Pink Floyd "Pigs (Three Different Ones)"

"Pigs (Three Different Ones)" is a centerpiece of Pink Floyd’s 1977 concept album Animals. Written by Roger Waters and recorded in the spring of 1976 at Britannia Row Studios in London, the song is a scathing critique of those at the top of the social hierarchy—portrayed metaphorically as "pigs"—who wield power, manipulate society, and maintain their dominance through control and hypocrisy123.

Key Details

Musical Style and Structure

• Instrumentation:
  Features a dark, driving groove with prominent bass, swirling synthesizers, and David Gilmour’s expressive guitar work—including the use of a Heil talk box to mimic pig sounds, a first for Pink Floyd12.
• Arrangement:
  The song unfolds over three verses, each targeting a different "pig," with long instrumental passages and dynamic shifts. Gilmour also plays bass guitar on this track, while Waters contributes rhythm guitar.
• Atmosphere:
  The music is ominous and satirical, blending funk, blues, and progressive rock elements.

Lyrical Themes and Meaning

• Concept:
  The "pigs" represent the ruling class—those with wealth, power, and influence—who manipulate and oppress others for their own benefit. The lyrics are laced with sarcasm and biting social commentary, echoing the influence of George Orwell’s Animal Farm134.
• Verse Subjects:
  • First Verse: Targets businessmen and corporate elites.
  • Second Verse: Alludes to conservative politicians, notably Margaret Thatcher, who was the UK opposition leader at the time.
  • Third Verse: Specifically references Mary Whitehouse, a British morality campaigner, mocking her attempts to impose her values on society124.
• Signature Lines:
  The recurring phrase "Ha ha, charade you are" underscores the song’s contempt for hypocrisy and moral posturing.

Context Within Animals

• Animals is a concept album dividing society into three archetypes:
  • Dogs: Ruthless, self-serving opportunists.
  • Pigs: The ruling, manipulative elite.
  • Sheep: The passive, easily led masses.
• The album is framed by the gentler "Pigs on the Wing" tracks, while "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" stands as the most direct attack on the establishment134.

Notable Musical Features

• Talk Box Guitar Solo:
  David Gilmour’s use of the talk box creates the distinctive "pig" sound effects.
• Bass and Rhythm:
  Gilmour’s syncopated bass lines and the driving rhythm section contribute to the song’s menacing feel.
• Live Performances:
  The song is a highlight of Pink Floyd’s live shows, often accompanied by elaborate visual effects and inflatable pig props.

Reception and Legacy

• Critical Acclaim:
  "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" is praised for its sharp lyrics, inventive instrumentation, and its place as a high point of Pink Floyd’s political songwriting.
• Cultural Impact:
  The song’s themes of corruption, manipulation, and social critique remain relevant, often cited in discussions of protest music and progressive rock’s engagement with political issues5.

Summary Table

"Pigs (Three Different Ones)" endures as a powerful, musically ambitious protest against the abuses of power, blending Pink Floyd’s signature sound with biting social commentary125.