dark mode light mode Search Spotify Menu
Search

"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

MemberRole(s)
Roger WatersLead vocals, rhythm guitar, effects
David GilmourLead guitar, bass, backing vocals
Richard WrightKeyboards, synthesizers
Nick MasonDrums, tape effects

"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.

Related Songs