Animal Farm
Hazel O 'Connor Lyrics
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The cock it crowed "It's morning" the donkey said "Ee-aw"
The pigs they grunted expectantly for the farmer to open the door
The chickens started clucking, they could not lay no eggs
They were just plain frightened,
Remembering what the pigs had said "just do as you're told"
Remembering what the pigs had said
[CHORUS:]
We will be happy, we will be free,
We're going to make it, make equality
Hap-happy are we
Now the pig said "This is our day
We're gonna chase the farmer away
Now everyone must do their work like before
Except for me and I must think for you behind this door"
So they chased the farmer away,
And the pig got on his soap box to say
"And don't you worry don't you make no fuss
All you have to do is follow us
And do as you're told
All you have to do is follow us"
And they all sang
[CHORUS]
Hap-happy are we, hap-happy are we, we're so holy
The cock it crowed "It's morning"
The donkey said "Ee-aw"
The chickens clucked expectant
For the pig to open the door
[CHORUS]
Hap-happy are we, hap-happy are we, we're so holy
Hap-happy are we, hap-happy are we, hap-happy are we, we're so holy
Hazel O'Connor's "Animal Farm" comments on the corruptive nature of power and the dangers of blindly following those in charge. The opening stanza sets the stage, with the barnyard animals all eagerly awaiting the farmer's arrival. The simplicity of this scene quickly unravels, however, as the pigs begin manipulating their fellow animals. The line "Remembering what the pigs had said, just do as you're told" foreshadows the increasing control the pigs will exert over the rest of the animals.
The pigs manage to seize power, and the song takes a dark turn as they force the other animals into submission. The pig claims that "everyone must do their work like before," but makes an exception for himself - a clear indication of the hypocrisy and entitlement of those in power. The pig's message to "follow us and do as you're told" shows how the animals are being stripped of their agency and sense of self.
The final repetition of "hap-happy are we, we're so holy" is a powerful indictment of the animals' complacency and blind obedience, as they falsely believe they've achieved a utopia. The song ultimately warns of the dangers of allowing power to be concentrated in the hands of a few, cautioning against following blindly and urging us to actively fight against oppression and tyranny.
Line by Line Meaning
The cock it crowed "It's morning" the donkey said "Ee-aw"
The beginning of a new day is announced by the crow of the rooster and the braying of the donkey
The pigs they grunted expectantly for the farmer to open the door
The pigs eagerly await the farmer to arrive so that he can let them out of their pen
The chickens started clucking, they could not lay no eggs. They were just plain frightened, Remembering what the pigs had said
The hens were too afraid to lay eggs, as they remembered the threatening words of the pigs
"just do as you're told" Remembering what the pigs had said
The fear that the pigs imposed on their fellow animals by telling them to obey their orders without question
We will be happy, we will be free, We're going to make it, make equality Hap-happy are we
The animals unite with optimism, declaring their desire for freedom and equality
Now the pig said "This is our day We're gonna chase the farmer away
The pig proclaims that the day has come for the animals to take control and push the farmer out
Now everyone must do their work like before Except for me and I must think for you behind this door"
The pig dictates that all of the animals must carry out their usual duties, including himself who is thus appointed to think and guide them
And don't you worry don't you make no fuss All you have to do is follow us And do as you're told All you have to do is follow us
The pigs demand that their fellow animals obey them, emphasizing the importance of following their guidance without hesitation or resistance
Hap-happy are we, hap-happy are we, we're so holy
The animals express their happiness and satisfaction under the rule of the pigs
The chickens clucked expectant For the pig to open the door
The hens awaited the pig to open the door for them to be let out
Hap-happy are we, hap-happy are we, we're so holy
The animals again express their happiness and satisfaction under the rule of the pigs
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HAZEL THEREASA O'CONNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind