The Kinks (1963–1996; 2018-present) is an English pop-rock group that came … Read Full Bio ↴The Kinks (1963–1996; 2018-present) is an English pop-rock group that came out of the British R&B scene of the early 1960s. Formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray Davies and Dave Davies in 1964 and categorised in the United States as a "British Invasion" band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups of the era. In 1990, their first year of eligibility, the original four members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Later, in November 2005, they were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. Among numerous other honours, they received the Ivor Novello Award for "Outstanding Service to British Music" in 2006. The Kinks reunited in June 2018, with the Davies brothers and drummer Mick Avory.

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)

Good Luck Charm
The Kinks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If a black cat crossed your path, little woman,
Would you walk along with me?
Don't have to worry 'bout a thing, girl,
It's all right, you see.
'Cause I'm a good luck charm,
Honey, don't worry 'bout me.
If you ain't got no money, baby,
That's all right too.

As long as you stick to me,
Some[?] will come to you.
I'm a good luck charm,
Honey, don't you worry 'bout me.
If a black cat crossed your path, little woman,
Would you walk along with me?
Don't have to worry 'bout a thing, girl,
It's all right, you see.
I'm a good luck charm,
Honey, don't worry 'bout me.

I'm a good luck charm,
Honey, don't worry 'bout me.

Overall Meaning

The Kinks’ song “Good Luck Charm” is a playful invitation to a woman to take a chance on the singer, promising her that he’s a “good luck charm” who will bring good things into her life. The lyrics ask if she would still join him if a black cat crosses their path, an old superstition indicating bad luck. This is followed by the reassuring phrase: “Honey, don’t worry ‘bout me”, suggesting that nothing can stand in their way because the singer’s good luck power is greater than any superstition. The lyrics further assure the woman that his being broke, or not having any money, is not an issue because as long as she sticks with him, things will turn out for the better.

The song, therefore, has a fun and carefree air about it, encouraging listeners to indulge their sense of adventure without fear of the unknown. It is also notable for its catchy tune, with simple, memorable lyrics that are easy to sing along to. Although simple, the lyrics are profound in their way, invoking the power of positivity and the human spirit. The song exudes an optimism and a belief that everything will work out for the best, which is a message that still resonates with listeners today.

Good Luck CharmThe Kinks Lyrics

David Chedgey

on Do It Again

Good Luck Charm
The Kinks Lyrics