The song "New York 1963 - America 1968" by Eric Burdon & The Animals is a reflection of the singer's experiences and observations in America during those years. The lyrics describe the impact America had on the singer's mind and the various encounters and events that shaped his perception of the country. The song begins with the singer expressing how his arrival in America was a mind-blowing experience. He mentions the Apollo Theater on 125th street in New York City, which was closed due to rain. Despite this, he had a feeling he would return there again. The taxi driver thought he was insane, reflecting the singer's uniqueness and unconventional nature. The lyrics continue to describe a brown girl from the Bronx who shows the singer her home. They often travel there by subway train and love becomes the central theme of their relationship. The song then shifts to the singer's admiration for African Americans, whom he refers to as his heroes and leaders. He mentions their distinctive ways, which he finds intriguing. He tries to emulate their style and describes their lightning-like movements. The lyrics touch on significant events in American history, such as the funeral of a young leader, possibly referring to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The singer notes the mix of emotions that ensued, with some people crying and others grinning. The song highlights the diversity and vibrancy of America, as it mentions children playing in Central Park and people from different backgrounds conversing in various languages. The singer also mentions the contrast of the beauty of Central Park and the presence of a caged tiger, symbolizing the paradoxes within society. The lyrics briefly mention the garbage in the streets of the Village, a neighborhood in New York City, and seeing an unknown Bob Dylan. They also make reference to a violent incident in the Village. The song then transitions to a spoken dialogue, where the singer recalls his time serving in the military and feeling rejected by the authorities. He expresses frustration at the government investing a substantial amount of money to train him as a pilot, only to be told they didn't want him overseas. This dialogue reflects the singer's disillusionment with the system and his desire for change. The spoken dialogue continues, with the singer reminiscing about his humble origins and the struggles of his community. He highlights the lack of resources, medical care, and infrastructure, vividly recounting incidents of people dying without proper assistance. Towards the end of the song, the singer implores people to take action and make a change in society. He criticizes those who complain but do not actively contribute to creating a better world. The song concludes with the singer expressing his desire for freedom and a longing to be free from societal constraints. He acknowledges his own flawed perspective and asserts that what is good for him should also be good for others, even if they may not understand it. Overall, "New York 1963 - America 1968" is a reflection on the singer's experiences, observations, and frustrations in America during the 1960s. It touches on themes of love, racial admiration, societal contradictions, disillusionment, and the longing for freedom and change.
