Pink Floyd – ‘Animals’: The Political Message That Still Resonates Today
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a special place in your heart for the iconic album ‘Animals’ by Pink Floyd. Released in 1977, “Animals” marked a significant turning point in Pink Floyd’s sound and message. In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at the political commentary of “Animals” and how it still resonates today.
So, what’s the big deal with “Animals”? Well, it’s more than just another classic rock album. It’s a deeply thought-provoking critique of contemporary society. From the capitalist greed of the wealthy elite to the conformity of the masses, “Animals” tackles a wide range of political issues that are just as relevant today as they were in the late 1970s.
The Concept Behind “Animals”
To truly understand the political message of “Animals”, we need to first delve into its concept. The album is divided into three tracks, each representing a different animal archetype: pigs, dogs, and sheep. These archetypes are used to symbolize different social classes, with pigs representing the wealthy elite, dogs representing the middle class, and sheep representing the working class.
The animal archetypes are a powerful metaphor for the way society is structured. The pigs are portrayed as greedy and corrupt, exploiting the working class for their own gain. The dogs, on the other hand, are conditioned to conform to societal expectations and are driven by their own greed and desire for power. The sheep, meanwhile, are portrayed as passive and easily controlled by authority figures.
Through these animal archetypes, Pink Floyd offers a sharp critique of the capitalist system and the social hierarchies it perpetuates. By portraying the wealthy elite as pigs who exploit the working class, the band highlights the inequality and injustice of the economic system. The dogs, meanwhile, represent those who are complicit in perpetuating the system through their own greed and desire for power.
The Political Message of “Animals”
Pink Floyd’s “Animals” is a masterful critique of contemporary society and the political systems that perpetuate inequality and corruption. Each track on the album contributes to a powerful message that is as relevant today as it was in the 1970s.
The first track, “Pigs (Three Different Ones)”, is a scathing commentary on the wealthy elite who exploit the working class. The song’s opening line, “Big man, pig man, ha ha, charade you are”, sets the tone for a blistering critique of those in power who use their wealth and influence to maintain their position of privilege. The lyrics go on to describe the pigs as “gloating” and “leering”, further emphasizing the contempt and disgust that the band feels towards those who use their power to exploit others.
The second track, “Dogs”, is a haunting portrayal of how individuals become conditioned to conform to societal expectations and the negative consequences of greed. The song describes a world in which individuals are driven to compete with each other and to climb the social ladder at any cost. The result is a society in which individuals are disconnected from their humanity and from each other, and in which greed and ambition reign supreme.
The third track, “Sheep”, is a scathing portrayal of the passive and submissive nature of the general public who are easily controlled by authority figures. The song describes a world in which individuals are so accustomed to following orders that they have lost the ability to think for themselves. The sheep are portrayed as being easily manipulated by the pigs and the dogs, and as being willing to follow them to their own destruction.
Taken together, these tracks create a powerful message that is a critique of contemporary society and the political systems that perpetuate inequality and corruption. Pink Floyd’s “Animals” is a reminder that those in power are not to be trusted, and that we must always remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit us for their own gain.
The Relevance of “Animals” Today
The political message of Pink Floyd’s “Animals” is as relevant today as it was in the 1970s. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the deep inequalities in our society, with those in power often prioritizing profit over public health. Economic inequality continues to be a major issue, with the wealthiest individuals and corporations continuing to accumulate wealth at the expense of the working class. And political polarization has led to a breakdown in trust in our political institutions, with many feeling disillusioned and powerless.
In this context, Pink Floyd’s message in “Animals” takes on even greater significance. The album is a powerful reminder that those in power are often more interested in maintaining their position of privilege than in serving the common good. It is a call to action to remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit us, and to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Furthermore, the message of “Animals” is relevant not just in the context of contemporary society, but in the context of the human condition more broadly. The album is a reminder that we must remain aware of the ways in which we are conditioned by society to conform to its expectations, and of the dangers of greed and ambition.
Listen to ‘Animals’ by Pink Floyd
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