History
First incarnation
Formed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne during 1962 and 1963 when Burdon joined the existing Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo, the original line-up comprised Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (organ and keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), John Steel (drums), and Bryan "Chas" Chandler (bass). The Animals' moderate success in their hometown and a connection with The Yardbirds manager Giorgio Gomelsky motivated them to move to London in 1964, in time to be grouped with the British Invasion. They performed fiery versions of the staple rhythm and blues repertoire (Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Nina Simone, etc). Signed to the Columbia Graphophone subsidiary of EMI, a rocking version of the standard "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" (retitled Baby Let Me Take You Home) was their first UK hit single.
It was followed in June 1964 by the huge transatlantic hit "House of the Rising Sun". Burdon's howling vocals and the dramatic arrangement created arguably the first folk rock hit. Whether the arrangement was inspired by Bob Dylan's version of the song (which in turn was inspired by folk singer Dave Van Ronk) or by blues singer Josh White's (who recorded it twice in 1944 and 1949) or by singer/pianist Nina Simone (who recorded it in 1962 on At The Village Gate, predating Dylan's interpretation) remains a subject of dispute, as does whether all five Animals deserved credit for the arrangement and not just Price.
The Animals' two-year chart career, masterminded by producer Mickie Most, featured singles that were intense, gritty pop covers such as Sam Cooke's Bring It On Home To Me and the Nina Simone number Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. In contrast their album tracks stayed with rhythm and blues, with Hooker's Boom Boom and Ray Charles' I Believe to My Soul being notable examples. Burdon's powerful, deep voice and the use of keyboards as much or more than guitars were two elements that made the Animals' sound stand out.
By May 1965 the group was starting to feel internal pressures. Price left due to personal and musical differences as well as a fear of flying on tour; he went on to a successful career as a solo artist and with the Alan Price Set. Mickey Gallagher filled in for him on keyboards for a spell, until Dave Rowberry replaced him and was on hand for the hit working-class anthems We Gotta Get Out of this Place and It's My Life. Around that time, an Animals Big Band even made a one-time appearance.
Many of The Animals' hits had come from Brill Building songwriters recruited by Most; the group, and Burdon in particular, felt this was too restrictive. As 1965 ended the group switched to Decca Records and producer Tom Wilson, who gave them more artistic freedom. In early 1966 MGM Records, their American label, collected their hits onto The Best of The Animals; it became their best-selling album in the U.S. In February 1966 Steel left and was replaced by Barry Jenkins; a leftover cover of Goffin-King's Don't Bring Me Down and the powerful hard rock tune See See Rider were the last hits as The Animals.
By this time their business affairs "were in a total shambles," according to Chandler (who would go on to manage Jimi Hendrix), and the group disbanded. Even by the standards of the day, when artists tended to be financially naΓ―ve, the Animals made very little money from their successes, eventually claiming mismanagement and theft on the part of their manager Mike Jeffery.
Second incarnation
A group with Burdon, Jenkins, and new sidemen John Weider (guitar/violin/bass), Vic Briggs alias Antion (guitar/piano), and Danny McCulloch (bass) was formed under the name Eric Burdon and the New Animals (or sometimes just Eric Burdon & the Animals) in October 1966, and changed direction. The hard-driving blues was transformed into Burdon's version of psychedelia, as the former heavy-drinking Geordie (who later said he could never get used to Newcastle, "where the rain comes at you sideways") relocated to California and became a spokesman for the Love Generation, but also a former heavy metal act and one of the upcoming stars of the genre such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple..
Some of this group's hits included "San Franciscan Nights", "Monterey" (a tribute to the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival), and the anti-war "Sky Pilot". There were further changes to this line-up: George Bruno (a/k/a Zoot Money, keyboards) was added in April 1968, and in July 1968 Andy Summers [sic] (guitar)βlater of The Policeβreplaced Briggs and McCulloch.
By 1969 these Animals had dissolved, and Eric Burdon joined forces with a Latin group from Long Beach, California called War.
The first hit under Eric Burdon & War was the funky/chill-out song Spill the Wine. The Group with 8 members disbanded in July 1971.
Later incarnations
The original Animals line-up of Burdon, Price, Valentine, Chandler, and Steel briefly reunited for a benefit concert in Newcastle in 1968, for an album in 1977 and again for an album and tour (supplemented by Zoot Money on keyboards and Steve Grant on guitar) in 1983. Chandler died in 1996.
In the 2000s Burdon has toured with a new set of musicians under the name "Eric Burdon and the Animals". Periodically during the 1990s and 2000s Valentine, Steel, and Dave Rowberry toured under the name "(Hilton Valentine's) The Animals" and Valentine and Steel under the name "Animals II". Rowberry died in 2003. As of 2005 "Animals & Friends" was also active, consisting of Steel and Mickey Gallagher; this group frequently play gigs on a Color Line ship that travels between Scandinavia and Germany.
Legacy
The original Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Their influence can be heard in artists as varied as The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Canned Heat, David Johansen, Joe Cocker, Fine Young Cannibals, Iggy Pop, Mando Diao and many, many more.
Ain't That a Shame
The Animals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
can you see a smiling face?
all the people that surround you
no one's laughing anyplace
everybody's runnin scared
of the things they haven't dared
those who try get stoned
well that ain't where it's at
it's a brighter world outside you
and it's time you realized
there ain't nothin gonna hide you
ain't no use in your disguise
your mind is where it builds
all the things you really feel
gving up the game will knock you flat
but that ain't where it's at
no no
baby get straight
while you got the time
things that you hate
they ain't worth a dime
don't you know that bein happy ain't no crime
hear the sound of singin'
won't you open up your ears
all the fire alarms are ringin
cause we're burnin up with fears
if you really wana live
it's yourself you must forgive
don't depend on someone else
to fit your hat
cause that ain't where it's at
no no
I said that ain't where it's at
and you know
and it's the truth
that ain't where it's at.
The Animals's song "That Ain't Where It's At" reflects on the concept of societal pressure and how it can lead to people feeling misguided and unfulfilled. The first verse highlights how people around us may seem glum and unhappy despite their efforts to project a positive image. It points out that everyone is afraid of things that they haven't tried yet, and that fear often leads to missed opportunities. The second verse reminds the listener that there is a brighter world outside their immediate surroundings and that no matter how hard they try to hide, they cannot run from their true selves. The third verse underlines how one's mind is where they build their thoughts and how it impacts their life. It states that giving up and not trying is not the solution to the problem, and suggests that striving for happiness is the ultimate goal. The chorus encourages the listener to stay true to themselves, live in the moment, forgive themselves, and not compare themselves to others. The sound of singing at the end reminds us to always be hopeful and seek positivity.
Line by Line Meaning
if you have a look around you
If you take a moment to observe your surroundings
can you see a smiling face?
Do you notice anyone who is truly happy and content?
all the people that surround you
Everyone who is present in your life
no one's laughing anyplace
No one seems to be genuinely joyful or amused
everybody's runnin scared
Most people are living in fear and apprehension
of the things they haven't dared
They are avoiding risks or opportunities for personal growth
those who try get stoned
People who take chances are met with criticism or rejection
and those who don't get fat
Those who don't step outside of their comfort zones remain stagnant
well that ain't where it's at
Stagnation and lack of growth is not where true happiness and fulfillment lies
it's a brighter world outside you
The world has more potential for joy and possibility than your current perspective allows
and it's time you realized
It's important to recognize this perspective shift
there ain't nothin gonna hide you
There is nothing that can keep you from experiencing this brighter perspective
ain't no use in your disguise
Hiding or pretending to be someone you're not won't lead to happiness
your mind is where it builds
Your thoughts create your reality
all the things you really feel
Your true emotions and beliefs shape your experiences
gving up the game will knock you flat
Giving up on your own growth and potential will lead to disappointment and lack of fulfillment
but that ain't where it's at
True happiness and fulfillment lies in personal growth and embracing possibility
baby get straight
Get focused and honest with yourself
while you got the time
Take advantage of the present moment
things that you hate
Things that cause you negative feelings
they ain't worth a dime
They aren't valuable or important in the grand scheme of things
don't you know that bein happy ain't no crime
It's not wrong or shameful to prioritize your own happiness and fulfillment
hear the sound of singin'
Take notice of joy and positivity around you
won't you open up your ears
Be receptive to these positive influences
all the fire alarms are ringin
People are experiencing fear and negativity, but this isn't a reason to give up on happiness
cause we're burnin up with fears
We are overwhelmed with anxiety and apprehension
if you really wana live
If you truly want to experience life
it's yourself you must forgive
You must let go of self-doubt and criticism
don't depend on someone else
Don't rely on external sources for fulfillment
to fit your hat
To fulfill your personal needs and desires
cause that ain't where it's at
True happiness and fulfillment comes from within, not from external sources
I said that ain't where it's at
Reinforcing the idea that external sources cannot provide true fulfillment
and you know
This truth is universally understood
and it's the truth
This perspective is genuine and valid
Lyrics Β© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARTIN LAWRENCE SIEGEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind