The first verse is a response to a challenge from an unknown party, to climb a metaphorical hill that the challenger himself was unable to ascend. In climbing this hill, the singer is able to rise above the other's words, hearing them as mere sounds devoid of meaning. The second verse is even more cryptic, and many have claimed it alludes to Syd Barrett, though there is no overt reference and it seems doubtful that Roger would call Syd an 'idiot.' At any rate, the imagery is that of a fool, king of his own reality, smiling and oblivious even as a judgment descends from on high against him. And yet, in spite of this, the fool rises above the magistrate's fear which is the cause of his merciless judgment, and hears instead the humanity of the crowd which sings as one You'll Never Walk Alone, an anthem of hope.