About the Song
Among The Animals’ electrifying catalog, “Boom Boom” stands out as a unique and captivating song. Released in 1964, it’s a raw and primal blues ballad that explores the dark side of love, infused with a potent mix of obsession and desire.
A Forceful Declaration:
The song opens with a bang – a repetitive, almost hypnotic melody played on the piano. Eric Burdon’s vocals then take center stage, delivering the opening line with a raw intensity: “Boom boom boom boom/Gonna shoot you right down.” This isn’t a romantic serenade; it’s a forceful declaration of possession.
Love as Obsession:
The lyrics delve into the obsessive nature of the narrator’s love. Lines like “I’m gonna love you night and day” and “I like the way you walk” hint at a controlling and potentially suffocating affection. The repeated “boom boom” becomes a sonic manifestation of the narrator’s pounding heart, a relentless rhythm that underscores the intensity of his emotions.
A Blurring of Lines:
“Boom Boom” blurs the lines between love and obsession. The narrator wants to “take you in my arms,” but the forceful language suggests a sense of domination rather than tenderness. This ambiguity adds a layer of intrigue to the song, leaving listeners to question the true nature of the narrator’s feelings.
The Power of The Animals:
The Animals’ performance on this track is nothing short of electrifying. The bluesy guitar riffs and driving rhythm section create a dark and brooding atmosphere. Burdon’s vocals are a force of nature, raw and unhinged, perfectly capturing the intensity of the narrator’s obsession.
A Legacy of Influence:
“Boom Boom” may not be a typical love song, but its raw energy and unconventional exploration of love’s darker side have secured its place in music history. The song has been covered by countless artists across genres, each offering their own interpretation of the lyrics’ ambiguous message. “Boom Boom” remains a testament to The Animals’ ability to push boundaries and create music that is both unsettling and strangely captivating.
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Lyrics: “Boom Boom”
Boom boom boom boom
Gonna shoot you right down
Take you in my arms
I’m in love with you
Love that is true
Boom boom boom boom
I like the way you walk
I like the way you talk
When you walk that walk
And you talk that talk
You knock me out
Right off of my feet
C’mon and shake,
Shake it baby
Shake it up baby
Shake it baby
C’mon now baby
Shake it baby
I don’t mean maybe
Shake it baby
You’re driving me crazy
Shake it baby
C’mon, c’mon
Shake it baby
All right, all right
The way you walk
The way you talk
When you walkin’ that walk
And talkin’ that talk
I need you right now
I mean right now
I don’t mean tomorrow
I mean right now
C’mon, c’mon
C’mon shake it up baby
Boom boom boom boom