100 Great Songs From The British Invasion: ‘It’s My Life’- The Animals. One of the great rock n’ roll declarations of independence- this song was written specifically for The Animals by two songwriters from the famous Brill Building writers in New York City- Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico- it was the writers most successful song. The bass guitar of Chas Chander and electric 12 guitar of Hilton Valentine lead the way- and you have the distinctive organ of Dave Rowberry- which gave The Animals a different sound than other British Invasion acts. ‘It’s My Life’- one of my favorite Animals songs- I assumed it did better on the charts than it actually did- #23 in US and #7 in UK- I think it has fared better over the years than it did at the time.
Single: ‘It’s My Life’/ Written by Roger Atkins and Carl D’Errico/ Record Company- MGM/ Recorded September 10, 1965/ Time: 3:09/ Produced by Mickie Most/ Released October 22, 1965/ #23 in US Billboard Hot 100 and #7 in UK Singles Chart.
slicethelife 
So deliciously 60s. Love love love this song.
Love the Animals… they were dirtier than the Stones on some songs… if that is a good word for it
This was baby boomer rebellion spat out in the punk fashion- years ahead of gobbing and the Sex Pistols.
Love this tune – just great all around! The Animals had a cool sound and an outstanding lead vocalist with Eric Burdon.
I find it interesting that some of their best songs were written by songwriters from the Brill Building. In addition to this gem, there was “Don’t Bring Me Down” (Carole King & Gerry Goffin) and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” (Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil).
I didn’t realize until I started digging into it a bit- what you are saying- about the Brill Building writers- and The Animals covering their songs.
I first became aware of the Animals and this song on a Springsteen bootleg where he told a story about trying to break free of his small town and his parent’s expectations and then went into a killer version of this song. Went out and tracked down their other stuff. Great great song
I could always see a little Animals influence on The Boss.
The Boss loves this song. So does CB. Along with ‘Dont Let me Be Misunderstood” and a bunch more this is a good one.. I have a feeling there will be more Animals to come.
yes yes indeed more Animals to come- just spreading them out a bit..