The original lineup included three lead vocalists — Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells — along with Michael Allsup on guitar, Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards Floyd Sneed on drums and Joe Schermie (from the Cory Wells Blues Band) on bass.
Three Dog Night recorded some tracks with Beach Boys producer, composer, vocalist, and instrumentalist Brian Wilson before signing with Dunhill Records and at the time went under the name Redwood. The band changed their name based on an article describing how Australian Aborigines slept with their dogs for warmth on cold nights, the coldest being a "three-dog night."
Feelin' Alright
Three Dog Night Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every night I have the strangest dreams
Imprisoned by the way it should have been
Left here on my own or so it seems
I've got to leave before I start to scream
Someone's locked the door, she's took the key
Feelin alright?
Feelin alright I'm not feeling to good myself
Well, boy you sure took me for one big ride
And even now I sit and wonder why
And when I think of you I start to cry
I just can't wipe my face, I must keep dry
I gotta stop believin' in all your lies
Cause there's so much to do before I die
Feelin alright?
I'm not feelin to good myself
Feelin alright I'm not feeling to good myself
(Feelin' alright)Don't believe in all I say
(I'm not feelin' to good myself)
Cause at that time I really felt that way
(Feelin' alright)But that was then and now it is today
(I'm not feelin' to good myself)
I can't get off so yet, I'm here to stay
(Feelin' alright)Till someone comes along and takes my place
(Feelin' alright)With a different name and yes a different place
Feelin alright?
I'm not feelin to good myself
Dee dee dee dee dee dee dee
Feelin alright, alright, alright, alright, I'm not feeling to good myself
Good God, good God almighty I feel good
Feelin alright, alright, alright, alright, I'm not feeling to good myself
Feelin alright?
I'm not feelin to good myself
Feelin alright, alright, alright, alright, I'm not feeling to good myself
The lyrics of Three Dog Night's "Feelin' Alright" express a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. The singer has come to the realization that they need a change of scenery in order to escape the "strangest dreams" that haunt them at night. They feel trapped by their past experiences, which they refer to as being "imprisoned by the way it should have been." The singer is left feeling alone and forgotten, as if someone has "locked the door and took the key."
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more resentful towards someone who has hurt them. They feel as if they have been taken on a "big ride" and can't help but wonder why. It's clear that this person has betrayed the singer's trust, and they are left feeling heartbroken and unable to move on. The lyrics suggest that the singer knows they need to stop believing in this person's lies and move on with their life.
Overall, "Feelin' Alright" is a song about finding the strength to move forward and let go of the past. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling stuck and lost, but ultimately finding the courage to make a change.
Line by Line Meaning
Seems I've got to have a change in scene
I feel trapped in my current situation and need to make a change.
Every night I have the strangest dreams
My subconscious is giving me signals that something is not right.
Imprisoned by the way it should have been
Thinking too much about past expectations and not accepting the present reality.
Left here on my own or so it seems
Feeling lonely and isolated.
I've got to leave before I start to scream
I need to get out of here before I lose control of my emotions.
Someone's locked the door, she's took the key
Feeling trapped and helpless, unable to escape the situation at hand.
Feelin alright?
Asking if everything is okay.
I'm not feelin to good myself
Admitting that I am also struggling.
Well, boy you sure took me for one big ride
Feeling deceived and misled by someone I trusted.
And even now I sit and wonder why
Questioning the motives and reasons for someone's actions.
And when I think of you I start to cry
Feeling emotional and hurt when thinking about someone.
I just can't wipe my face, I must keep dry
Trying to stay composed and strong despite the pain.
I gotta stop believin' in all your lies
Realizing that someone has been dishonest and making a commitment to not fall for it again.
Cause there's so much to do before I die
Recognizing the value of time and that life is short.
(Feelin' alright)Don't believe in all I say
Admitting that not everything I say is true or accurate.
(I'm not feelin' to good myself)
Continuing to admit struggle and difficulty.
(Feelin' alright)But that was then and now it is today
Recognizing that the past is in the past and the present must be addressed.
(I'm not feelin' to good myself)
Continuing to admit the present struggle.
(Feelin' alright)Till someone comes along and takes my place
Waiting for a change or new opportunity to come.
(Feelin' alright)With a different name and yes a different place
Hoping for a fresh start in a new location or situation.
Good God, good God almighty I feel good
Expressing a sudden sense of positivity and hope.
Feelin alright, alright, alright, alright, I'm not feeling to good myself
Repeating the main theme of the song, acknowledging both the positive and negative emotions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dave Mason
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christine Shire
on My Impersonal Life
Who sang vocals for this