Hopelessly passing your time in the grassland away
Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air
You better watch out
There may be dogs about
I've looked over Jordan, and I have seen
Things are not what they seem

What do you get for pretending the danger's not real
Meek and obedient you follow the leader
Down well trodden corridors into the valley of steel
What a surprise

The look of terminal shock in your eyes
Now things are really what they seem
No, this is no bad dream

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me down to lie
Through pastures green He leadeth me the silent waters by
With bright knives he releaseth my soul

He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places
He converteth me to lamb cutlets
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger
When cometh the day we lowly ones

Through quiet reflection, and great dedication
Master the art of karate
Lo, we shall rise up
And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water

Bleating and babbling we fell on his neck with a scream
Wave upon wave of demented avengers
March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream

Have you heard the news?
The dogs are dead
You better stay home
And do as you're told
Get out of the road if you want to grow old


Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae, edited by FlyFloydia, leech3, Title5, morrizon07, Christon74, bigphucker

Sheep Lyrics as written by Roger Waters

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave

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Sheep song meanings
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  • +15
    Song Meaning

    The song is about "sheep" going with the flow until they finally realize the rut that they're in (being led to the slaughter) and decide to do something about it (they learn karate). The "pigs" essentially charade as a "good shepherd", when in reality, they're anything but that. In the end, the sheep attack the "shepherd", and once that happens, everything falls apart (the dogs die, etc.), and they march onto freedom.

    At the end they're told to stay off the road - in other words, if you want to have a long/good life, then don't join the rat race.

    It's a song that fits well for any strict political or corporate culture. It's not really about religion - they just use the Psalm intro since it fits so well with what the elite want to be come: the "shepherd" that controls everything, even the dogs, even though in reality a shepherd is supposed to watch over the flock and keep it away from harm, not abuse it. False messiahs in suits.

    Ahmson August 14, 2011   Link

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