Sheep

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some mind-blowing trivia about Pink Floyd's "Sheep" from their 1977 album Animals, now spinning on THE ZOO! Originally titled "Raving and Drooling," this track was performed live as early as 1974 before being reworked for Animals. Roger Waters, the song’s writer and vocalist, drew inspiration from the 1976 Notting Hill riots in London, channeling the unrest into lyrics about the working class rebelling against oppressive upper classes, symbolized as "Dogs" and "Pigs" on the album. A chilling detail: the song features a distorted parody of Psalm 23, with lines like “He converteth me to lamb cutlets,” delivered in a robotic voice beneath bleating sheep sounds, poking at blind religious conformity. Fans on Reddit rave about its punk-like energy, noting it’s one of Floyd’s most dynamic tracks, yet it’s often overshadowed by Dark Side of the Moon or The Wall. Interestingly, Waters later revealed the song’s dark tone was influenced by personal turmoil, as his first marriage to Judy Trim was crumbling during the 1976 tour, a period when he felt “somewhat disturbed.”

Another gem for you Zoo Freaks: during live performances in 1977, backing guitarist Snowy White took over bass duties so Waters could share electric guitar with David Gilmour, adding a raw edge to the song’s climax. The track’s iconic electric piano intro, likely crafted by keyboardist Richard Wright, sets a haunting mood, with fans on ProgArchives praising its jazzy vibe and relentless drive. A quirky tidbit from Songfacts: some hear echoes of the Doctor Who theme in the bassline, thanks to its sci-fi-like effects. The song’s revolutionary spirit, where the sheep rise up against their oppressors, reflects Waters’ critique of capitalism, a theme he expanded on in later solo tours, as noted in Reddit discussions. It’s the only Animals track featured on the 2001 compilation Echoes, cementing its status as a fan favorite among the Zoo Crew’s vibe.

Let’s rewind to how Pink Floyd got started, born in the psychedelic swirl of 1965 London. The band formed when Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), and Richard Wright (keyboards) came together as students, initially cycling through names like The Tea Set before settling on Pink Floyd, inspired by blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Britannica notes Barrett’s whimsical, Lewis Carroll-infused songwriting drove their early sound, blending blues, pop, and dissonant psychedelia. Their 1967 debut, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, with hits like “Arnold Layne,” made them darlings of the British underground, as detailed on Wikipedia. After Barrett’s departure in 1968 due to mental health struggles, David Gilmour joined, and Waters took the creative helm, steering the band toward the conceptual masterpieces that define their legacy. Their sonic experiments and philosophical lyrics, shared across Facebook and Instagram, still captivate Zoo Freaks worldwide.

Stay connected with Pink Floyd’s official website for the latest news, merch, and tour updates. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can dive deeper on fan sites like A Fleeting Glimpse for news and rare photos, or Neptune Pink Floyd for discography trivia. Join the Pink Floyd Fan Group on Facebook to trade stories and setlists with fellow freaks, or check out the r/pinkfloyd subreddit for lively debates. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let “Sheep” carry you to the edge of rebellion!