Roger Waters shares reimagined Pink Floyd’s Numb with Mona Miari

In a powerful act of artistic reinterpretation, musician Roger Waters has collaborated with Palestinian singer Mona Miari to transform Pink Floyd’s iconic “Comfortably Numb” into a poignant tribute to the Palestinian people.

The resulting piece is more than just a musical remix; it functions as a deeply personal and political statement. By incorporating new English and Arabic lyrics, the collaboration recontextualizes the classic track from 1979’s “The Wall,” channeling its energy into a narrative about Palestinian history and resilience.

A key element of this reimagining is the lyrical shift in the refrain. The original line, “I have become comfortably numb,” has been adapted by Waters and Miari into the more defiant declaration: “I will never become comfortably numb.”

To further deepen the narrative, Miari introduced a new section titled “Hind’s Lullaby.” This poignant addition is inspired by the tragic story of Hind Rajab, the six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed alongside her family in Gaza in January 2024, serving as a solemn remembrance of the recent suffering.

The project is accompanied by a video featuring footage filmed in Gaza, adding stark visual weight to the musical message. The proceeds from this powerful release will be donated directly to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, ensuring the work supports humanitarian efforts.

Waters expressed hope that this song would resonate with listeners not just today, but a decade from now. He suggested that the piece holds a prophetic truth, reflecting the idea that “there is a right and a wrong,” positioning the work firmly on the “right side of history.”

He invoked the concept of Ṣumūd, an Arabic term signifying Palestinian steadfastness and endurance in the face of occupation. Miari echoed this sentiment, hoping that those who listen could reflect on the truth and cherish the urgency for freedom amidst the sense of resistance.

In addressing past controversies surrounding anti-Semitism, Waters stated clearly that he holds no such views, asserting that his criticism is directed at the actions of the Israeli government and Zionism rather than any specific group of people. He emphasized that religious affiliation is irrelevant to his stance.

This artistic venture emerges amid ongoing discussions about political stances and historical memory. Waters has previously engaged in public debates regarding the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and has addressed various accusations concerning his past conduct and public statements.

The collaboration serves as a potent reminder that art can bridge political divides, offering a space for shared reflection on profound historical trauma and the enduring call for justice and freedom.