About the song
Background of “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by The Animals
The song, released in 1965, has an interesting backstory:
- American Songwriters: Written by American songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, known for hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” [Songfacts about You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’].
- Intended for a Different Artist: Originally intended for The Righteous Brothers, it ended up with The Animals thanks to record industry connections.
Themes in “We Gotta Get Out of This Place”
The song’s open lyrics resonate with various themes:
- Desire for Escape: The central theme is a yearning to break free from a stifling and oppressive situation.
- Youthful Rebellion: The lyrics reflect the counterculture movement of the 1960s, with young people questioning societal norms and longing for freedom.
- Open Interpretation: While the song doesn’t explicitly mention war, it became an anthem for American soldiers fighting in Vietnam due to its powerful message of escape.
While the specific situation is left open, the emotions of frustration and yearning for a better life are clear.
Video
Lyrics
In this dirty old part of the cityWhere the sun refused to shinePeople tell me there ain’t no use in tryin’
Now my girl, you’re so young and prettyAnd one thing I know is trueYou’ll be dead before your time is due, I know
Watch my daddy in bed a-dyin’Watched his hair been turnin’ greyHe’s been workin’ and slavin’ his life away, oh yes I know it
And I’ve been workin’ too, baby (yeah!)Every night and day (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
We gotta get out of this placeIf it’s the last thing we ever doWe gotta get out of this place‘Cause girl, there’s a better life for me and you
Now my girl you’re so young and prettyAnd one thing I know is true, yeahYou’ll be dead before your time is due, I know it
Watch my daddy in bed a-dyin’Watched his hair been turnin’ grey, yeahHe’s been workin’ and slavin’ his life awayI know he’s been workin’ so hard
Every day baby (yeah!)Whoa!(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
We gotta get out of this placeIf it’s the last thing we ever doWe gotta get out of this placeGirl, there’s a better life for me and youSomewhere babySomehow I know it, baby
We gotta get out of this placeIf it’s the last thing we ever doWe gotta get out of this placeGirl, there’s a better life for me and youBelieve me babyI know it babyYou know it too