It's My Life

You'll want your daughter to stay away from the guy in this song. He's a big talker, explaining how he's down on his luck, but about to go from "Rags to Sable," meaning he'll do what it takes to make it. He's looking for some sugar mamas to take care of him so he can "live on their money," and he's proudly pigheaded: "It's my life and I'll do what I want." Despite all this, he expects the girl he's after to believe him when he says, some day I'll treat you real fine. Let's hope she doesn't fall for it.

This was written by Carl D'Errico (music), and Roger Atkins (lyrics) specifically for The Animals. The duo were at the time working for Screen Gems Music, part of the New York City music scene that included the Brill Building. "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place" (Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil) and "Don't Bring Me Down" (Gerry Goffin and Carole King) were also hits for the Animals, which originated from the Brill Building songwriting scene.

Animals lead singer Eric Burdon said he "detested" this song and didn't want to sing it (producer Mickie Most pushed it through). Perhaps in protest, Burdon changed some of the lyrics. He sang: Sure, I'll do wrong Hurt you sometime But someday I'll treat you so fine But the lyrics was written as: Show me I'm wrong Hurt me sometime But some day I'll treat you real fine