One of the most inspiring rock bands in history is Pink Floyd, famous for their creative sound and conceptual albums.
The band is best known for their moody, experimental music, which often touches on themes of alienation, war, and societal control.
Their music is characterized by psychedelic soundscapes, complex arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics.
It spans a range of styles, from their early psychedelic rock days with Barrett to the progressive rock era that defined their later work.
About the Song
Dogs is a remarkable track that explains the brutal, dog-eat-dog world of corporate greed and self-interest.
Its complex structure, haunting lyrics, and guitar solos show Pink Floyd’s mastery of progressive rock.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | January 23, 1977 |
| Album | Discovery (2011) |
| Writers | Roger Waters & David Gilmour |
| Producers | Pink Floyd |
Dogs Lyrics by Pink Floyd
Verse 1: David Gilmour
You got to be crazy, you gotta have a real need
Gotta sleep on your toes and when you’re on the street
Got to be able to pick out the easy meat with your eyes closed
Then moving in silently, down wind and out of sight
You got to strike when the moment is right without thinking
And after a while, you can work on points for style
Like the club tie, and the firm handshake
A certain look in the eye and an easy smile
You have to be trusted by the people that you lie to
So that when they turn their backs on you
You’ll get the chance to put the knife in
Guitar Solo
Interlude: Roger Waters
Wah! *laughter*
Verse 2: David Gilmour
You gotta keep one eye
Looking over your shoulder
You know, it’s going to get harder, harder and harder
As you get older
Yeah, and in the end you’ll pack up, fly down south
Hide your head in the sand
Just another sad old man
All alone and dying of cancer
Guitar Solo
Interlude
*dogs barking and howling*
Verse 3: David Gilmour, David Gilmour & Richard Wright
And when you lose control
You’ll reap the harvest you have sown
And as the fear grows
The bad blood slows and turns to stone
And it’s too late to lose the weight
You used to need to throw around
So have a good drown as you go down
All alone, dragged down by the stone
Interlude
*dogs barking and howling*
Instrumental Break
Verse 4: Roger Waters
Got to admit that I’m a little bit confused
Sometimes it seems to me as if I’m just being used
Gotta stay awake, gotta try and shake off
This creeping malaise
If I don’t stand my own ground
How can I find my way out of this maze?
Deaf, dumb and blind, you just keep on pretending
That everyone’s expendable and no one has a real friend
And it seems to you the thing to do
Would be to isolate the winner
Everything’s done under the sun
But you believe at heart everyone’s a killer
Guitar Solo
Outro: Roger Waters
Who was born in a house full of pain?
Who was trained not to spit in the fan?
Who was told what to do by the man?
Who was broken by trained personnel?
Who was fitted with collar and chain?
Who was given a pat on the back?
Who was breaking away from the pack? (Breaking away from the pack)
Who was only a stranger at home? (Only a stranger at home)
Who was ground down in the end? (Ground down in the end)
Who was found dead on the phone? (Found dead on the phone)
Who was dragged down by the stone?
Who was dragged down by the stone?
Similar Songs Like Dogs
If you are into soft pop and soft rock songs, here’s a list of recommendations that you should try:
- Sheep: This song serves as a counterpart to “Dogs,” critiquing societal conformity and the herd mentality with a driving rhythm and dark, satirical lyrics.
- Comfortably Numb:It is one of Pink Floyd’s most popular songs. It blends emotional depth with haunting guitar solos and gives rise to the alienation and numbness felt by the protagonist in The Wall.
- Time: This song explains philosophical dread and missed opportunities. Its powerful intro and striking lyrics continue to relate as a meditation on life’s fleeting nature.
Similar Artists Like Pink Floyd
Here’s a list of similar trending rock bands like Pink Floyd that you might love to browse through:
- King Crimson
Genres: Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Experimental Rock
Top Albums: In the Court of the Crimson King (1969), Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (1973), Red (1974) - Yes
Genres: Progressive Rock, Symphonic Rock
Top Albums: Fragile (1971), Close to the Edge (1972), Going for the One (1977) - Genesis
Genres: Progressive Rock, Symphonic Rock
Top Albums: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974), Selling England by the Pound (1973), Foxtrot (1972)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the Original Title of Dogs?
The song was originally titled You’ve Got to Be Crazy and was performed under this name during the Wish You Were Here tour before being reworked for Animals.
How Do Fans and Critics Interpret Dogs?
Fans and critics often see Dogs as a powerful social commentary on capitalism and the cost of ambition, with its lyrics and music.
What is the Main Theme or Meaning of Dogs?
The main theme of “Dogs” critiques ruthless, competitive businessmen, portraying them as predatory and ultimately empty. The metaphor of dogs represents their aggressive pursuit of power and the emptiness that follows.
