Down At the Farm: An Essay On "Animals"

"Down at the Farm: An Essay On 'ANIMALS.'"

Pink Floyd's 1977 album, "Animals" probably holds some of the band's most deliciously cynical, grittiest, and scathing work. This is reflected especially in the unyielding lyrics of bassist Roger Waters; the entire album, he says, was an idea that came from George Orwell's classic fairy-tale/social commentary "Animal Farm," in which a group of oppressed barnyard animals are portrayed taking over their own territory again, and the power struggles amongst them--the perfect comparison to everyday human life.
Here is a run-down of the "Animals" trilogy--the album's three centerpieces--and their meanings.
"Dogs" is a seventeen-minute barrage of commentary on the greediness of humans--the lust for power, for dominance. Those who will step all over anyone and everything to get what they want. But in the end, since their fight for the top was obtained by greed, trickery, and betrayal, they are shoved back down to the bottom of the social ladder.
"Pigs (Three Different Ones)" was a scathing attack on three certain political leaders, one of which was Mary Whitehouse, a campaigner for the 'clean-up televison' debate. Here, Roger Waters attacks those who are perched on the top of control, unquestioned and claim to know what's best for everyone.
And finally, "Sheep" is the result of the dominance of the "Pigs"--the sheep are those 'meek and obedient' who are forced to follow what the domination says with, again, no questions. These are seen in corrupt governments, and certain corrupt Religious factions.
Personally, I believe this is Waters' most cynical work, not even second to that of his 1992 "Amused to Death" solo album. No matter how vicious the lyrics and meanings may seem, we can see that they are reflected in everyday human life.
--By Bud Sturguess

Very good analytical breakdown!

I have to say, I don't pay attention to the lyrics that much. Too busy listening to the sweet solos. But the lyrics I appreciate the most, are the ones of both Pigs on the Wing. Which is ironic, since you didn't include this song in your essay.

"So I don't feel alone, or the weight of the stone."
-I love the way he uses one verb for two lines!

"And when you lose control, you'll reap the harvest you have sown."
-Dogs is different for me because I appreciate how the lyrics are presented. (i.e. Roger and Dave harmonise on "you'll-reap-the-harvest")

***Haha, I just realized how off subject I have gotten. But I don't regret giving my fifty cents! :smile:

Well, my fellow Ed O'Neil fan, I left out "Pigs on the Wing" because, although Roger Waters wrote them for his girlfriend at the time, they have the same meaning as "Pigs (Three Different Ones)."

No it doesn't. It's his pathetic attempt at a love song. Kinda like 'Watching T.V.' was.

It is a love song, but the main meaning is watching out for "PIGS." Pigs being a symbol for the same kind of people described in "Pigs (3 Different Ones)." Another reason I didn't analyze it is because it's not an important song for my essay, IMO.

Could the sheep not also be the Floyd fans.
We'll buy anything by them, we'll do what they want us too.

Baaaa.

Yes, point well-taken. Sometimes, we follow anything Roger or Dave or whoever says, even if it conflicts with what we really think, like the Margaret Thatcher thing from "The Final Cut."

i'll drink to that

baaaa!

If you liked this essay, don't miss my thesis, "Dr.Seuss: The Original Rapper."
--Bud Sturguess, author of "One Thousand And One Ways To Cross Your T's"

-Cory Reed, author of "One Thousand And One Ways To Cross Your i lower-case J's /i "

oh shit...

Well, at least Bud knows what I'm talking about.

Do you mean...
"We'll cross the T's and dot the...lower case J's..."

what are the other political leaders talked about in pigs (3 different ones)