Pigs On The Wing (Part Three) – melancholic industrial symphonies meet pulsating rhythmic structures

Industrial music, a genre notorious for its abrasive soundscapes and dystopian themes, often evokes feelings of unease and rebellion. Yet, nestled within this sonic realm exists an unexpected haven of introspection and ethereal beauty. Enter Pink Floyd’s “Pigs On The Wing (Part Three),” a poignant musical interlude that transcends the genre’s conventions while remaining firmly rooted in its industrial essence.

Released in 1977 as part of the iconic album Animals, this song stands apart from its heavier counterparts. While tracks like “Dogs” and “Sheep” unleash a barrage of aggressive guitar riffs and thunderous drumming, “Pigs On The Wing (Part Three)” opts for a gentler approach. Acoustic guitars weave delicate melodies, while David Gilmour’s melancholic vocals carry lyrics filled with yearning and a sense of isolation.

The song’s genesis lies in the creative tension between Roger Waters, the band’s lyricist and bassist, and David Gilmour, the guitarist and vocalist. Waters’ vision for Animals was to craft a biting critique of societal structures, exploring themes of power, corruption, and alienation. Gilmour, however, sought to inject moments of vulnerability and human connection into the album’s overarching darkness.

“Pigs On The Wing (Part Three)” emerged as a compromise, bridging Waters’ social commentary with Gilmour’s emotional depth. The lyrics speak of escape and longing for a simpler existence: “I will survive this love,” Gilmour sings, his voice imbued with both fragility and defiance.

While technically not classified as industrial music, the song possesses several elements that resonate within the genre. Its stripped-down instrumentation and haunting melodies evoke the minimalist aesthetic often found in industrial artists like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire. The theme of alienation, a recurring motif in industrial music, is also palpable in “Pigs On The Wing (Part Three).”

The song’s structure further contributes to its industrial sensibility.

These elements, while seemingly disparate from the genre’s traditional sonic palette, create an atmosphere of introspection and tension that aligns with industrial music’s exploration of the darker aspects of human experience.

Furthermore, “Pigs On The Wing (Part Three)” foreshadowed the emergence of post-industrial music in the 1980s, a subgenre that blended industrial elements with introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. Bands like Joy Division and The Cure, pioneers of post-industrial, explored similar themes of alienation and emotional vulnerability through their music.

The enduring appeal of “Pigs On The Wing (Part Three)” lies in its ability to transcend genre boundaries. It’s a song that speaks to the human condition, regardless of musical preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the heavy textures of industrial music or the melodic beauty of folk music, there’s something undeniably poignant and captivating about this Pink Floyd masterpiece.

“Pigs On The Wing (Part Three)” serves as a reminder that even within the harshest sonic landscapes, moments of tenderness and hope can emerge. It’s a testament to the transformative power of music, its ability to connect us with our deepest emotions and offer solace amidst the chaos of life.