About the song
**”It’s My Life” by The Animals: An Iconic Anthem of Defiance**
Released in October 1965, “It’s My Life” stands as a quintessential example of mid-60s rock, demonstrating the fervent spirit of the British Invasion era. Penned by the New York City songwriting duo Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico, this track marked a significant milestone for The Animals, the English R&B band behind its dynamic performance.
Atkins and D’Errico, both prominent figures in the Brill Building scene, were instrumental in crafting the song specifically for The Animals. Their collaboration yielded a track that resonated deeply with the band’s rough-hewn style and rebellious ethos. The song was produced by Mickie Most, who sought to infuse The Animals’ sound with fresh material. This effort resulted in “It’s My Life,” a song that would soon become emblematic of the group’s identity and a defining moment in their career.
Musically, “It’s My Life” is driven by an unforgettable bass guitar riff performed by Chas Chandler, complemented by Hilton Valentine’s electrifying twelve-string guitar work. The distinct sound is further enriched by Dave Rowberry’s organ part, which adds a darker, more introspective tone compared to other British Invasion bands of the time. Musicologist Walter Everett has highlighted how these elements contribute to the song’s strength and uniqueness. The track’s structure builds towards a powerful chorus where lead vocalist Eric Burdon’s gruff, emotionally charged delivery underscores the song’s defiant message.
Lyrically, “It’s My Life” captures a spirit of self-determination and personal freedom. Burdon’s vocal performance reflects the working-class sentiments of Tyneside, North East England, as he sings about rising above one’s circumstances and asserting individuality. Lines like “It’s my life and I’ll do what I want” encapsulate the theme of independence and self-empowerment, resonating with audiences both then and now.
The song’s impact was immediate, becoming a hit across several countries and securing a place in the pantheon of classic rock. Its presence on shows like “Hullabaloo” and its subsequent covers by various artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, underscore its enduring influence. Critics such as Dave Marsh and Craig Werner have noted how “It’s My Life” represents a broader cultural shift in rock music towards greater social awareness and self-expression.
Throughout the years, “It’s My Life” has been covered and reinterpreted by numerous artists, each adding their own twist to this timeless anthem. From Bruce Springsteen’s dramatic live renditions to Shaun Cassidy’s 1980s cover, the song’s legacy continues to thrive, reaffirming its status as a powerful declaration of individuality and defiance.
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Lyrics
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 some day
Hear what I say
I’m gonna ride that serpent
No more time spent
Sweatin’ rent
Hear my command
I’m breakin’ loose
And 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’ll think what I want
Show me I’m wrong
Hurt me sometime
But some day I’ll treat you real fine
There’ll be women and their fortunes
Who just want to mother orphans
Are you gonna cry while I’m squeezin’ them dry?
Takin’ all I can get, no regrets
When 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 some day I’ll treat you real fine
Don’t push it
(It’s my mind and I’ll think what I want)
It’s my life
Can’t get to 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)
It’s my mind