About the Song
In the mid-1960s, amidst the burgeoning British Invasion, The Animals unleashed a rock and roll anthem that roared with youthful defiance. “It’s My Life” became a battle cry for a generation yearning for self-expression and freedom from societal constraints.
A Frustrated Cry for Freedom:
The song opens with a declaration of frustration: “It’s a hard world to get a break in/All the good things have been taken.” These lyrics paint a picture of a world stacked against the young narrator. He feels trapped, yearning for opportunities that seem out of reach.
A Refusal to Conform:
Despite the hardships, the narrator refuses to give in to despair. Lines like “Though I’m dressed in these rags, I’ll wear sable someday” brim with a quiet determination. He dreams of a brighter future, one where he can shed the constraints of his current situation and achieve success on his own terms. This refusal to conform to societal expectations is a core theme of the song.
Taking Control of One’s Destiny:
The defiant chorus, “It’s my life and I’ll do what I want/It’s my mind and I’ll think what I want,” is the heart of the song. It’s a declaration of independence, a refusal to be controlled by others. The narrator asserts his right to make his own choices, even if those choices are met with disapproval.
Rebelling Against the Status Quo:
“It’s My Life” resonated with a generation yearning for change. It became an anthem for young people challenging the status quo, questioning authority, and demanding the freedom to forge their own paths. The song’s raw energy and rebellious spirit captured the zeitgeist of the era.
The Power of Rock and Roll:
The Animals’ performance on this track is electrifying. Eric Burdon’s vocals are full of youthful angst and defiance. The driving rhythm section and distorted guitars create a powerful soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s message. “It’s My Life” is a prime example of the power of rock and roll, a genre that thrives on rebellion and self-expression.
A Timeless Anthem:
“It’s My Life” transcends its origins as a 1960s hit. The song’s message of self-determination and the fight for individuality remains relevant even today. It continues to resonate with anyone who has ever felt stifled by expectations or yearned to break free from the mold. “It’s My Life” remains a timeless anthem, a reminder that we all have the right to control our own destinies and live life on our own terms.
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Lyrics: “It’s My Life”
It’s a hard world to get a break in
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, somedayHear what I say
I’m gonna ride this serpent
No more time spent, sweatin’ rent
Hear my commandI’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 think what I want
Show me I’m wrong, hurt me sometime
But someday, I’ll treat you real fineThere’ll be women and their fortunes
Who just want to mother orphans
Are you gonna cry while I’m squeezin’ them dry?
Talkin’ all I can get, no regretsWhen I, openly lie
And live on their money
Believe me honey
That money, can you believe?I ain’t no saint, no complaints
So girl, throw out any doubt
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 someday, 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)
I’ll do what I want
(It’s my mind and I’ll think what I want)