Woof! Oink! Baaah!
Animals by Pink Floyd
Animals is one of Pink Floyd’s most conceptually ambitious and politically charged albums. Released in January 1977, the record presents a dark, satirical commentary on modern society, heavily influenced by George Orwell's 1945 novella *Animal Farm*
. In Orwell’s book, animals are used to represent different classes in a critique of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of totalitarianism. Pink Floyd’s *Animals* adapts this framework to attack capitalist society, dividing humans into three categories: pigs, dogs, and sheep. Roger Waters, who wrote most of the album, created a scathing critique of power structures, class divisions, and the alienation of the individual in modern life.
Album Concept and Influence of *Animal Farm*
While Orwell’s *Animal Farm* allegorized the Russian Revolution, Pink Floyd's *Animals* uses animal metaphors to represent various societal figures:
- **Pigs** are corrupt politicians and corporate elites, those in power who manipulate society for their own gain.
- **Dogs** represent the ruthless, competitive businessmen who are always on the prowl, using fear and aggression to climb the societal ladder.
- **Sheep** are the passive, docile masses who blindly follow authority, unable to think for themselves.
This bleak vision of society reflects Roger Waters' growing disillusionment with politics, especially the oppressive political systems and unchecked capitalism of the 1970s. Waters’ lyrics are biting and cynical, reflecting his view that society had lost its humanity and was driven by greed and selfishness.
Album Cover Design and Flying Pig Over Battersea Power Station
The iconic cover of *Animals* features Battersea Power Station in London, with a floating inflatable pig between the two chimneys.
The album's artwork, designed by **Storm Thorgerson** and **Aubrey Powell** of the design collective **Hipgnosis**, was integral to the album's message. The bleak, industrial setting of the power station symbolizes the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, and the pig floating in the sky adds an ironic twist, representing the powerful figures in society watching over everything.
For the shoot, a 40-foot inflatable pig, created by artist **Jeffrey Shaw** and manufactured by the German company Ballon Fabrik, was suspended between the chimneys. On the second day of the photoshoot, the pig broke free and famously drifted across London, causing flights to be grounded. The incident generated significant publicity, and after recapturing the pig, the final image used for the album cover was a composite, where the pig was added to the power station photograph.
Band Members and Guests
*Animals* was recorded by the core Pink Floyd lineup:
- **Roger Waters**: Bass, vocals, acoustic guitar, and the album’s main lyricist and conceptual force.
- **David Gilmour**: Lead guitar and vocals.
- **Richard Wright**: Keyboards and synthesizers.
- **Nick Mason**: Drums and percussion.
By this point, tensions within the band were becoming more pronounced, with Waters taking increasing creative control, which caused friction, particularly with Gilmour and Wright. There were no external guest musicians on the album, which emphasized the band’s more stripped-down, raw sound compared to their previous work.
Songs on the Original Vinyl Album
The original vinyl version of *Animals* features five tracks:
1. **Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)** – A short acoustic piece that opens the album.
2. **Dogs** – A 17-minute epic that explores the aggressive nature of the "dog-eat-dog" mentality of businessmen.
3. **Pigs (Three Different Ones)** – A scathing critique of political and societal leaders.
4. **Sheep** – A rebellion of the oppressed masses, with biblical references and chilling lyrics.
5. **Pigs on the Wing (Part 2)** – A reprise of the opening track, providing a rare moment of warmth and humanity.
The Editing of "Pigs on the Wing" and the 8-Track Version
On the original vinyl release, "Pigs on the Wing" was split into two short parts that bookended the album. However, on the 8-track version, these two parts were joined into one continuous track. The full 8-track version also featured an extended guitar solo by David Gilmour, which is absent from the vinyl version. The decision to cut the solo from the vinyl was likely influenced by Waters’ preference for a more acoustic, stripped-down approach to these segments.
Recording and Production
*Animals* was recorded between April and December 1976 at the band’s own **Britannia Row Studios** in London. Unlike *The Dark Side of the Moon* and *Wish You Were Here*, which were more collaborative efforts, *Animals* saw Waters taking on an increasingly dominant role. David Gilmour provided notable contributions, particularly the iconic guitar work on "Dogs", but Richard Wright’s role in the production was notably diminished, with Waters sidelining him in many creative decisions.
The production also marked a shift in the band's sound. While earlier albums were filled with lush soundscapes, *Animals* is rawer and more aggressive, reflecting the harsher tone of the subject matter.
Internal Tensions and Infighting
By the time *Animals* was being recorded, internal tensions within Pink Floyd were beginning to fester, largely due to Waters’ growing dominance over the band’s creative direction. Gilmour, Wright, and Mason increasingly felt sidelined, especially Wright, who was dissatisfied with his lack of involvement. Waters’ control would continue to grow, ultimately leading to the fracturing of the band during the recording of *The Wall* two years later.
Critical and Chart Success
*Animals* received a mixed reception upon its release. Some critics praised its ambition and political themes, while others found it overly bleak and lacking the melodic richness of their previous work. Nonetheless, the album was a commercial success, reaching No. 2 in the UK and No. 3 in the US. Over time, *Animals* has become recognised as one of Pink Floyd's most important works, lauded for its unflinching critique of society.
The *In the Flesh* Tour
To promote *Animals*, Pink Floyd embarked on the *In the Flesh* tour, which ran from January to July 1977. The tour was notable for its elaborate stage setup, featuring inflatable animals, including the famous pig, and complex lighting. However, it was also during this tour that tensions within the band reached a breaking point. The most infamous incident occurred in Montreal when Waters spat on a fan who was heckling him, an event that later inspired the creation of *The Wall*.
Recent Remix and Controversy
In 2022, Pink Floyd released a remixed version of *Animals*, known as the *2018 Remix*, which had been delayed for several years due to internal disputes, particularly between Roger Waters and David Gilmour over the album’s liner notes. The remix was done by engineer **James Guthrie**, with updated stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes that bring out more detail and depth in the recordings.
However, Waters and Gilmour's ongoing feud made headlines once again, with disagreements over how the album’s legacy and the band's roles were to be presented. Despite this, the remix has been generally well-received by fans for its sonic improvements, even though the delays and disputes cast a shadow over its release.
Wanna know the lyrics? Read on….
PIGS ON THE WING (PART 1)
If you didn't care what happened to me,
And I didn't care for you
We would zig-zag our way
through the boredom and pain
Occasionally glancing up through the rain
Wondering which of the buggers to blame
And watching for pigs on the wing.
DOGS
You gotta be crazy, you gotta have a real need
You gotta sleep on your toes, and when you're on the street
You gotta be able to pick out the easy meat with your eyes closed
And then moving in silently, down wind and out of sight
You gotta strike when the moment is right without thinking.
And after a while, you can work on points for style
Like the club tie, and the firm handshake
A certain look in the eye, and an easy smile
You have to be trusted by the people that you lie to
So that when they turn their backs on you
You'll get the chance to put the knife in.
You gotta keep one eye looking over your shoulder
You know it's going to get harder, and harder, and harder as you get older
And in the end you'll pack up, fly down south
Hide your head in the sand
Just another sad old man
All alone and dying of cancer.
And when you lose control, you'll reap the harvest you have sown
And as the fear grows, the bad blood slows and turns to stone
And it's too late to lose the weight you used to need to throw around
So have a good drown, as you go down alone
Dragged down by the stone.
I gotta admit that I'm a little bit confused
Sometimes it seems to me as if I'm just being used
Gotta stay awake, gotta try and shake of this creeping malaise
If I don't stand my own ground, how can I find my way out of this maze?
Deaf, dumb, and blind, you just keep on pretending
That everyone's expendable and no-one had a real friend
And it seems to you the thing to do would be to isolate the winner
Everything's done under the sun
And you believe at heart, everyone's a killer.
Who was born in a house full of pain
Who was trained not to spit in the fan
Who was told what to do by the man
Who was broken by trained personnel
Who was fitted with collar and chain
Who was given a pat on the back
Who was breaking away from the pack
Who was only a stranger at home
Who was ground down in the end
Who was found dead on the phone
Who was dragged down by the stone.
PIGS (THREE DIFFERENT ONES)
Big man, pig man, ha ha, charade you are
You well heeled big wheel, ha ha, charade you are
And when your hand is on your heart
You're nearly a good laugh
Almost a joker
With your head down in the pig bin
Saying "keep on digging"
Pig stain on your fat chin
What do you hope to find?
When you're down in the pig mine
You're nearly a laugh
You're nearly a laugh
But you're really a cry.
Bus stop rat bag, ha ha, charade you are
You fucked up old hag, ha ha, charade you are
You radiate cold shafts of broken glass
You're nearly a good laugh
Almost worth a quick grin
You like the feel of steel
You're hot stuff with a hat pin
And good fun with a hand gun
You're nearly a laugh
You're nearly a laugh
But you're really a cry.
Hey you Whitehouse, ha ha, charade you are
You house proud town mouse, ha ha, charade you are
You're trying to keep your feelings off the street
You're nearly a real treat
All tight lips and cold feet
And do you feel abused?
You gotta stem the evil tide
And keep it all on the inside
Mary you're nearly a treat
Mary you're nearly a treat
But you're really a cry.
SHEEP
Harmlessly passing your time in the grassland away
Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air
You better watch out
There may be dogs about
I've looked over Jordan and I have seen
Things are not what they seem.
What do you get for pretending the danger's not real
Meek and obedient you follow the leader
Down well trodden corridors into the valley of steel
What a surprise!
A look of terminal shock in your eyes
Now things are really what they seem
No, this is no bad dream.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me down to lie
Through pastures green he leadeth me the silent waters by
With bright knives he releaseth my soul
He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places
He converteth me to lamb cutlets
For lo, he hath great power and great hunger
When cometh the day we lowly ones
Through quiet reflection and great dedication
Master the art of karate
Lo, we shall rise up
And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water.
Blasting and bubbling I fell on his neck with a scream
Wave upon wave of demented avengers
March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream.
Have you heard the news?
The dogs are dead!
You better stay home
And do as you're told
Get out of the road if you want to grow old.
PIGS ON THE WING (PART 2)
You know that I care what happens to you
And I know that you care for me too
So I don't feel alone
Of the weight of the stone
Now that I've found somewhere safe
To bury my bone
And any fool knows a dog needs a home
And shelter from pigs on the wing
In summary, *Animals* stands as a powerful and politically charged album, marking a turning point for Pink Floyd both musically and personally, and its legacy continues to spark debate and admiration to this day.
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