Why “Hey Hey Rise Up” Became An Unexpected Pink Floyd Anthem

March 20, 2025

It was a chilly March evening in 2022 when a sense of urgency swept across the music world. Roger Waters, the legendary co-founder of Pink Floyd, had decided to record a new version of the song “Hey Hey Rise Up.” This wasn’t just any song – it was a stirring piece inspired by the terrible suffering caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. As the news spread about the invasion and the struggles faced by the Ukrainian people, Waters felt an overwhelming need to respond through music. He believed that art could uplift and inspire hope, especially during dark times when the world seemed to be unraveling.

As Waters teamed up with Ukrainian musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk, who had left his own music career behind to fight for his country, the collaboration took on a life of its own. The powerful opening notes of the song echoed with emotion, capturing the anguish and resilience of those affected by the conflict. Khlyvnyuk’s haunting voice added a deep, personal touch, making the song resonate with listeners in a profound way. When the music video was released, millions watched, and it became clear that this was not just another song – it was a rallying cry. People everywhere began to share it, highlighting how art can connect us all, even when we are miles apart.

Suddenly, “Hey Hey Rise Up” transformed into an unexpected anthem, bringing echoes of Pink Floyd’s message of unity and peace back to the forefront. Fans, both old and new, found themselves inspired not just by the music, but by the importance of standing up for what is right. Concerts across the globe began featuring the song, with people coming together to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine, illustrating the power of music to ignite change. For Waters, witnessing this was a reminder of why he had dedicated his life to music – to spark conversations, evoke emotions, and inspire actions that could help create a better world.

The song’s success brought Waters renewed energy in his career, reminding him that even in the darkest moments, there is always a flicker of hope. He toured with renewed purpose, sharing the message of the song and fostering a sense of community among audiences. The unexpected popularity of “Hey Hey Rise Up” rekindled his passion for performance, reminding him that the essence of rock music lies in its ability to empower individuals and unite them for a common cause. Each concert became not just a performance, but a celebration of resilience and determination.

As the months went by, “Hey Hey Rise Up” became more than just a song; it was a testament to the strength of the human spirit amidst adversity. Fans would tell stories of how the song encouraged them to stand up for justice, to speak out against injustice, and to believe in a brighter future. The emotional impact of the song solidified it as a modern anthem, one that would continue to resonate long after the conflict had faded from the news. For Roger Waters, this unexpected revival felt like a completion of a journey he had begun decades earlier with Pink Floyd, reminding everyone that music, at its heart, is about connection, resilience, and hope.

In the end, “Hey Hey Rise Up” became a symbol of not just musical artistry, but of solidarity and compassion as well. It showed that even in the face of despair, we can rise together, inspired by the stories of others and the sounds of our shared humanity. The song reminded us all that no matter how vast the oceans or how high the walls may seem, music has the power to bring us together and lift us up, bridging divides and inspiring us to rise up for what we believe in.