About the song
The Animals and the British Invasion
The 1960s was a time of great cultural and social change in the United States. The Vietnam War was raging, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and the youth of America were looking for a new voice.
In the midst of this upheaval, a new wave of music emerged from the United Kingdom. This music, known as the British Invasion, took America by storm. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Animals captured the imagination of young people everywhere with their rebellious sound and attitude.
The Animals
One of the most popular bands of the British Invasion was The Animals. The band was formed in Newcastle, England in 1962. The original lineup consisted of Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Chas Chandler (bass), Hilton Valentine (guitar), and John Steel (drums).
The Animals quickly gained a reputation for their powerful live performances and their blues-inspired sound. Their first single, “Baby Let Me Take You Home,” was a Top 10 hit in the United Kingdom.
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
In 1965, The Animals released their biggest hit, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” The song was written by Benjamin Benjamin and Gloria Caldwell, and it had originally been recorded by Nina Simone in 1964.
The Animals’ version of the song was a slow-burning blues ballad that featured Burdon’s soulful vocals and Price’s haunting organ work. The song’s lyrics spoke to the alienation and loneliness of young people in the 1960s.
The Ed Sullivan Show
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” was first performed on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 7, 1965. The show was a popular variety program that aired on Sunday nights on CBS. It was hosted by Ed Sullivan, a veteran journalist and entertainment personality.
The Animals’ performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a major turning point in their career. The band was introduced by Sullivan as “the most exciting group to come out of England in many a year.” They performed “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and two other songs, “The House of the Rising Sun” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”
The Animals’ performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a huge success. The band’s appearance on the show helped to introduce them to a wider audience and make them one of the most popular bands in the world.
Legacy
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” remains one of The Animals’ most popular songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, The Doors, and Bob Dylan. The song has also been used in several films and television shows.
The Animals’ performance of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” on The Ed Sullivan Show is a classic moment in music history. It is a reminder of the power of music to connect with people and to inspire change.
Video
Lyrics
“The Animals “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” on The Ed Sullivan Show”
Baby, can you understand me now?
Sometimes I get a little mad
Don’t you know, no one alive can always be an angel
When things go wrong, I seem to go badI’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstoodYeah, baby, sometimes I’m so carefree
With a joy that’s hard to hide
Yeah, and other times it seems that
All I ever have is worry
And then you’re bound to see my other sideOh, I’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstoodWell If I get edgy, I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems, I get more than my share
But there’s one thing that I would never doOh, I’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstoodWell If I get edgy, I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you
Life has its problems, I get more than my share
But there’s one thing that I would never do
‘Cause I love you
OhOh, now don’t you know I’m human
I got my faults just like anyone
And sometimes I lie awake, alone, regretting
Some foolish thing, some sinful thing I’ve doneI’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood
I said, I’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood
Oh, I’m just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood