Pigs on the Wing 2 by Pink Floyd Lyrics Meaning – A Dissection of Companionship and Sociopolitical Undertones
Lyrics
What happens to you
And I know that you care
For me too
So I don’t feel alone
Or the weight of the stone
Now that I’ve found somewhere safe
To bury my bone
And any fool knows a dog needs a home
A shelter from pigs on the wing
Pigs on the Wing 2 is a seemingly straightforward ode to mutual support and companionship amidst a world rife with selfishness and cynicism. This concluding track to Pink Floyd’s mammoth 1977 album ‘Animals’ encapsulates the overarching themes of the album through a surprisingly tender lens. It’s a gentle acoustic bookend contrasted by the heavy and dark textures found in the rest of the album.
As with many of Pink Floyd’s compositions, there is more than meets the eye with this song. With the backdrop of the late 70s political tensions, economic concerns, and social strife, Pink Floyd weaves personal warmth and connection with a stark critique of the dehumanizing forces of society. It’s this duality that Pigs on the Wing 2 presents, inviting listeners to find sanctuary in intimacy while acknowledging the beasts of the day.
Unveiling The Protection of Affection
‘You know that I care what happens to you’, a simple, yet powerful opening line, serves as an immediate invitation into the personal sanctuary built between two individuals against societal harshness. The song hints at the capacity of human relationships to provide a shield against the external ‘pigs’ — the forces of greed and power.
It’s the essence of this care and mutual support that keeps the ‘weight of the stone’ at bay, suggesting that personal connections give us strength amidst life’s burdens. This powerful statement on companionship is deeply woven into the song’s fabric, delivering its emotional heft.
Dogs and Pigs – Decoding The Metaphorical Menagerie
The dichotomy of dogs and pigs, within the narrative of Pink Floyd’s ‘Animals’—inspired by George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’—plays a crucial role in understanding the layered message. While dogs often symbolize fidelity and loyalty, pigs in this context epitomize greed and the self-interested elite.
In ‘Pigs on the Wing 2’, the mention of finding a place ‘to bury my bone’ further integrates the dog metaphor, symbolizing the need for security and basic happiness in one’s ‘home’. ‘Any fool knows a dog needs a home’ serves as a universal truth that everyone, even the simplest minds, can understand the fundamental need for a refuge and a sense of belonging.
A Critique Hidden Amongst Lines of Solace
Although the song’s words convey a sense of solace and security in personal relationships, there runs a current of critique aimed at the socio-political climate of the time. The ‘pigs on the wing’ are those who hover omnisciently, threatening to disrupt the peace and serenity of one’s ‘home’.
This allegory of pigs suggests a scathing jab at the ruling classes and people in power who may have lost touch with the common folk’s struggles. Despite the dark undertones, the song offers a message of hope—that in the company of another who cares, one can find a safe haven.
Memorable Lines That Echo Through Generations
‘So I don’t feel alone, Or the weight of the stone’—such words echo sentimentality that transcends its historical context, striking a chord with anyone who has sought comfort in another’s presence. These memorable lines encapsulate the song’s essence, drawing on the universal themes of shared hardship and support.
It is through these deeply emotional lines that the song’s meaning is enshrined in the minds and hearts of listeners, speaking to the timeless need for companionship against the odds that life throws our way.
Finding Home: The Last Verse’s Resolve
Ending on the note of ‘A shelter from pigs on the wing’ compels the listeners to consider what constitutes their ‘home’—a metaphorical umbrella safeguarding from life’s storms. This final sentiment reinforces the idea that togetherness forms an impenetrable fortress against the world’s corrosive elements.
It’s a poignant end to an emotionally charged song—a reminder that though we navigate a world riddled with ‘pigs’, there is solace to be found in our connections with others, resonating with the primal need for safety, comfort, and belonging.
