 The poppy is a recurring design theme . The interior gatefold featured three photographs , the first depicting an outdoor scene with an outstretched hand holding three poppies and in the distance , a soldier with his back to the camera . Two more photographs show a welder at work , his mask emblazoned with the Japanese Rising Sun Flag , and a nuclear explosion ; a clear reference to " Two Suns in the Sunset " . The album 's lyrics are printed on the gatefold . Side one of the vinyl disc carries an image of a poppy field and on side two , a soldier with a knife in his back lies face down amongst the poppies , a dog beside him . The back cover features a photograph of a soldier stood upright and holding a film canister , with a knife protruding from his back ( the film canister and knife may reflect Waters ' tumultuous relationship with The Wall film director Alan Parker ) . 
