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)

Got Love If You Want It
The Kinks Lyrics

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Got love if you want, babe
Got love if you want, babe
I got love if you want it
I got love if you want it
I got love if you want it
You don't ask all the while[?]
You don't ask all the while[?]

I love you little woman
I love you little woman
The way your hair hang down
The way your hair hang down
But you mistreating baby, yeah
You been a long town
You been a long town

Got love if you want, babe
Got love if you want, babe
I got love if you want it
I got love if you want it
I got love if you want it
You don't ask all the while[?]
You don't ask all the while[?]

All right boys, let's roll!
Got love if you want, babe
Got love if you want, babe
I got love if you want it
I got love if you want it
I got love if you want it
You don't ask all the while[?]
You don't ask all the while[?]

I love you little woman
I love you little woman
The way your hair hang down
The way your hair hang down
But you mistreating baby, yeah
You been a long town[?]
You been a long town[?]

All right boys, let's roll!
I love you little woman
I love you little woman
The way your hair hang down
The way your hair hang down
But you mistreating baby, yeah
You been a long town[?]

You been a long town[?]
You been a long town[?]

Overall Meaning

The Kinks's song "Got Love If You Want It" is a classic example of a simple love song with rock and roll beats. The song stresses the importance of communication in a relationship, as the singer claims to have love for his woman, but she must ask for it. The song also highlights the singer's physical attraction to his woman- namely the way her hair hangs down. However, this attraction is soured by the woman's mistreatment of the singer, hinting towards an unhealthy relationship dynamic.

The repetition of the phrase "I got love if you want it" emphasizes the importance of communication in relationships. The singer recognizes that he has romantic feelings for his partner, but their mutual needs cannot be met if they do not express them to each other. This idea is reiterated throughout the song with the repetition of "You don't ask all the while." In a way, the song expresses the importance of open communication in romantic relationships, which is still a timeless message.

The song was released in 1964 and appears on the album "Kinks." It was written by James Moore, a blues musician, and the song has been covered by multiple artists throughout the years. Despite its simple lyrics and melody, it remains a classic in rock music history.

Line by Line Meaning

Got love if you want, babe
I have love to give if you want it, my dear

Got love if you want, babe
I have love to offer if you desire it, my darling

I got love if you want it
I possess affection if you require it

I got love if you want it
I possess love if you are in need of it

I got love if you want it
I have the ability to love you if you desire it

You don't ask all the while[?]
You do not have to ask continuously

You don't ask all the while[?]
You do not have to request repeatedly

I love you little woman
I adore you, my petite lady

I love you little woman
I cherish you, my little lady

The way your hair hang down
I am captivated by the way your hair falls down

The way your hair hang down
The way your hair drapes is bewitching