About the song
Background:
- Released in 1965 on the album “The Animals,” “Around & Around” quickly became one of the band’s signature tunes.
- The song is considered a prime example of the British Invasion sound, blending elements of blues, rock and roll, and emerging psychedelic rock.
- The Animals, fronted by the iconic vocalist Eric Burdon, were known for their raw energy and bluesy influences, which are evident in “Around & Around.”
Themes in “Around & Around”:
-
Monotony and Desire for Escape: The song’s repetitive lyrics, particularly the titular phrase “around & around,” capture a sense of monotony and frustration. The singer seems trapped in a repetitive cycle, yearning for something more.
-
Love and Obsession: There’s a duality to the lyrics, with the repetitive “around & around” potentially referencing both a physical circling and a relentless pursuit of love. The line “Baby, baby, baby” further emphasizes this theme of obsession.
-
Psychedelic Experience: While not as overtly psychedelic as some later songs, “Around & Around” hints at the emerging psychedelic rock movement. The distorted guitars, driving beat, and Burdon’s impassioned vocals create a hypnotic and trance-like atmosphere.
-
Breaking Free: Despite the sense of repetition, there’s an underlying desire for escape present in the song. The driving rhythm and Burdon’s energetic vocals convey a sense of yearning to break free from the cycle and find something new.
Overall:
“Around & Around” is a powerful and energetic song that captures the spirit of the British Invasion and the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene. It speaks to the universal themes of monotony, desire, and the yearning for liberation.