About the song
**”We Gotta Get Out of This Place”** is a rock song penned by American songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and immortalized by the English band the Animals in 1965. This iconic track has etched its place in rock history, celebrated for its potent blend of raw emotion and urgent sentiment.
The song emerged during a pivotal time, resonating deeply with listeners and becoming especially popular among United States Armed Forces G.I.s during the Vietnam War. Its powerful lyrics, which express a desperate need to escape a stifling or oppressive environment, struck a chord with soldiers and civilians alike, amplifying its impact and cementing its status as an anthem of resilience and hope.
In its essence, **”We Gotta Get Out of This Place”** articulates a universal yearning for change and freedom. Its compelling chorus and driving rhythm capture the frustration and determination of individuals seeking to break free from their circumstances. The Animals’ rendition, characterized by Eric Burdon’s impassioned vocals and the band’s dynamic instrumentation, brought the song to life in a manner that has resonated through the decades.
The song’s enduring legacy was recognized in 2004 when it was ranked number 233 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Additionally, it is featured in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll,” highlighting its profound influence on the genre. The significance of **”We Gotta Get Out of This Place”** was further cemented in 2011 with its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, underscoring its lasting impact on both music and cultural history.
The song’s relevance extends beyond its initial release, continuing to inspire and evoke the same intense emotions it did in the 1960s. Its raw portrayal of the desire for escape and its powerful delivery make **”We Gotta Get Out of This Place”** a timeless classic, resonating with new generations of listeners and affirming its place in the annals of rock history.
Video
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