So tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you

So tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you

I was a lonely soul
I had nobody till I met you
But you keep a-me waiting
All of the time
What can I do?

It's your life
And you can do what you want
Do what you like
But please don't keep a-me waiting
Please don't keep a-me waiting

'Cause I'm so tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you

So tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you

I was a lonely soul
I had nobody till I met you
But you keep a-me waiting
All of the time
What can I do?

It's your life
And you can do what you want
Do what you like
But please don't keep a-me waiting
Please don't keep a-me waiting

'Cause I'm so tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you

So tired
Tired of waiting
Tired of waiting for you
For you
For you

Overall Meaning

The Kinks' song "Tired of Waiting for You" is a classic example of their early, signature sound. The song is about a man's frustration with his lover's constant lateness and inability to commit to a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and helplessness that many people have experienced in romantic situations. The repetition of the phrase "tired of waiting" throughout the song shows just how fed up the singer is with their situation. The line "It's your life, and you can do what you want" suggests that the singer realizes they have no control over their partner's actions, but still feels powerless to leave.

The song features a simple, catchy melody – typical of many of the Kinks' early hits – that is still memorable today. The repetitive structure of the lyrics – with each verse containing the same opening lines – creates a sense of frustration and monotony that fits perfectly with the song's subject matter. Overall, "Tired of Waiting for You" is a great example of the simple yet effective songwriting that made the Kinks one of the most popular bands of the 1960s.

Line by Line Meaning

So tired
Expressing deep fatigue and exhaustion

Tired of waiting
Frustrated with the anticipation and anxiety of prolonged waiting periods

Tired of waiting for you
Fed up with waiting for the person being addressed specifically, implying a perceived lack of consideration or respect

I was a lonely soul
Acknowledging a state of emotional isolation and loneliness

I had nobody till I met you
Revealing that the person being addressed was someone who helped alleviate the loneliness and provided companionship

But you keep a-me waiting
Expressing frustration over the person's habitual tardiness or lack of respect for timeliness

All of the time
Emphasizing the pervasiveness and constancy of the waiting

What can I do?
Implying a sense of helplessness or powerlessness to change the situation

It's your life
Recognizing the autonomy of the person being addressed to make their own choices and live their own life

And you can do what you want
Acknowledging the freedom and agency of the person being addressed

Do what you like
Encouraging the person to pursue their personal desires and aspirations

But please don't keep a-me waiting
Making a request to prioritize punctuality and show consideration for others' time and schedules

'Cause I'm so tired
Reiterating the exhaustion and frustration felt by the waiting party

Tired of waiting for you
Restating the impatience towards the person being addressed

For you
Emphasizing the focus and intensity of the waiting directed towards that specific person

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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