"Free Four" is a Pink Floyd song written and sung by Roger Waters, from the album Obscured by Clouds.^[1][2]

Recording and lyrics[link]

The song begins with a rock and roll count-in; but in this case Pink Floyd decided to play with words and record, "One, Two, FREE FOUR!" The song deals with themes that would become standard for Waters in albums following this, notably his father's death and the "evils" of the record industry. Although the song is mellow during the lyrical portions, the guitar solo launches into a heavier tone, with a progression reminiscent of the instrumental "One of These Days". "Free Four" was released as a single in 1972 and reached FM radio's top 50 list. It seems to be an entirely atypical choice for airplay, as it is one of Pink Floyd's most musically anomalous songs recalls late-'60s Kinks' power pop sound with a melody like solo Paul McCartney decorated by fuzz guitar riffs and handclaps that recall T. Rex's classic singles. According to an AMG reviewer's opinion, the sound of "Free Four" is also reminiscent of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime".

A later Pink Floyd song lyric, 1983's "Not Now John", would reuse the "One, two, free four" phrase (but not as a count-in).

Personnel[link]

• Roger Waters — bass, vocals and hand clapping
• David Gilmour — guitars
• Richard Wright — synthesiser
• Nick Mason — drums and percussion

References[link]

External links[link]

• AMG song review

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