My first brush with Pink Floyd was thanks to “The Wall”. I recall heading to San Francisco to see it on a truly BIG screen and seeing the movie was like a WOW moment, and it got me digging deeper into what Pink Floyd was all about. Of course the follow on album was “The Final Cut,” which I loved (but received less than stellar reviews). BUT, that’s when I stumbled upon a whole universe of their music, and… “Animals” remains a true favorite.
The album “Animals” by Pink Floyd, released in 1977, carries a strong political message that resonates with George Orwell’s literary works, particularly “Animal Farm” and “1984”. It critiques the social and political landscape of 1970s Britain by using animals as metaphors for different social classes and behaviors. The album is divided into distinct sections that represent different societal groups: the pigs symbolize the greedy and corrupt leaders, the dogs represent aggressive and opportunistic businessmen, and the sheep are simply the passive and easily led masses (sheepeople).
The opening track “Pigs on the Wing (Part One)” sets a somber tone, addressing themes of apathy and fear under the rule of the oppressive ‘pigs’. The song “Dogs” delves into the cutthroat nature of business and capitalism, where survival and success often come at the expense of others. The imagery in the lyrics suggests a predatory environment where only the most ruthless thrive, highlighting the disillusionment and isolation that come with such a lifestyle.
“Pigs (Three Different Ones)” continues the critique with a focus on specific figures of authority and control, using sardonic and direct language to call out their hypocrisy and manipulation. The final track, “Sheep”, shifts towards a more optimistic tone, depicting a rebellion of the masses against their oppressors, suggesting a potential for change and uprising against the established order.
The album closes with “Pigs on the Wing (Part Two)”, which contrasts the bleak societal commentary with a personal touch, suggesting that individual connections and care can offer protection and meaning amidst the harsh and uncaring world.
Roger Waters, is of course, the principal songwriter. Waters was inspired by his personal experiences and observations of the music industry and society at large, using the album as a platform to express his disillusionment with the capitalist system and its impact on human relationships and society. The themes of deceit, exploitation, and the quest for genuine happiness and fulfillment are recurrent throughout the album, making “Animals” an incredibly poignant critique of the human condition and societal structures.
For more in-depth analysis and perspectives on Pink Floyd’s “Animals”, explore the discussions on Live for Live Music and Rocks Off Mag, which delve into the themes, song meanings, and the album’s enduring relevance.
Orwell and Animals
Around ten years ago, I was immersed in Orwell phase, of course, I revisited “Animal Farm.” During that time, it seemed there was a tangible link between Orwell’s narrative and the album.
In Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and Floyd’s “Animals,” both works obviously use animals as allegorical figures to critique societal and political structures, but they do so in slightly different contexts and with varying meanings.
Animal Farm:
- Dogs: In “Animal Farm,” dogs represent the bodyguards or the secret police of a totalitarian regime. Orwell uses them to symbolize the brute force and intimidation used by those in power to suppress dissent and maintain control. Specifically, Napoleon, the pig who leads the farm into a dictatorship, uses dogs to enforce his will and eliminate his enemies.
- Pigs: The pigs in “Animal Farm” symbolize the ruling class and the intelligentsia who lead the revolution but eventually become the oppressors. They start off advocating for equality but gradually become indistinguishable from the humans (oppressors) they overthrew.
- Sheep: Sheep represent the masses or the general public who are easily manipulated and controlled. They are depicted as unthinking and gullible, repeating whatever slogans they are taught by the pigs, thereby helping to maintain the pigs’ power through their ignorance and passivity.
- Horse: The horse, specifically Boxer, represents the working class or proletariat. Boxer is strong, hardworking, and loyal but is ultimately betrayed by those he serves. His fate reflects Orwell’s critique of how the working class is used and discarded by those in power.
Pink Floyd’s “Animals”:
- Dogs: as mentioned above, dogs represent the aggressive, cutthroat businesspeople and politicians who are willing to do anything to climb the social ladder. The song “Dogs” describes the characters as ruthless and cunning, suggesting that their way of life leads to isolation and betrayal, ultimately a lonely death.
- Pigs: The pigs in “Animals” are depicted in the song “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” and symbolize greedy, corrupt leaders who abuse their power for personal gain. They are criticized for their moral bankruptcy and hypocrisy.
- Sheep: Sheep, represent the masses who are led by the pigs and dogs. The song “Sheep” describes how the sheep eventually rise up against their oppressors, suggesting a potential for revolution against corrupt leadership.
While both “Animal Farm” and “Animals” use similar animal symbolism to critique power structures and societal dynamics, the specific representations and themes they explore are tailored to their respective narratives and contexts. Orwell’s work is a direct allegory of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath, while Pink Floyd’s album is more broadly a critique of capitalist society and the dehumanizing effects of modern political and economic systems.
Too much? Well, regardless—an amazing album and an incredible book.
Mastermind Century Group 