When it comes to Soundgarden songs, there is no question that "Slaves and Bulldozers" holds a special place in the hearts of all of us. This 1991 song is one of the greatest tracks of all time and it's no surprise that Chris Cornell was able to give this track a vocal performance that will forever be remembered.
The song is essentially a blatantly allegorical look at the music industry. And yet, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what it means by examining the lyrics alone.
A bulldozer is a heavy-duty machine designed to move or modify material in large quantities and often with extreme speed. These machines are usually used in construction, farming, and civil engineering.
It's also often a popular tool in demolition work, and is often seen in construction of homes or commercial buildings.
There are many things that can go into a bulldozer, but two key elements are the long vertical steel blade and the rotating twin tracks that facilitate its movement. The blade can weigh as much as 16,000 pounds, while the tracks allow the machine to be moved up or down under hydraulic power.
In this song, Chris Cornell uses his voice to reminisce about the past. But he also uses his voice to evoke emotion and a sense of fear.
The song also includes a soaring guitar solo by lead guitarist Kim Thayil. The guitar riffs are unstoppable and are sure to bring back any memories of this classic Seattle band.