About the song
The Animals, a band known for their gritty, blues-infused rock sound, delivered a memorable performance of Sam Cooke’s classic “Bring It On Home To Me” in 1965. This rendition, captured in a live clip, showcases the band’s exceptional ability to breathe new life into a timeless soul ballad.
The Animals, led by the dynamic Eric Burdon, emerged in the early 1960s as one of the prominent figures in the British Invasion. Their music, marked by a raw and powerful edge, often combined elements of rhythm and blues with rock. While the band’s original songs like “House of the Rising Sun” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” achieved significant acclaim, their cover of “Bring It On Home To Me” is a standout example of their respect for and reinterpretation of American blues and soul music.
Sam Cooke’s original version of “Bring It On Home To Me,” released in 1962, is a soul classic that showcases Cooke’s smooth vocal delivery and heartfelt emotion. The song’s poignant lyrics and soulful melody have made it an enduring favorite. Cooke’s version reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is celebrated for its deep emotional resonance and simplicity.
In their 1965 cover, The Animals infuse the song with their distinctive rock-blues style, adding a grittier texture while preserving the emotional core of the original. Eric Burdon’s robust vocals, combined with the band’s energetic instrumentation, create a compelling interpretation that resonates with their audience. The clip from 1965 captures the raw energy and passion that The Animals brought to their performances, highlighting their skill in merging blues and rock.
This performance of “Bring It On Home To Me” by The Animals stands as a testament to the band’s versatility and their ability to honor classic songs while making them their own. For an audience appreciative of both the rich history of soul music and the innovative spirit of rock, this clip offers a vibrant example of how these genres intersected and evolved during a transformative period in music history. Whether revisiting this performance or discovering it for the first time, it serves as a powerful reminder of The Animals’ influential role in bridging musical traditions and expanding the boundaries of popular music.
Video
Lyrics
If you ever change your mind
About leavin’, leavin’ me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin’
Bring it on home to me, oh yeah
You know I laughed (ha ha) when you left
But now I know I’ve only hurt myself
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin’
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
I’ll give you jewellery, money too
And that’s not all, all I’ll do for you
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin’
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Yeah
You know I’ll always be your slave
Till I’m dead and buried in my grave
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin’
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
If you ever change your mind
About leavin’, leavin’ me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin’
Bring it on home to me, yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)
Yeah (yeah) yeah (yeah)