Sheep
Pink Floyd Lyrics


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Hopelessly passing your time in the grassland away
Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air
You better watch out
There may be dogs about
I've looked over Jordan, and I have seen
Things are not what they seem

What do you get for pretending the danger's not real
Meek and obedient you follow the leader
Down well trodden corridors into the valley of steel
What a surprise

The look of terminal shock in your eyes
Now things are really what they seem
No, this is no bad dream

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me down to lie
Through pastures green He leadeth me the silent waters by
With bright knives he releaseth my soul

He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places
He converteth me to lamb cutlets
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger
When cometh the day we lowly ones

Through quiet reflection, and great dedication
Master the art of karate
Lo, we shall rise up
And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water

Bleating and babbling we fell on his neck with a scream
Wave upon wave of demented avengers
March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream

Have you heard the news?
The dogs are dead
You better stay home




And do as you're told
Get out of the road if you want to grow old

Overall Meaning

"Sheep", which appears on Pink Floyd's 1977 album "Animals", is a song that evokes the album's overall dystopian theme of power and control, with metaphorical references to Orwell's Animal Farm. The song opens with an image of a person spending their days in the grassland, seemingly unaware of the danger lurking around them. The line "You better watch out, there may be dogs about" suggests that danger is imminent and that people need to be vigilant.


The song then moves on to describe a journey into a valley of steel, with a reference to the biblical verse "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want". The phrase "He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places" suggests that people are being literally and symbolically slaughtered for their obedience. Eventually, the song moves towards a turning point, where the lowly ones rise up and challenge those in power.


The final lines of the song "Have you heard the news? The dogs are dead" and "get out of the road if you want to grow old" suggest that the revolution has succeeded, and that it's necessary to stay away from any potential danger as the world has changed.


Overall, "Sheep" is the band's commentary on authoritarianism and the portrayal of how people are easily led and manipulated by others. Pink Floyd was known for their socially conscious music, and "Sheep" takes a dark look at the state of society.


Line by Line Meaning

Hopelessly passing your time in the grassland away
Wasting time aimlessly and without purpose in a meadow


Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air
Sensing a vague feeling of uneasiness or anxiety in the surroundings


You better watch out
Be cautious and alert


There may be dogs about
There could be dangerous and aggressive beings around


I've looked over Jordan, and I have seen
Having seen the bigger picture beyond the current situation


Things are not what they seem
Things may look superficially or deceptively one way, but actually be something else entirely


What do you get for pretending the danger's not real
What is there to gain from ignoring or denying the threat that is present


Meek and obedient you follow the leader
Passively and submissively following someone in power or authority


Down well trodden corridors into the valley of steel
Going through familiar and well-established pathways into a harsh, oppressive environment


What a surprise
Sarcastically expressing lack of amazement at something that is not unexpected


The look of terminal shock in your eyes
Utter shock and disbelief on your face


Now things are really what they seem
Things have become truly apparent and revealed


No, this is no bad dream
This is not an imaginary or unpleasant experience


The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
I am content under the guidance and protection of a higher power


He makes me down to lie
I am made to rest and relax


Through pastures green He leadeth me the silent waters by
He guides me through peaceful and natural surroundings


With bright knives he releaseth my soul
He violently sets me free from my physical limitations


He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places
I am made to suffer and endure extreme pain and punishment


He converteth me to lamb cutlets
I am reduced to a mere commodity to satisfy His desires


For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger
He possesses immense strength and infinite desire for control and domination


When cometh the day we lowly ones
If the day ever comes when the oppressed and powerless rise up


Through quiet reflection, and great dedication
Through deep introspection and resolute commitment


Master the art of karate
Become skilled in self-defense and martial arts


Lo, we shall rise up
We will indeed powerfully rise up


And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water
We will make the oppressor's eyes tear with fear or pain


Bleating and babbling we fell on his neck with a scream
Expressing our triumph or excitement with fervent cries and shouts


Wave upon wave of demented avengers
Successive and persistent attacks by crazed and vengeful beings


March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream
Merrily emerging from the shadows into the hoped-for reality


Have you heard the news?
Asking if you are aware of the latest developments


The dogs are dead
The danger or obstacle has been eliminated


You better stay home
It is safer to stay in a familiar and secure environment


And do as you're told
Obeying the authority figures or the norms of the society


Get out of the road if you want to grow old
Avoid getting involved in conflicts or challenges if you wish to survive for a longer time




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ROGER WATERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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