For the love of rock
Vol IV, Issue 8 – You really got me (15 Apr 2019)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– You really got me
Band – The Kinks
Writer– Ray Davies
Album- Kinks
Release year– 1964
Peak chart positions
# 1 – UK Official Charts
# 4 – Canadian RPM Top Singles
# 6 – Irish Singles Chart
# 7 – US Billboard Hot 100
# 39 – German chart
You really got me
“The Kinks” is probably one of the most influential bands of the sixties who were the most notable ones among the groups during the British invasion. They had numerous hit singles in both US and UK, and they have records of selling more than 50 million records worldwide. They, of course, could not replicate the success of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones or The Who, and perhaps could not be as large as they could have been. Formed by the brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964, along with Pete Quaife (Bass, vocals) and Mick Avory (Drums), they underwent various names before calling themselves “The Kinks.” The members kept on changing, with the Davies brothers being the only permanent ones and they are surviving even today after various break ups and reunions.
“Kinks” is the band’s debut album released in 1964. The album had many cover numbers and their most prolific hit “You really got me.” The album is considered as one of the most notable rock ‘n’ roll album of the sixties.
“You really got me” is one song of the era which changed and helped to shape the future of rock for the generations of rock stars. Written by Ray Davies as a tribute to his influences such as Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy, it was originally built around piano as a jazz number. However, when Dave Davies added the power chords and his irresistible riffs, this song turned out to be a major influence to all the heavy metal as well as punk rock guitarists of the future. It is indeed the first hit song which has been built around the power chords and is the blueprint song in the hard rock and heavy metal arsenal. Somewhat inspired by “Louie Louie” by “The Kingsmen”, the song starts with that rough, sharp, harsh and enticing riff by Dave. The riff is the main backbone and the most impressive part of the song. However, Ray’s vocals should not be undermined either. Similarly, Mick Avory’s drum beats and Pete Quaife’s bass add on to the heaviness of the song. The simple song describing love and lust, it was intended to be a love song for the street kids. The short lyrics phrases do elaborate Ray’s amazing song writing skills. The guitar solo by Dave is another highlight of the song. For long, the rumor was there that the riff was originally played by session player Jimmy Page which has later been refuted. The basis of the rumor had been that such a powerful riff could not be contributed by a naïve player as Dave Davies!
“The Kinks” have remained one of the most important acts during the British invasion and their numerous singles would always be cherished forever. Undoubtedly, “You really got me” is the one which song by “The Kinks” which gets all the hard rock fans all over the world really get “The Kinks” forever..…. …… Happy listening!!! Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
You really got me
Girl, you really got me goin’
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
See, don’t ever set me free
I always want to be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
(Oh no) See, don’t ever set me free
I always want to be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
Lyrics link-https://genius.com/The-kinks-you-really-got-me-lyrics
Video link – https://youtu.be/dGU2PD4Ssg4