Blind Dogs

Soundgarden's 'Blind Dogs' is a haunting exploration of blind faith and the dangers of following without questioning. The song opens with a sense of urgency, urging the listener to 'run away' as if from an imminent threat. The mention of Halloween sets a tone of fear and disguise, suggesting that evil can be lurking right next door, hidden behind masks. The line 'What do blind dogs believe' serves as a metaphor for people who follow blindly, without questioning the beliefs imposed upon them. The repetition of 'I don't want to know' underscores a sense of willful ignorance, a refusal to confront uncomfortable truths.

The chorus, 'Blind, following blind,' is a powerful indictment of those who follow without questioning. It suggests a cycle of ignorance, where the blind lead the blind, perpetuating a state of unawareness. The song critiques organized religion with lines like 'Bow your head to the trinity,' implying that blind faith is often encouraged by religious institutions. The phrase 'The safe bet is on your knees' further emphasizes the idea that submission and conformity are seen as safe, albeit unthinking, choices.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a more introspective turn. The imagery of being 'dead on my feet' and 'nightmare walks' conveys a sense of exhaustion and despair. The freeway, a symbol of modern life's relentless pace, becomes a place where the protagonist falls asleep, overwhelmed by the noise and chaos. The lines 'Suffer to swim and dying to sink' reflect the struggle to stay afloat in a world that demands conformity. The final lines, 'These things in the air, they will make you think,' suggest that despite the pervasive ignorance, there are still elements that can provoke thought and awaken awareness.