Soul Man: The Animals’ Eric Burdon Channels Bee Gees For “To Love Somebody”

Soul Man: The Animals’ Eric Burdon Channels Bee Gees For “To Love Somebody” | Society Of Rock Videos

wikipedia.com

We Know What It’s Like To Love The Animals!

Written in 1967 by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, ‘To Love Somebody’ is one of the most often covered songs written by the Gibb brothers. It’s been covered by the likes of Janis Joplin and, in recent years, Michael Buble, but before they got their hands on it, it went to English rock band The Animals in 1968. Having had great success with more soul-driven numbers like ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ in the past, a song like this was right up the alley of Animals singer Eric Burdon – who always sounded more like he belonged singing the blues than top 40 pop and rock hits.

Of all the incarnations of ‘To Love Somebody, this is one of our favorites, and right up there with Janis Joplin’s 1969 rendition! The Animals do a fantastic job of bringing a rock feel to the normally slow, soulful ballad and Eric Burdon’s voice is absolutely second to none.

Fun Fact: The Gibbs originally wrote ‘To Love Somebody’ for soul singer Otis Redding, who died in a plane crash before he was able to record the song.

Though The Animals would split up a year later and Eric would head off in pursuit of more soulful musical interests, their rendition of ‘To Love Somebody’ is one of the best things they recorded during their 5 year career together. We may not know what it’s like to love somebody, but we sure know what it’s like to love a song as great as this!

+ To Love Somebody lyrics +

There’s a light
A certain kind of light
That never shone on me
I want my life to be lived with you
Lived with you
There’s a way everybody say
To do each and every little thing
But what does it bring
If I ain’t got you, ain’t got?

You don’t know what it’s like, baby
You don’t know what it’s like

To love somebody
To love somebody
The way I love you

In my brain
I see your face again
I know my frame of mind
You ain’t got to be so blind
And I’m blind, so, so, so blind
I’m a man, can’t you see
What I am
I live and I breathe for you
But what good does it do
If I ain’t got you, ain’t got?

You don’t know what it’s like, baby
You don’t know what it’s like

To love somebody
To love somebody
The way I love you

You don’t know what it’s like, baby
You don’t know what it’s like

To love somebody
To love somebody
The way I love you

You don’t know what it’s like, baby
You don’t know what it’s like
To love somebody

Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for the Latest Updates

Premium Partners

Society of Rock partner World War Wings
Society of Rock partner Daily Rock Box
Society of Rock partner Country Music Nation
Society of Rock partner Country Rebel
Society of Rock partner I Love Classic Rock
Society of Rock partner Rock Pasta

Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info.