What Am I Living For
The Animals Lyrics


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Well, what am I living for if not for you?
What am I living for if not for you?
Well, what am I living for if not for you?
Baby, Baby, nobody else, nobody else will do.

Well, what am I longing for each lonely night?
To feel you lips close to mine and hold you tight.
Well, you'll be my only love my whole life through.
Baby, Baby, nobody else, nobody else will do.

Well, I want you close to me
That's all I know.
And I want you all the time
'Cause darling I love you so.

Well, what am I living for if not for you?
What am I living for if not for you?




Well, what am I living for if not for you?
Baby, Baby, nobody else, nobody else will do.

Overall Meaning

The Animals' song "What Am I Living For" expresses the idea that the singer's reason for living is his love for a certain woman. He wonders what he would be living for if not for her, as she is the only one who can fulfill his love and desire. The repetition of the same question and stanza throughout the lyrics emphasizes the singer's desperation for his love to be fulfilled by this woman. He longs for her lips to be close to his and for her to be his only love for the rest of his life.


The lyrics of "What Am I Living For" have a straightforward and simple structure. Still, the song's focus on one's purpose in life being solely dependent on another person makes it emotional and relatable to many people. The powerful delivery of singer Eric Burdon's voice adds depth and intensity to the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, what am I living for if not for you?
I cannot find meaning or purpose in my life if it is not for you.


What am I living for if not for you?
There is no other reason or motivation for me to continue living if it is not for you.


Baby, Baby, nobody else, nobody else will do.
There is no substitute for you in my life, nobody else can take your place.


Well, what am I longing for each lonely night?
Every night I yearn for your presence, to hold you tight and feel your lips on mine.


To feel you lips close to mine and hold you tight.
The only thing I desire is to be close to you and experience the comfort and warmth of your embrace.


Well, you'll be my only love my whole life through.
You are the only person I will love for the rest of my life, nobody else compares to you.


Well, I want you close to me.
My only wish is to have you near me, to share every moment and experience with you.


And I want you all the time.
The intensity and frequency of my desire for you are constant, I always want to be with you.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED JACOBSON, ART HARRIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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