Pigs on the Wing, Part 1

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Pigs on the Wing, Part 1" by Pink Floyd from their iconic 1977 album Animals. This short, acoustic track, clocking in at just over a minute, is a love song penned by Roger Waters for his then-new wife, Carolyne Anne Christie. Unlike the album’s darker, Orwell-inspired critiques of society, this song offers a hopeful note, suggesting that love can be a shelter in a harsh world. Waters later reflected in a 2017 Mojo interview that while the song was personal, its message grew broader, emphasizing empathy and human connection as a counterbalance to societal decay. The song’s title draws from a World War II pilot expression, referring to enemy fighters in a plane’s blind spot, adding a layer of vulnerability to its tender lyrics.

Here’s a cool tidbit for you vinyl-spinning hippies: the 8-track cartridge version of Animals features a unique version of "Pigs on the Wing" where Parts 1 and 2 are linked by a guitar solo from Snowy White. This solo, absent from the vinyl release, gave the song a seamless flow, making it a collector’s gem. White, who joined Pink Floyd for their 1977 In the Flesh tour, recorded the solo after Waters and David Gilmour accidentally erased one of Gilmour’s original solos, as noted in Glenn Povey’s book on the band. Fans on Reddit’s Pink Floyd community often rave about this version, with some calling it a hidden treasure that adds a raw, emotional bridge to the song’s two parts.

Another wild story ties to the Animals album cover, which inspired the song’s imagery. Roger Waters dreamed up the idea of floating a 40-foot inflatable pig, named Algie, between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station for the album’s artwork. As detailed on A Fleeting Glimpse, the 1976 photo shoot was a fiasco. On the second day, Algie broke free, soaring over London and causing chaos—flights were canceled, and the Royal Air Force scrambled jets to track it. The pig eventually landed in a Kent farmer’s field, freaking out his cows. The crew had to paste Algie into the final cover image using photos from different days, creating one of rock’s most iconic visuals.

Now, let’s rewind to how Pink Floyd got their start. Formed in London in 1965, the band emerged from the psychedelic underground, initially led by Syd Barrett, whose whimsical songwriting shaped their early sound. Barrett, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright came together as students, cycling through names like the Tea Set before landing on Pink Floyd, inspired by blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Their 1967 debut, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, blended trippy experimentation with hits like “Arnold Layne,” earning them a cult following. By 1968, Barrett’s mental health struggles and LSD use led to his departure, with David Gilmour stepping in. Waters took the creative helm, steering the band toward concept albums like Dark Side of the Moon and Animals, cementing their legacy as progressive rock pioneers.

Stay connected with Pink Floyd’s official website for the latest news and reissues. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans can dive deeper on A Fleeting Glimpse, a fan site packed with news and trivia, or join the vibrant r/pinkfloyd subreddit. For a dose of nostalgia, check out Neptune Pink Floyd, another fan hub with detailed discography insights. Keep it freaky, Zoo Crew, and let those records spin!