Formed in 1963 in Muswell Hill, North London, they first gained prominence on the heels of the well-received and highly influential single "You Really Got Me" (1964). The group originally consisted of lead singer/guitarist Ray Davies, his brother lead guitarist Dave Davies, drummer Mick Avory, and bassist Pete Quaife. Quaife left (twice) in the late 1960s, and Avory finally left in 1984 as the result of a long-running dispute with Dave Davies, leaving only the Davies brothers as the core of the original group.
With Ray Davies' songwriting skills and unabashedly English voices, Dave Davies' impressive guitar work, and Avory's tight and steady drumming, the band became one of the best and most influential groups of British pop and the "British Invasion" of the U.S.A., lasting longer than any of their competitors, apart from the Rolling Stones, as they broke up in 1996. Their catalogue of songs has been covered by Van Halen, The Pretenders, The Black Keys, The Stranglers, Queens of the Stone Age , and many more.
Members:
Ray Davies – vocals, rhythm guitar (1963–1996)
Dave Davies – lead guitar, vocals (1963–1996)
Pete Quaife – bass guitar (1963–1969)
John Dalton – bass guitar (1969–1976)
Andy Pyle – bass guitar (1976–1978)
Jim Rodford – bass guitar (1978–1996)
Mick Avory – drums (1963–1984)
Bob Henrit – drums (1984–1996)
John Gosling – keyboards, piano (1970–1978)
Gordon Edwards – keyboards, piano (1978–1979)
Ian Gibbons – keyboards, piano (1979–1989, 1993–1996)
Mark Haley – keyboards, piano (1989–1993)
Denmark Street
The Kinks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just round the corner from old Soho
There's a place where the publishers go
If you don't know which way to go
Just open your ears and follow your nose
'cause the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
You can hear that music play anytime on any day
Every rhythm, every way
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
So you take it up to a music man just to see what he will say
He says 'I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade'
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Every rhythm, every way
The lyrics to The Kinks' song "Denmark Street" describe a bustling area in London where publishers and music industry professionals gather to discover new talent and hear the latest hits. The song's narrator encourages listeners to follow their instincts to seek out this street, which is described as vibrating with the tapping of feet and the heavy beat of rock and roll.
Despite the excitement of the music scene, the lyrics also hint at the challenges faced by aspiring musicians. One verse describes a scenario in which a music publisher initially rejects a songwriter's work, only to sign them anyway for fear of being wrong. Another verse tells of a music man who dislikes both the tune and the lyrics of a song, but agrees to sign the songwriter regardless. These verses suggest that the music industry can be fickle and difficult to navigate, and that success can come down to luck as much as talent.
Overall, "Denmark Street" celebrates the vibrancy and energy of the London music scene, while also acknowledging its pitfalls and challenges. The song is a tribute to a particular time and place in music history, but its themes remain relevant to aspiring musicians today.
Line by Line Meaning
Down the way from the Tottenham Court Road
Located nearby to Tottenham Court Road is Denmark Street, the famous music hub.
Just round the corner from old Soho
Denmark Street is situated close to the historic district of Soho.
There's a place where the publishers go
Denmark Street is a popular destination for publishers in the music industry.
If you don't know which way to go
If you are unsure of where to find a music publisher, follow the sounds and smells of Denmark Street.
Just open your ears and follow your nose
Denmark Street is a vibrant and bustling area of London, with live music and good food options.
'cause the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
The energy of Denmark Street is contagious and people cannot help but tap their feet to the music.
You can hear that music play anytime on any day
Denmark Street is renowned for its music scene, with live performances on all days of the week.
Every rhythm, every way
Whatever your musical taste, you will find something to suit your liking on Denmark Street.
You got to a publisher and play him your song
Aspiring musicians often visit Denmark Street to pitch their music to publishers.
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
Some publishers are not very receptive to new music and might offer discouraging feedback to hopeful musicians.
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
Sometimes, even if a publisher doesn't particularly like a musician's work, they might offer them a contract just in case it becomes a hit.
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
Musicians often come to Denmark Street with a song idea that they want to sell or have produced.
So you take it up to a music man just to see what he will say
In order to gauge interest in their music, artists will often present their work to people who are well-versed in the music industry.
He says 'I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
Feedback from producers can be brutal and they will often tell an artist that they do not think their music is good.
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade'
However, if a publisher thinks that a song has potential they might sign the artist and see if it gains any popularity on Denmark Street.
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade
If a song is popular enough, it might even make it onto the charts and be played on the radio.
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Denmark Street is a lively place, with music playing at all hours of the day and night.
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
The energy of Denmark Street is palpable and even the walls seem to vibrate with the music.
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Musicians and fans alike flock to Denmark Street for live music performances all throughout the week.
Every rhythm, every way
Denmark Street is a musical melting pot, with a diverse offering of sounds and genres for every taste.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TSH
Down the way from the Tottenham Court Road
Just round the corner from old Soho
There's a place where the publishers go
If you don't know which way to go
Just open your ears and follow your nose
'cause the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
You can hear that music play anytime on any day
Every rhythm, every way
You got to a publisher and play him your song
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
So you take it up to a music man just to see what he will say
He says 'I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade'
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Every rhythm, every way
비정한세상
Down the way from the Tottenham Court Road
Just round the corner from old Soho
There's a place where the publishers go
If you don't know which way to go
Just open your ears and follow your nose
'cause the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
You can hear that music play anytime on any day
Every rhythm, every way
You got to a publisher and play him your song
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
So you take it up to a music man just to see what he will say
He says 'I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade'
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Every rhythm, every way
Stephen Coomer
Down the way from the Tottenham Court Road
Just round the corner from old Soho
There's a place where the publishers go
If you don't know which way to go
Just open your ears and follow your nose
'Cos the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
You can hear that music play anytime on everyday
Every rhythm, every way
You go to a publisher and play him your song
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
So you take it down to a music man just to see what he will say
He says "I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade"
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Every rhythm, every way
Matthew Wright
Ray Davies is a lyrical genius!
John Harrison
He sure is! My favorite songwriter just behind Lennon and McCartney.
Fred L
No Doubt - The Kinks were awesome - They were like no other
Talitha Freitas
I love this one. The Kinks are one of my favourite bands ever! ❤
Fred L
The KInKs are Classic and Fantasric !!!
Marcelo Henkin
one of their best songs, underrated
reereerobin
I Love this band and the sound of Rays voice. It’s so real . You feel like you know him 💥✌️
TSH
Down the way from the Tottenham Court Road
Just round the corner from old Soho
There's a place where the publishers go
If you don't know which way to go
Just open your ears and follow your nose
'cause the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
You can hear that music play anytime on any day
Every rhythm, every way
You got to a publisher and play him your song
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
So you take it up to a music man just to see what he will say
He says 'I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade'
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Every rhythm, every way
The Cinematic Mind
The best commentary on the music industry ever recorded.
비정한세상
Down the way from the Tottenham Court Road
Just round the corner from old Soho
There's a place where the publishers go
If you don't know which way to go
Just open your ears and follow your nose
'cause the street is shakin' from the tapping of toes
You can hear that music play anytime on any day
Every rhythm, every way
You got to a publisher and play him your song
He says 'I hate your music and you hair is too long
But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong'
You've got a tune it's in your head you want to get it placed
So you take it up to a music man just to see what he will say
He says 'I hate the tune, I hate the words but I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll sign you up and take it round the street and see if it makes the grade'
And you might even hear it played on the rock 'n' roll hit parade
Daytime, night time, every week you can hear that heavy beat
Now the walls are shaking from the tapping of feet
Daytime, night time, every day you can hear that music play
Every rhythm, every way