Roger Waters Wrote 'San Tropez' After a Holiday in Saint-Tropez — and the Band Loved His Lighter Side

Roger Waters wrote “San Tropez” after a vacation in the South of France, and the lyrics are almost jarringly cheerful by his standards — trading existential dread for sailing, sunsets, and a “good time had by all.” He later said the song came quickly, inspired by the actual rhythm of walking along the beach and the relaxed atmosphere of Saint-Tropez.

The rest of Pink Floyd were reportedly delighted by the change of pace. David Gilmour and Rick Wright jumped into the jazzy, swung arrangement without much fuss, and Nick Mason’s shuffling drums give the track a loose, holiday feel. Nobody had to push Waters toward whimsy; he just brought the tune in, and the band went with it because it worked.