"I Used to Be an Animal" is a song by Eric Burdon, the former lead singer of The Animals. The lyrics tell the story of a group of young guys from Newcastle, England, who played Rhythm and Blues music and were influenced by the music scene in Hamburg, Germany (Reeperbahn). They were rebellious and didn't care about the traditional ways of making music (tin-pan hassle). The song reflects on the early days of the band's career and the excitement of being part of the rock generation that was changing the music scene. It references the influence of Bo Diddley's beat and the popularity of rockers and mods culture. There is also a mention of the French Revolution, James Brown's dance, and the energy of the streets of New York. The lyrics highlight the carefree and wild lifestyle they led, flipping, tripping, and rocking all while having a great time. The song alludes to the counterculture movement of the time, with references to freaks, queens, love-ins, and the colorful music venues like Whisky-a-gogos. Overall, "I Used to Be an Animal" celebrates the rebellious spirit and excitement of youth in the music scene, where Eric Burdon and his bandmates were seen as animals, untamed and fearless. The song reminisces about the wild experiences and freedoms they enjoyed during those earlier years. However, by the end of the song, Eric Burdon acknowledges that he's no longer the same wild animal he used to be, signifying a sense of growth and maturity. Despite the memories of that time, he declares that he is now "all right" and has moved on from that wild phase.
