There are two different groups called The Buckinghams, the by far most succ… Read Full Bio ↴There are two different groups called The Buckinghams, the by far most successful being the group listed as #1, from Chicago, IL, United States.

1. The Buckinghams is an American sunshine-pop band from Chicago formed in 1966. They went on to become one of the top-selling acts of 1967, charting their only five Top 40 hits in the U.S. that year. The band dissolved in 1970, but re-formed in 1980 and as of 2019 they continue to tour throughout the United States.

If everyone on the northwest side of Chicago who claims to have hung out with the Buckinghams during their heyday had faithfully bought all their releases, the rock group might have sold more records than the Beatles. Popular attractions while still in high school, the quintet changed its name from the Pulsations to the Buckinghams to reflect the British Invasion craze and signed with Chicago's USA Records in 1966. Backing Dennis Tufano's buoyant lead vocals with prominent harmonies and punchy soul-styled brass, the group came across the wistful "Kind of a Drag," and in short order, The Buckinghams had a million-selling pop chart-topper on their hands. They quickly graduated to recording for Columbia. As long as songwriter Jim Holvay supplied more material of the same high quality as "Kind of a Drag," the Buckinghams were sitting pretty. Holvay co-wrote "Don't You Care," "Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)," and the pseudo-psychedelic "Susan," and they all proved to be major hits for the band. The group's R&B roots surfaced on a vocal adaptation of Cannonball Adderley's jazz standard "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," their second-biggest hit.

But the Buckinghams' fortunes soon changed drastically -- one of the top-selling rock groups of 1967, they managed only one hit after early 1968. Two original members, guitarist Carl Giammarese and bassist Nick Fortuna, have since revived the Buckinghams and began touring full-time again in 1982.

2. Not to be confused with the more famous Chicago hit-makers, The Buckinghams were a 1960s pop/beat band from Islington, North London, United Kingdom. They released two 45s on Pye Records: 'I'll Never Hurt You No More' b/w 'She Lied' (may 1965), quickly followed by 'To Be or Not To Be' b/w 'I Was Your First Guy'.

Kind Of A Drag
The Buckinghams Lyrics

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Kind of a drag
When your baby don't love you
Kind of a drag
When you know she's been untrue

Oh oh, listen to what I've gotta to say
Girl, I still love you
I'll always love you

Anyway, anyway, anyway

Kind of a drag
When your baby says goodbye
Kind of a drag
When you feel like you want to cry

Oh oh girl, even though you make me feel blue
I still love you
I'll always love you
Anyway, anyway, anyway

Oh, listen to what I've gotta say
Girl, I still love you

I'll always love you
Anyway, anyway, anyway

Overall Meaning

The Buckinghams's "Kind of a Drag" has become a classic hit from the 1960s and is widely considered as one of the most significant songs of the era. Written by the band's guitarist Jim Holvay, the song is a bluesy, mid-tempo pop-rock ballad with a catchy melody, simple chord progression and repetitive chorus that has helped it endure through generations.

The song's lyrics describe the feeling of heartbreak and rejection when a lover is no longer interested in the relationship. The opening lines, "Kind of a drag, when your baby don't love you, Kind of a drag, when you know she's been untrue," set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics show a man who is hurt and disappointed, but despite all that he still loves the girl and wants to make things right. The words "Oh oh, listen to what I've gotta say, Girl, I still love you, I'll always love you, Anyway, anyway, anyway" express the desperation and tenderness the singer feels, hoping that his lover will reconsider and take him back.

This song is not only a depiction of the pain of lost love but also tells the story of the 60s dating scene. The song was released in 1967, a year known for its changing musical landscape and cultural upheaval. The Buckinghams's "Kind of a Drag" became a hit by crossing over to both soul and pop audiences. Its upbeat tempo and danceable beat made it an instant party favorite, and the romantic lyrics resonated with many listeners.

Line by Line Meaning

Kind of a drag
It's a difficult situation

When your baby don't love you
When your significant other doesn't return the same feelings

Kind of a drag
It's a difficult situation

When you know she's been untrue
When you find out your significant other has been cheating

Oh oh, listen to what I've gotta to say
Pay attention to my words

Girl, I still love you
I still have feelings for you

I'll always love you
I will cherish you forever

Anyway, anyway, anyway
Regardless of the circumstances

Kind of a drag
It's a difficult situation

When your baby says goodbye
When your significant other leaves you

Kind of a drag
It's a difficult situation