrence Jordan (who has directed concert films for Rush, Mariah Carey, and Billy Joel). Promotional videos for "The Dogs of War" and "One Slip" also used footage of this concert. The video made it to number nine on MTV's Video Countdown in January 1988.[citation needed]
Richie Havens performed the song live (as the encore) during his 1998 tour.[14] Progressive metal band Oceans of Slumber covered the song on their 2015 EP, Blue.[15]
