About the song
“Dogs” is one of the most haunting and powerful tracks by the legendary British rock band Pink Floyd, featured on their 1977 album Animals. This album, often regarded as one of the band’s most ambitious and critically acclaimed works, explores themes of societal corruption, alienation, and the dark side of human nature. “Dogs”, in particular, is a complex, multi-part epic that stands out as one of the key highlights of the album.
Released in January 1977, Animals marked a departure from Pink Floyd’s earlier, more psychedelic works, embracing a darker, more cynical worldview. The album is loosely inspired by George Orwell’s Animal Farm, with each of the album’s four tracks representing different social classes: the dogs (businessmen and ruthless capitalists), the pigs (politicians and corrupt leaders), and the sheep (the general public). “Dogs” specifically deals with the greed, manipulation, and the cutthroat nature of capitalism, metaphorically depicted through the image of dogs who serve their masters but ultimately live miserable lives as a result of their blind loyalty and ambition.
The lyrics of “Dogs” are notably written by Roger Waters, Pink Floyd’s primary lyricist, and they convey a stark picture of existential despair and personal disillusionment. The song describes individuals who, in their pursuit of power and success, become trapped in a cycle of deception and exploitation. The “dogs” in the song are not literal animals but rather symbolize ruthless, corporate figures—people who manipulate and control others for their own gain. The line “You gotta be a lover, a liar, a thief, a killer” captures the essence of the moral compromise required to succeed in this unforgiving world. The song paints a vivid portrait of the soullessness of modern life, where survival often demands betrayal and self-interest.
Musically, “Dogs” is a tour de force of Pink Floyd’s signature sound, blending soaring guitar solos by David Gilmour, atmospheric synthesizers, and intricate basslines. The track builds slowly, beginning with a calm, almost ambient introduction before escalating into a driving, emotionally charged piece. The interplay between Gilmour’s emotional guitar work and Waters’ brooding vocals creates a sense of tension and foreboding, reflecting the oppressive atmosphere of the lyrics. The song’s lengthy structure (almost 17 minutes long) allows for deep exploration of its themes, with multiple shifts in musical mood that mirror the changing emotional landscapes of the characters within the song.
“Dogs” became a central part of Pink Floyd’s live performances during their 1977 Animals tour, further cementing the track’s reputation as one of the band’s most memorable and ambitious compositions. Despite not being released as a single, it has had a lasting influence on the development of progressive rock and has inspired countless musicians and fans over the years. The song’s complex arrangement and rich, layered sound have made it a standout piece in Pink Floyd’s catalog.
Socially, “Dogs” has resonated with listeners for its cynical portrayal of the capitalist system and the alienation it causes. Its themes of moral corruption, betrayal, and the loss of individuality are timeless, offering a scathing critique of the corporate world and the personal cost of ambition. In many ways, “Dogs” reflects the disillusionment of the post-Vietnam War era, a time when many young people were questioning the values of the society they inherited. It stands as a reminder of the dark side of human ambition and the inherent dangers of unchecked power.
In conclusion, “Dogs” remains one of Pink Floyd’s most profound and enduring pieces. Its blend of philosophical depth, musical complexity, and social commentary ensures its place as a pivotal moment in the band’s career. Whether listeners are drawn to its biting critique of society or simply moved by its emotional depth, “Dogs” stands as a testament to Pink Floyd’s ability to create music that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally powerful.
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Lyrics
You gotta be crazy, you gotta have a real needYou gotta sleep on your toes, and when you’re on the streetYou gotta be able to pick out the easy meat with your eyes closedAnd then moving in silently, down wind and out of sightYou gotta strike when the moment is right without thinkingAnd after a while, you can work on points for styleLike the club tie, and the firm handshakeA certain look in the eye and an easy smileYou have to be trusted by the people that you lie toSo that when they turn their backs on you,You’ll get the chance to put the knife inYou gotta keep one eye looking over your shoulderYou know it’s going to get harder, and harder, and harder as you get olderAnd in the end you’ll pack up and fly down southHide your head in the sand,Just another sad old manAll alone and dying of cancerAnd when you loose control, you’ll reap the harvest you have sownAnd as the fear grows, the bad blood slows and turns to stoneAnd it’s too late to lose the weight you used to need to throw aroundSo have a good drown, as you go down, all aloneDragged down by the stone (stone, stone, stone, stone, stone)I gotta admit that I’m a little bit confusedSometimes it seems to me as if I’m just being usedGotta stay awake, gotta try and shake off this creeping malaiseIf 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 pretendingThat everyone’s expendable and no-one has a real friendAnd it seems to you the thing to do would be to isolate the winnerAnd everything’s done under the sunAnd you believe at heart, everyone’s a killerWho was born in a house full of painWho was trained not to spit in the fanWho was told what to do by the manWho was broken by trained personnelWho was fitted with collar and chainWho was given a pat on the backWho was breaking away from the packWho was only a stranger at homeWho was ground down in the endWho was found dead on the phoneWho was dragged down by the stone