Introduction
“We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is a popular song recorded by The Animals in 1965. It was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who were also responsible for some of the biggest hits of the era. The song quickly became an anthem for the anti-war movement, and it remains popular to this day. In this article, we will explore the lyrics of “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” and the meaning behind them.
Verse 1
The first verse of “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” sets the scene for the rest of the song. The narrator is stuck in a dead-end job and has no prospects for the future. He dreams of leaving town and making a better life for himself:
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
Chorus
The chorus of “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is a call to action. The narrator knows that he and his girl need to leave town if they want to have any chance of a better life:
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
Verse 2
The second verse of “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” continues the theme of feeling trapped and hopeless. The narrator knows that he can’t stay in his current situation forever:
The only thing that’ll keep you alive
Is the satisfaction of your curiosity
Oh, I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
Chorus
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation:
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
Bridge
The bridge of “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is a moment of reflection. The narrator acknowledges that leaving town won’t solve all their problems, but it’s a necessary first step:
The old man down, the road
Is a bitter, twisted, heartless man
He’s got the love, if not the touch
And she said, “I want you to know, if I die tomorrow”
Oh, the sweet lord would know where you go
Chorus
The chorus is repeated once more, with even more intensity:
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
Conclusion
“We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is a powerful song about feeling trapped and hopeless. The lyrics speak to anyone who has ever felt stuck in a dead-end job or a bad situation. The song’s message of hope and determination has resonated with generations of listeners, and it continues to be a beloved classic to this day.
