Although the band Burdon formed in the late 1960s was sometimes called Eric Burdon and the New Animals, it wasn't until 1998 that the name Eric Burdon and the New Animals was officially adopted. The 1998 band had bassist Dave Meros, guitarist Dean Restum, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and keyboard guitarist Neal Morse. They recorded Live at the Coach House on 17 October 1998, released on video and DVD in December that year. In 1999 they released The Official Live Bootleg No. 2 and in August 2000 The Official Live Bootleg 2000, with Martin Gerschwitz on keyboards.
Read Eric Burdon's full bio here: Eric Burdon
It's My Life
Eric Burdon & The New Animals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the good things have been taken
But girl there are ways to make certain things pay
Though I'm dressed in these rags, I'll wear sable someday
Hear what I say
I'm gonna ride the serpent
No more time spent sweatin' rent
I'm breakin' loose, it ain't no use
Holdin' me down, stick around
But baby (baby)
Remember (remember)
It's my life and I'll do what I want
It's my mind and I'll think what I want
Show me I'm wrong, hurt me sometime
But some day I'll treat you real fine
There'll be women and their fortunes
Who just want to mother orphans
Are you gonna cry, when I'm squeezin' the rye
Takin' all I can get, no regrets
When I, openly lie
And leave only money
Believe me honey, that money
Can you believe, I ain't no saint
No complaints
So girl go out
Hand it out
And baby (baby)
Remember (remember)
It's my life and I'll do what I want
It's my mind and I'll think what I want
Show me I'm wrong, hurt me sometime
But some day I'll treat you real fine
(It's my life and I'll do what I want) don't push me
(It's my mind and I'll think what I want) it's my life
(It's my life and I'll do what I want) and I can do what I want
(It's my mind and I'll think what I want) you can't tell me
(It's my life and I'll do what I want)
In Eric Burdon's song "It," the lyrics express a sense of rebellion and determination to live life on one's own terms. The opening lines highlight the harsh reality of the music industry and the difficulty of getting a break. However, Burdon offers hope and suggests there are ways to make things work. He declares that he will not be held down and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
Throughout the song, Burdon asserts his independence and self-determination. He acknowledges that there may be consequences to his actions and that he may hurt others along the way. However, he is steadfast in his resolve to live life on his own terms. The repetition of the phrase "It's my life, and I'll do what I want" emphasizes this point.
The closing lines of the song introduce the idea of women and their fortunes, suggesting that Burdon may use relationships to further his own success. However, he also acknowledges that he may hurt those he is involved with and promises to treat them well someday.
Overall, "It" is a song about pursuing one's dreams and not letting anyone hold you back. It encourages listeners to take control of their lives and chart their own course, even if it means making difficult choices and facing consequences along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a hard world to get a break in
It's challenging to be successful in this world
All the good things have been taken
The opportunities for success are limited
But girl there are ways to make certain things pay
There are still ways to succeed despite the odds
Though I'm dressed in these rags, I'll wear sable some day
Even if I'm currently poor, I believe I'll be rich someday
Hear what I say
Listen to me
I'm gonna ride the serpent
I'm going to take risks to succeed
No more time spent sweatin' rent
I refuse to struggle to make ends meet anymore
Hear my command
Listen to what I have to say
I'm breakin' loose, it ain't no use
I'm going to break free from my current situation
Holdin' me down, stick around
Don't try to control me
But baby (baby)
My dear
Remember (remember)
Don't forget
It's my life and I'll do what I want
I have the right to make my own decisions
It's my mind and I'll think what I want
I have the right to think for myself
Show me I'm wrong, hurt me sometime
It's okay to challenge me or hurt me sometimes
But some day I'll treat you real fine
I'll treat you well in the future
There'll be women and their fortunes
I'll meet rich women
Who just want to mother orphans
These rich women may want to take care of children
Are you gonna cry, when I'm squeezin' the rye
Will you be upset when I'm drinking and partying?
Takin' all I can get, no regrets
I'll take advantage of these opportunities without remorse
When I, openly lie
I'm not always honest
And leave only money
Money is my only concern
Believe me honey, that money
Trust me, money is important
Can you believe, I ain't no saint
I admit I'm not perfect
No complaints
I won't complain about the consequences of my actions
So girl go out
You're free to do what you want
Hand it out
Be generous
(It's my life and I'll do what I want) Don't push me
I won't be controlled
(It's my mind and I'll think what I want) It's my life
I'm in charge of my own life
(It's my life and I'll do what I want) And I can do what I want
I have freedom of choice
(It's my mind and I'll think what I want) You can't tell me
No one can tell me what to do or think
(It's my life and I'll do what I want)
I'll make my own decisions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carl D'Errico, Roger Atkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JackF99
The great song itself had some pretty creepy lyrics.
"There'll be women and their fortunes
Who just want to mother orphans
Are you gonna cry
When I'm squeezing them dry?
Taking all I can get
No regrets
When I openly lie, ha
And live on their money
Believe me, honey
That money
Can you believe?
I ain't no saint
@jeffrolambert9087
Eric's voice was a gift and he put all his heart and soul behind it
@interbi5642
what year this video was recorded
@j.masonmedia5172
@@interbi5642quote me if I’m wrong maybes 1964
@kentinmn
@@j.masonmedia5172 This episode of NBC's "Hullabaloo", October 11, 1965.
@doreekaplan2589
He still does
@debraweaver6308
@@j.masonmedia5172 Yes, Mason. It is either 1964..or 1965.
@fredgomo
One of the best original blues rock band. Their music with the incomparable Eric Burdon still stands up. Great band.
@ld3511
💯
@timothydrumm5690
This guy is one of the ALL TIME greatest SOLO singers - the soulful drama in this voice is - off the charts!
@daveberry342
Like Franky Valli, Van Morrisson, Sam Cooke, Steve Perry, and of course, Lou Gramm.