Pigs (Three Different Ones) Lyrics – Animals – Pink Floyd

by Keith J · Published October 15, 2023 · Updated November 3, 2023

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Pigs (Three Different Ones)

(Waters) 11:26

Big man, pig man, ha ha charade you are.
You well heeled big wheel, ha ha charade you are.
And when your hand is on your heart,
You’re nearly a good laugh,
Almost a joker,
With your head down in the pig bin,
Saying “Keep on digging.”
Pig stain on your fat chin.
What do you hope to find.
When you’re down in the pig mine.
You’re nearly a laugh,
You’re nearly a laugh
But you’re really a cry.

Bus stop rat bag, ha ha charade you are.
You fucked up old hag, ha ha charade you are.
You radiate cold shafts of broken glass.
You’re nearly a good laugh,
Almost worth a quick grin.
You like the feel of steel,
You’re hot stuff with a hatpin,
And good fun with a hand gun.
You’re nearly a laugh,
You’re nearly a laugh
But you’re really a cry.

Hey you, Whitehouse,
Ha ha charade you are.
You house proud town mouse,
Ha ha charade you are
You’re trying to keep our feelings off the street.
You’re nearly a real treat,
All tight lips and cold feet
And do you feel abused?

You gotta stem the evil tide,
And keep it all on the inside.
Mary you’re nearly a treat,
Mary you’re nearly a treat
But you’re really a cry.

About the Song

“Pigs (Three Different Ones)” is one of the central pillars of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album “Animals,” serving as a critique of the social and political figures who wielded considerable power and influence at the time. This song is the second in a trio of pieces that use animals as allegorical characters to criticize the socio-economic conditions of the 1970s.

The track is broken down into three verses, each targeting a different ‘pig.’ The pigs are portrayed as the corrupt, self-serving individuals at the top of the social hierarchy, with each verse presumably addressing a specific real-life person or a general type of person within the upper echelons of society.

Musically, “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” stands out with its funky bassline, scathing guitar riffs, and the use of a VCS3 synthesizer that mimics the sound of a pig, adding a layer of mockery and sarcasm to the already biting lyrics. The song’s composition adds to the atmosphere of disdain and protest, with David Gilmour’s expressive guitar work and Roger Waters’ sneering vocal delivery painting a vivid picture of disgust and repudiation.

The lyrics are direct and unapologetic, employing visceral imagery to criticize the gluttony and hypocrisy of the individuals who are the ‘pigs’ of society. Lines like “Ha, ha, charade you are” from the chorus echo the sentiment that these figures are nothing but a farce, presenting a façade that the song seeks to pull down.

“Pigs (Three Different Ones)” is a politically charged piece that goes beyond mere songwriting to become a statement against the moral bankruptcy perceived in the leadership class. Its placement on the album continues the narrative arc that guides listeners through a bleak but profound exploration of human nature and societal dysfunction. The song, while rooted in the context of its time, continues to resonate with audiences as a symbol of resistance against the figures perceived to embody greed and corruption.