About the song
The Animals’ powerful anthem “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” has long stood as a symbol of defiance and hope, and its performance on The Ed Sullivan Show remains a standout moment in rock history. First released in 1965, this song captures the spirit of the era with its gritty, earnest portrayal of working-class discontent.
The Animals, led by the dynamic Eric Burdon, emerged as one of the most influential bands of the British Invasion. Their raw, blues-infused rock sound and Burdon’s distinctive voice made them a force to be reckoned with. “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” was a particularly notable track from their 1965 album of the same name. The song, co-written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, quickly resonated with listeners, particularly the youth, and became an anthem of frustration and aspiration.
On The Ed Sullivan Show, one of the most prestigious television platforms of its time, The Animals’ performance of this track was both electrifying and memorable. The show, which aired from 1948 to 1971, was a significant stage for musical acts, providing a launching pad for many artists who would go on to shape the musical landscape of the 20th century. The Animals’ appearance on the show not only showcased their compelling live presence but also cemented their place in rock history.
“We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” achieved remarkable chart success, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its driving rhythm and urgent lyrics captured the sentiment of an entire generation eager for change and escape from the monotony of everyday life. The song’s appeal was universal, finding resonance in the hearts of those seeking a better future.
The Ed Sullivan Show’s spotlight on The Animals exemplified the show’s role in propelling rock and roll into the mainstream. The performance, characterized by the band’s energetic delivery and Burdon’s impassioned vocals, is remembered as a defining moment of the mid-60s music scene.
For an audience that appreciates the cultural and historical significance of music, this performance of “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” is a vivid reminder of The Animals’ impact and the song’s enduring legacy. It encapsulates a moment in time when music was not just entertainment but a powerful voice for change and hope.
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Lyrics
In this dirty old part of the city
Where the sun refused to shine
People tell me there ain’t no use in tryin’
Now my girl, you’re so young and pretty
And one thing I know is true
You’ll be dead before your time is due, I know
Watch my daddy in bed a-dyin’
Watched his hair been turnin’ grey
He’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 place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
We 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 pretty
And one thing I know is true, yeah
You’ll be dead before your time is due, I know it
Watch my daddy in bed a-dyin’
Watched his hair been turnin’ grey, yeah
He’s been workin’ and slavin’ his life away
I know he’s been workin’ so hard
Every day baby (yeah!)
Whoa!
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!)
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there’s a better life for me and you
Somewhere baby
Somehow I know it, baby
We gotta get out of this place
If it’s the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there’s a better life for me and you
Believe me baby
I know it baby
You know it too