About the song
Background:
- Released in 1965 as a single by the British rock band The Animals.
- Written by American songwriters Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico, specifically for The Animals.
- Producer Mickie Most was looking for new material for the band and solicited songs from Atkins and D’Errico.
- Interestingly, the song’s iconic line “It’s my life” was originally written as “Show me I’m wrong, hurt me some time” by the songwriters. The Animals’ lead singer, Eric Burdon, changed it during recording.
Themes:
- Independence and rebellion: The song is a powerful declaration of self-ownership and the freedom to make one’s own choices, even if they’re not popular.
- Frustration and defiance: The lyrics hint at a struggle against societal expectations and a desire to break free from constraints.
- Coming of age: It can be interpreted as a young person asserting their individuality and carving their own path in the world.
- Relationships: There’s some ambiguity about the “you” addressed in the song. It could be a romantic partner or a more general societal figure. Regardless, the singer resists being controlled.
The song’s raw energy and Burdon’s impassioned vocals resonated with audiences in the 1960s, a time of social and cultural change. “It’s My Life” became an anthem for those seeking self-expression and defying the status quo.
Video
Lyrics
It’s a hard world to get a break inAll the good things have been takenBut girl, there are ways to make certain things payThough I’m dressed in these ragsI’ll wear sable some day
Hear what I sayI’m gonna ride that serpentNo more time spentSweatin’ rentHear my commandI’m breakin’ looseAnd ain’t no useHoldin’ me downStick around
But baby (Baby)Remember (Remember)It’s my life and I’ll do what I wantIt’s my mind and I’ll think what I wantShow me I’m wrongHurt me sometimeBut some day I’ll treat you real fine
There’ll be women and their fortunesWho just want to mother orphansAre you gonna cry while I’m squeezin’ them dry?Takin’ all I can get, no regrets
When I openly lieAnd live on their moneyBelieve me, honeyThat moneyCan you believe I ain’t no saint?No complaintsSo girl, throw out any doubt
And baby (Baby)Remember (Remember)It’s my life and I’ll do what I wantIt’s my mind and I’ll think what I wantShow me I’m wrongHurt me sometimeBut 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