About The Song
"Piggies" is a provocative and satirical track by The Beatles, featured on their 1968 album "The White Album." Written by George Harrison, the song stands out for its biting social commentary and unique musical arrangement.
Lyrically, "Piggies" addresses societal inequality, consumerism, and the dehumanizing effects of materialism. The lyrics depict an allegorical world where "piggies" indulge in their luxuries while disregarding the struggles of the less fortunate. The line "What they need's a damn good whacking" reflects Harrison's disdain for the greed and callousness he perceived in certain segments of society.
Musically, "Piggies" takes on a whimsical and almost nursery rhyme-like quality. The song features a harpsichord played by session musician Chris Thomas, giving it a classical and somewhat playful feel. The use of unconventional instruments, including the pig sound effects and a string quartet arranged by Sir George Martin, adds to the surreal atmosphere of the track. The juxtaposition of the seemingly light melody with the darker lyrical content creates a sense of irony, making "Piggies" a thought-provoking and multi-layered composition.
Controversy surrounded the song upon its release, as some interpreted the lyrics as a direct attack on the upper class. The use of the term "piggies" and the overall disdain expressed in the song led to accusations of hypocrisy, considering The Beatles' own financial success. However, Harrison maintained that the song was a social commentary rather than a personal indictment.
"Piggies" stands as a testament to The Beatles' willingness to explore diverse musical styles and tackle complex themes. Its blend of satire, social critique, and musical experimentation makes it a distinctive and memorable track in the band's vast and eclectic discography. The song remains a fascinating exploration of the turbulent sociopolitical climate of the 1960s, demonstrating The Beatles' ability to transcend the boundaries of traditional pop music.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Have you seen the little piggies
Crawling in the dirt?
And for all the little piggies
Life is getting worse,
Always having dirt to play around in
Have you seen the bigger piggies
In their starched white shirts?
You will find the bigger piggies
Stirring up the dirt,
Always have clean shirts to play around in
In their styes with all their backing
They don't care what goes on around
In their eyes there's something lacking
What they need's a damn good whacking
Everywhere there's lots of piggies
Living piggy lives
You can see them out for dinner
With their piggy wives
Clutching forks and knives to eat the bacon
One more time