About The Song
Written by the ever-evolving George Harrison, “Piggies” takes a sharp turn from the band’s usual love songs and pop anthems. Instead, it dives headfirst into social commentary, employing a satirical lens to skewer themes of greed and materialism.
Now, for those of us who remember the whirlwind of the 1960s, the song’s context becomes even richer. It was a time of social upheaval, with the Vietnam War raging on and the fight for civil rights reaching a fever pitch. The Beatles themselves were undergoing a period of introspection, experimenting with new sounds and exploring Eastern philosophies.
In this climate of questioning and change, “Piggies” emerged as a playful yet pointed critique of the wealthy elite. Harrison, inspired by works like Orwell’s Animal Farm, uses the metaphor of pigs – creatures often associated with gluttony and self-importance – to represent those consumed by materialism.
The song’s opening lines paint a vivid picture: “Have you seen the bigger piggies in their starched white shirts? You will find the bigger piggies stirring up the dirt.” Here, the image of the starched white shirt becomes a symbol of a privileged class, concerned only with maintaining their status and accumulating wealth.
“Piggies” doesn’t shy away from its satirical bite. The lyrics are filled with playful barbs, like “clutching forks and knives to eat their bacon.” The very act of these “bigger piggies” indulging in a luxurious meal becomes a metaphor for their excessive consumption.
But beneath the humor lies a serious message. The song questions the priorities of those solely focused on material gain, suggesting a hollowness behind their seemingly comfortable lives. “What they need’s a damn good whacking,” sings Harrison, a line both humorous and unsettling. It hints at a desire to disrupt the status quo, to shake these “piggies” from their complacency.
“Piggies” may not be one of The Beatles’ most recognizable songs, but its relevance transcends its era. As we navigate our own complex world, riddled with issues of wealth disparity and consumer culture, the song’s message continues to resonate. It serves as a reminder to question our own priorities and challenge the systems that perpetuate greed and inequality. So, the next time you revisit the “White Album”, take a moment to listen closely to “Piggies”. You might just find yourself snorting along in agreement.