A self-taught musician, primarily a keyboard player, he was educated at Jarrow Grammar School, South Tyneside, and was a founding member of the Tyneside group The Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo, then renamed The Animals. His playing on their international hit "House of the Rising Sun" and other tracks was a key element in the Animals' success. His arrangement of "House of the Rising Sun," a traditional folk song, has become more recognisable than previous incarnations.
He left the band in May 1965, to form the highly successful Alan Price Set. In the same year, he appeared in the film Dont Look Back, which followed Bob Dylan on tour. In 1967, he enjoyed singles success with the Randy Newman song "Simon Smith And His Amazing Dancing Bear" and "The House That Jack Built", following it up in 1968 with the jazzy "Don't Stop The Carnival". A partnership with Georgie Fame resulted in a Top 20 single in 1971, "Rosetta", and an album "Fame and Price, Price and Fame Together", as well as a regular slot in one series of "The Two Ronnies" on BBC television.
In 1973, he wrote the music for the Lindsay Anderson film O Lucky Man!; he performs on screen in the film and appears in walk-on parts as himself.
Price produced the autobiographical album Between Today and Yesterday in 1974, a track from which, "Jarrow Song", returned him to the singles chart.
He participated in two attempts to reunite The Animals in 1977 and 1983. He also made several recordings with his friend, Georgie Fame.
He acted in Alfie Darling, a less than stellar sequel to the film Alfie, in the course of which he became romantically involved with his co-star, Jill Townsend. He has written music for stage plays and films, including The Whales of August.
For the past 20 years Alan Price has continued to regularly tour the UK, both on his own, and sometimes in 60's revues with groups such as Manfred Mann, The Searchers and The Hollies.
Look Over Your Shoulder
Alan Price Lyrics
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And the sun shines bright all day through
Don't forget boy
Look over your shoulder
'Cause there's always someone coming after you (la la la la)
When everything in life seems just as it should be
At last success seems just around the door
Look over your shoulder
'Cause things don't stay the same forever more (la la la la)
Hope springs eternal in a young man's breast
And he dreams of a better life ahead
Without that dream you are nothing, nothing, nothing
You have to find out for yourself that dream is dead (la la la la)
Dead (la la la la) repeat to fade
The song "Look Over Your Shoulder" by Alan Price is a cautionary tale. It warns the listener to be wary of the forces beyond one's control that can bring about a reversal of fortune at any time. The opening verse depicts a sunny day with a bluebird singing by the window, but then the listener is reminded to look over their shoulder because there is always someone who could be coming after them, seeking to undo their success. Similarly, the second verse paints a picture of success just around the corner, but again the warning is given to be cautious and to anticipate change. The chorus is a repetition of this warning, with the haunting "la la la la" refrain adding to the sense of foreboding.
The third verse introduces a deeper message about the importance of dreams. The phrase "hope springs eternal in a young man's breast" (a quote attributed to Alexander Pope) suggests that the belief in a brighter future is a driving force for many people. The lyric then points out that without these dreams, one is "nothing, nothing, nothing." However, the song also warns that these dreams can lead to disillusionment, as the dreams may not come to fruition, leaving one feeling as if the dream is dead.
Overall, "Look Over Your Shoulder" is a song about the need to be mindful of both positive and negative forces in life, and to stay humble in success and hopeful in the face of failure.
Line by Line Meaning
When there's a bluebird singing by your window pane
When life seems peaceful and content
And the sun shines bright all day through
Everything seems perfect in your life
Don't forget boy
You should always be cautious
Look over your shoulder
Be mindful of possible threats
'Cause there's always someone coming after you (la la la la)
There will always be enemies or adversaries
When everything in life seems just as it should be
When life seems to be going well
At last success seems just around the door
Victory appears to be within reach
Don't forget boy
Always be careful
Look over your shoulder
Remain alert to potential dangers
'Cause things don't stay the same forever more (la la la la)
Change is constantly occurring
Hope springs eternal in a young man's breast
Young people always have hope for the future
And he dreams of a better life ahead
They envision a brighter future
Without that dream you are nothing, nothing, nothing
Without hope, life has no purpose
You have to find out for yourself that dream is dead (la la la la)
Eventually, everyone will face the harsh reality that life does not always meet their expectations
Dead (la la la la) repeat to fade
The dream may die, but life goes on
Writer(s): Alan Price Copyright: British Lion Music Ltd.
Contributed by Gavin R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.