Pink Floyd

Sheep

Animals (1977)

"Sheep" is a song by the English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, featured as the fourth track on their 1977 concept album Animals. Originally titled "Raving and Drooling," the song is a centerpiece of the album and exemplifies Pink Floyd's blend of social commentary, experimental soundscapes, and dynamic musicianship12.

Musical Style and Composition

• Genre: Progressive rock, hard rock
• Length: Approximately 10:21
• Instrumentation:
  • Opening with the sounds of sheep and a haunting electric piano played by Richard Wright
  • Features a driving bassline (performed by David Gilmour in the studio), soaring guitar solos, and complex synthesizer textures
  • Includes a vocoder-processed spoken-word section that parodies Psalm 23
• Band Members:
  • Roger Waters – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, electronic effects
  • David Gilmour – lead guitar, bass, backing vocals
  • Richard Wright – keyboards, synthesizers
  • Nick Mason – drums, tape effects

Lyrics and Themes

"Sheep" continues the album's central theme of likening human society to a barnyard, inspired by George Orwell's Animal Farm. In this metaphor:

• Sheep represent the passive, unquestioning masses who blindly follow authority.
• The song describes the sheep initially submitting to the control of the "Dogs" (businessmen) and "Pigs" (political leaders), but ultimately rising up in rebellion and overthrowing their oppressors.
• The lyrics are notable for their dark satire and include a distorted, subversive version of Psalm 23, highlighting the manipulation and eventual awakening of the masses.

Historical Context and Recording

• Written and performed during Pink Floyd's 1974–1975 tours under the working title "Raving and Drooling."
• The final studio version was recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London in 1976.
• The song's aggressive tone and complex arrangement reflect the band's growing disillusionment with social and political conditions in 1970s Britain.

Album Context

• Animals is a concept album that critiques social hierarchies and moral decay, with each song representing a different "animal" archetype:
  • "Dogs" (ruthless businessmen)
  • "Pigs" (corrupt leaders)
  • "Sheep" (the manipulated masses)
• "Sheep" serves as a climactic moment on the album, depicting the revolt of the oppressed.

Notable Features

• The middle section features a vocoder-processed parody of Psalm 23, recited in a menacing tone.
• The track is known for its dynamic shifts, extended instrumental passages, and powerful climax.
• Live performances in 1977 included additional improvisations and extended organ solos.

Legacy

• "Sheep" is regarded as one of Pink Floyd's most powerful social commentaries and a highlight of the Animals album.
• The song remains a fan favorite and is celebrated for its musical complexity and biting critique of conformity and authority.

Streaming and Availability

• "Sheep" is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.

Personnel Table

"Sheep" stands as a testament to Pink Floyd's ability to merge musical innovation with incisive social critique, making it a lasting and relevant piece in their discography.