Inside Looking Out

"Inside-Looking Out", often written "Inside Looking Out",is a 1966 single by The Animals. It was a substantial hit in their native land, reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, number 21 in Canada, but was at best a minor hit in the United States, reaching number 34 on the U.S. pop singles chart.

The song is very loosely based on a prison work chant entitled "Rosie," attributed to C. B. and Axe Gang, that was collected by musicologist Alan Lomax and released in his album Popular Songbook.

In 1969 it was covered by Grand Funk Railroad, who on their album Grand Funk added some marijuana references to the lyrics such as changing the original's "rebirth" to "reefer" and "canvas bags" to "nickel bags".

"Inside Looking Out"

I'm sitting here lonely like a broken man.

I serve my time doin' the best I can.

Walls and bars they surround me.

But, I don't want no sympathy.

No baby, no baby,

All I need is some tender lovin'.

To keep me sane in this burning oven.

And, when my time is up, you'll be my reefer.

Life gets worse on God's green earth.

Be my reefer, got to keep smokin' that thing.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I said now baby baby let me smoke it smoke it

Makes me feel good feel good, yes, I feel good ah

Yes, I feel alright feel alright yes, I feel alright feel alright

Yes, I feel alright ah

Oh

Ice cold water is runnin' through my veins.

They try and drag me back to work again.

Pain and blisters on my mind and hands.

I work all day making up burlap bags.

The oats they're feeding me are driving me wild.

I feel unhappy like a new born child.

Now, when my time is up, you wait and see.

These walls and bars won't keep that stuff from me.

No, no, baby,

Won't keep that stuff from me.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I need you right now mama.

I need you right now baby.

Right by my side, honey.

All night long.

Make me feel alright

Yes, all yes, all yes, all alright.

You better come on up and get down with me.

I'll make you feel real good, just you wait and see.

Make me feel alright yes, I feel alright

Yes, all yes, all yes, alright.