About the song
“Dogs” by Pink Floyd is a profound and thought-provoking track from the band’s 1977 concept album, “Animals”. Released on January 23, 1977, this song stands as a significant piece within the album, reflecting the thematic exploration of societal and political commentary.
“Dogs” is often regarded as one of the high points of Pink Floyd‘s career, showcasing their signature progressive rock style combined with a deep philosophical narrative. The track is a sprawling epic, running over 17 minutes, which allows it to delve deeply into its themes. It is structured with complex time signatures and a layered instrumental arrangement, emblematic of the band’s intricate musical approach.
The song’s meaning is a sharp critique of the business world and the moral compromises that come with it. It metaphorically portrays the cutthroat nature of corporate life and the dehumanizing effects it has on individuals. “Dogs” presents a scathing commentary on the pursuit of power and success, illustrating how those who are driven by ambition can become ruthless and isolated. The lyrics use the metaphor of “dogs” to describe these ambitious individuals, who are willing to betray their principles and their peers to climb the corporate ladder. This allegory resonates with the album’s overall message, which draws inspiration from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, translating the novel’s critique of totalitarian regimes into a broader social context.
In terms of societal impact, “Dogs” resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced the pressures of corporate environments or who are disillusioned with the pursuit of success at any cost. Its introspective and often somber tone encourages reflection on personal values and the cost of success. The song’s enduring relevance speaks to its powerful commentary on the nature of ambition and the sacrifices made in its pursuit. It also contributes to the broader discourse on societal issues, reflecting the band’s role as a voice of critical thought during a time of significant social and political change.
Pink Floyd‘s “Dogs” remains a classic example of how progressive rock can blend elaborate musical compositions with profound social commentary. Its intricate guitar solos, thought-provoking lyrics, and complex structure make it a standout track that continues to captivate and challenge listeners decades after its release. The song’s exploration of the darker aspects of human ambition and its impact on personal integrity ensures its place as a compelling piece of both musical and lyrical artistry.
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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