No Self Pitty

The Animals · The Twain Shall Meet [1967]

Electric light shines bright

But against the sun it is dim

Jet airplanes sure travel fast,

But how fast is the speed of light?

And no matter how low you are

There is always somebody lower

And no matter how slow you are

There is always somebody slower



Modern day structures are fantastic

But have you seen a butterfly's wings?

Man has created symphony

But have you heard a blackbird sing?

And no matter how dumb you are,

There is always somebody dumber

And no matter how fine you are

There is always somebody finer



I am blind, I am blind,

But I see behind my eyes



Man can make sweet red wine

But have you tasted a mountain stream

Hollywood has created movies

But listen to the color of your dreams

And no matter how ugly you are

There is no such thing as ugly

And no matter how bad you are

There is always someone to forgive you

And no matter how fine you are

There is always somebody finer

And no matter how low you are

There is always somebody lower

And no matter how fast you are,

There is always somebody faster

Faster, faster, faster, faster, faster, faster, and faster, and faster

And slower, and lower, and finer, and finer, and slower, and faster, and lower...

No Self Pitty

Released on The Animals' 1967 album The Twain Shall Meet, 'No Self Pitty' stands as a defining track of British Invasion rock, blending blues roots with the band's signature soulful intensity. The song features the group's iconic vocal harmony, led by Eric Burdon, delivering a powerful, emotive performance that captures the raw energy of the era. It showcases the band's ability to reinterpret American blues standards with a distinct UK sound, becoming a staple of their discography and a key influence on subsequent rock and soul artists. The recording remains a critical example of mid-60s rock music, celebrated for its dynamic interplay between vocals and instrumentation.