The Child Will Fly: Roger Waters' Collaborative Anthem for the ALAS Foundation
In the world of music, few things are as powerful as a global collaboration driven by a humanitarian cause. The Child Will Fly is a sprawling, 13-minute composition created by English musician Roger Waters to support the ALAS Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being and development of children across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Described as having a "Floyd-esque" feel—referencing the atmospheric harmonies characteristic of Pink Floyd—the track blends the grandeur of a rock opera with the organic textures of South American folk music. Its primary goal is to highlight the untapped potential of children in the region, suggesting that with the right support, they can rise to become legendary figures like the singer Carlos Gardel or the Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez.
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Key Facts
- Artist: Written and led by Roger Waters.
- Collaborators: Features Shakira, Gustavo Cerati, Pedro Aznar, and Eric Clapton.
- Purpose: Created for the ALAS Foundation to promote child development in Latin America.
- Duration: Approximately 13 minutes.
- Recording Date: Recorded in New York City in 2008.
- Release: Leaked online in early 2014.
Composition and Recording Process
The recording of "The Child Will Fly" took place in New York City in 2008. The process was highly collaborative, with Argentine musicians Gustavo Cerati and Pedro Aznar staying at Roger Waters' home to record their contributions first. Following their sessions, Colombian superstar Shakira and legendary guitarist Eric Clapton added their parts to the track.
Musically, the song is a complex arrangement. While the structure leans toward a rock opera, it incorporates folk elements to ground it in the culture of the children it represents. The instrumental sections are highlighted by a guitar solo from Eric Clapton and multi-instrumental contributions from Pedro Aznar.
Lyrical Themes and Cultural References
The lyrics are socially charged, focusing on the struggles and hopes of Latin American youth. To provide authentic regional perspectives, Shakira and Cerati perform their sections in Spanish. Shakira’s lyrics specifically reference the favelas (densely populated urban shantytowns) of Rio de Janeiro, while Cerati’s lyrics evoke the imagery of the Peruvian Andes.
| Artist | Nationality | Contribution/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Waters | English | Lead Artist / Composer |
| Shakira | Colombian | Vocals (Spanish) |
| Gustavo Cerati | Argentine | Vocals (Spanish) |
| Pedro Aznar | Argentine | Instruments |
| Eric Clapton | English | Guitar Solo |
A Legacy of Global Connection
Beyond the music, "The Child Will Fly" serves as a testament to the ability of art to unite diverse talents for a common good. By bringing together icons from different continents and genres, the project emphasized the global responsibility toward child welfare. For Gustavo Cerati, the song holds particular poignancy, as it stands among the final recordings he completed before falling into a coma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ALAS Foundation?
The ALAS Foundation is a Latin American non-profit organization focused on the development and well-being of children in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Who are the musicians featured on the track?
The song features Roger Waters, Shakira, Gustavo Cerati, Pedro Aznar, and Eric Clapton.
What is the musical style of the song?
It is described as a 13-minute rock opera and South American folk song with harmonies reminiscent of Pink Floyd.
When was the song recorded and released?
The song was recorded in New York City in 2008, though it did not become available to the public until it leaked online in early 2014.
What are the main themes of the lyrics?
The lyrics are socially charged, focusing on the potential of Latin American children and referencing specific locations like the Peruvian Andes and the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.