Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: A Memoir

Eric Burdon’s life is magical, his writing full of poetic romanticism, and this memoir exposes the reader to the sensitive singer/songwriter that he is. The guy’s been screwed up the *ss multiple times and has somehow managed to keep his sh*t together and survive. How is he still alive and how did he manage to stay sane after all the crap he went through? Well, by singing. That’s the answer. As he says in the book, singing was his first true love. We all have something that keeps us going—that makes us want to get out of bed and live another day. For Eric, it’s his love of music.If you’re reading this book to find out where he comes up with his lyrics and how the songs develop, it’s all in here, that is, unless you’re the literal type who needs their hand held and it explained step by step with exact wording, if you’re one of those, you just won’t understand. Sometimes people tell long tales, and in those tales are the heart and soul of everything--of someone’s life--of where the lyrics are born. That’s exactly what this book is like.You wanna find the truth in lifeDon't pass music byAnd you knowI would not lieEric talks about the thrill of the audience screaming for more, how addicting that is, an “incredible narcotic” he calls it, but then goes on to say, “... after the cheers have died away and the amplifiers are unplugged, your ears are filled with white noise... and in the hours alone, you question what it is that makes your fans love you so much.” I felt a deep sadness in those words and this feeling is repeated throughout the book—a constant questioning of whether or not he’s doing the right thing, in the right place, on the right path... a constant search for contentment. He never found it in any of those years. That’s my opinion and what I got from his life story. But reading this in 2016 and listening to his recent album, learning about his present life, I believe Eric’s there now. He’s self-reflective, not many of us are, but I have a feeling he knows... he’s finally there... where he needs to be. --- And to answer his question, what makes your fans love you so much? It’s that first time we hear your voice. A deep black voice from the south coming out of a white man from Newcastle upon Tyne... gives you chills. It lingers in your mind, clutches your soul, digs deep into your bones—it’s a voice you never forget—full of power and emotion, yet sexy and loving, and sometimes having a hint of anger and rage. I voice that cages us like an Animal. We’re confined, unable to move, in a dreamlike state, our bodies groovin’ to the sounds and lost in the passion of THAT voice... until it’s over and we claw at the walls, craving more. Personally, that’s what I love.This book is entirely devoted to his life as a musician, singer, songwriter. Again, if you miss it, you didn’t really read it, or you don’t understand what makes creative people tick. The music comes from life—life experiences, curiosity, people, places, environment, drugs, love, sex, conversations... death. It’s all in here, clear as day. Everything in this book IS the music. He presents it in his own way, the way he knows how, as any good storyteller (creative mind) would, through tales of his life...So if the viewer cannot understand itParticularly those of you who are European residentsSave up all your bread and fly TransWorld Airways to San Francisco U.S.A.Then maybe you'll understand the song, it will be worth itIf not for the sake of this song but for the sake of your own peace of mindStrobe lights beam creates dreamsWalls move minds do tooOn a warm San Franciscan night

Any review of a book will be based on what the reviewer's expectations are. If the author doesn't meet (or match) them, there is dissatisfaction.So, as a musician that grew up playing 60s BritRock, I would have loved views into the formation and functioning of the band known as 'the Animals'. The book had very little mention of what went on in the development of the music of the Animals- how songs were selected, how the members interacted, etc.Instead Eric chose the path of sharing his feelings about what was going on at any random point of his life.(So we found out he and keyboardist Alan Price were rivals for the star designation in the group, not how they worked with the band to produce their unique sound). With all the positive reviews posted for this book, I see this was a good approach for his fans. Just not for musician fans who wanted more insight into his music.

I wasn't sure what to expect starting this book. My experience with the animals and Eric Burdon extends about as far as hearing House of the Rising Sun on the radio. I'm glad I read it. It's very interesting, even if you don't know who Eric Burdon is. After reading this book I bought another copy for my father to read. He also liked it. Two generations who are glad they read it. We said the same thing, very hard to put the book down once you start it. I won't go into specifics but if you have an interest in the 1960's music scene as well as the Animals then read this book.

Eric Burdon went everywhere and did everything with gusto, mixing in with some of the most famous names in rock and roll. In addition to his own story, fascinating in itself, he gives interesting information on the life, and death, of Jimi Hendrix, who he was close to, Linda McCartney, and many others. For you Jim Morrison worshippers, there are some amusing anecdotes about the Lizard King, as well as the making of the Doors movie by Oliver Stone. The only real criticism I have is that dates are missing and the book isn't chronological. But considering he didn't keep a diary and the amount of drugs ingested, this isn't surprising.

This remarkable memoir transcends the usual boundaries of the music autobiography and approaches literature. Eric Burdon has lived a wonderful life by any standard but this book also reveals that Burdon is a shrewd observer of the musical and cultural scene. What will remain in my mind are the many character sketches of notable and iconic personages of the last few decades: Steve McQueen, Ed Sullivan, Jimi Hendrix, and above all, the "Lizard King" himself, Jim Morison. One suspects that many fans of the Doors will see their hero in a new light. Burdon's description of the filming of Oliver Stone's movie The Doors is worth the purchase price in and of itself. Any devotee of the original British Invasion bands will find a wonderful series of anecdotes about the Beatles, the Stones, and the Animals. I bought this book because I am a fan of the Animals; I loved the book because it contains so much more than the mere story of a band (or bands). I supect that many readers, like me, will also be fascinated by Burdon's wry observations on the social and political scene along the way. Eric Burdon's narrative flows along propelled by the author's humor and humanity. Ultimately, the man himself emerges as one of the most interesting personalities of the Sixties. I loved this book!

You will laugh, you will cry, you will blush, and you will be amazed. Reading this book was like being shown a photo album and being given a story to explaim each picture. Some are given a brief description and others have a more detailed and colorful story. This guy is a multy-faceted jewel that is still going strong in sharing his passion for music and life. Eric Burdon might not be everyone's cup of tea but to me, he is a shot of wiskey!

A gritty honest report of Eric's life as a music legend.His own memories of those early days when so many of the rock legends got together and made music without any thoughts of royalties or even payment of any kind! Hendrix left him sad, some left him mad but still today he loves his music and his fans.A sometimes shocking tale of the music industry in the early days of rock. Enjoy!

Certain facts stretched.

Memoir detailing Eric Burdon's long career as the front man of one of the most iconic British bands of the 60's and many of the twists and turns along the way. Some very funny stories too. Very readable and highly recommended.

It's a fun read. Eric Burdon is a great story teller, even if he sometimes "doesn't let the facts get in the way of a good story". I am looking forward to reading the next installment (reportedly entitled "Breathless"), if it ever gets published.

Very interesting read. Recommend it.