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 My Feet On the Ground
The Kinks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guess I want a lot of things and got my inclinations
Got my feet on the ground, and I'm standing on my own
I don't need no one
I don't need no one
I've learned a lot out of life, watchin' other folks mistakes
Funny things that they can get for finding out too late
I don't need no one
I don't need no one
Well I don't need nobody else
All I need's a single ticket
When I travel on my own
Not afraid to be alone
I got my feet upon the ground, and I'm standing on my own
When I travel far and wide
And looking for a four leaf clover
Don't mind if I can't find it, got no chip upon my shoulder
Got my feet on the ground, and I'm standing on my own
I don't need no one
I don't need no one
Well I don't need nobody else
All I need's a single ticket
When I travel on my own
Not afraid to be alone
I got my feet upon the ground, and I'm standing on my own
When I travel far and wide
And looking for a four leaf clover
Don't mind if I can't find it, got no chip upon my shoulder
Got my feet on the ground, and I'm standing on my own
I don't need no one
I don't need no one
(repeat)
The lyrics of The Kinks’ song “Got My Feet on the Ground” reflect a feeling of independence and self-assurance. The singer of the song knows what they want out of life but is aware of their limitations. They have their inclinations but are content with their own company, as they do not need anyone else. They have learned from observing others' mistakes and have kept their feet on the ground, not succumbing to the pressure of depending on anyone. They are not afraid of being alone and are comfortable with themselves.
The song represents a sense of personal empowerment and individualistic values. It narrates the story of an independent person who is self-reliant and does not rely on anyone else for happiness or success. The lyrics seem like an affirmation of one's values and beliefs, encouraging listeners to be self-sufficient and to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
The song showcases The Kinks' signature sound, which is crisp, precise, and highly melodic, with a distinct rock-and-roll flavor. The vocals are raw and emotive, capturing the essence of the song's themes. The guitar playing is equally impressive, with sharp riffs and catchy hooks that stay with the listener long after the song has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to lot out of life, but I know my limitations
Although I have ambitions, I am cognizant of my capabilities and limitations
Guess I want a lot of things and got my inclinations
I desire several things in life and have strong preferences
Got my feet on the ground, and I'm standing on my own
I am practical and grounded and am independent
I don't need no one
I do not require anyone else's assistance or company to get by
I've learned a lot out of life, watchin' other folks mistakes
By observing others' mistakes, I have acquired a lot of knowledge on how to lead my own life
Funny things that they can get for finding out too late
It is ironic how people realize essential things too late in life
Well I don't need nobody else
I do not need the company or help of anyone else
All I need's a single ticket
All I need is one ticket to embark on my journey
When I travel on my own
When I journey all by myself
Not afraid to be alone
I am not scared of being independent and self-reliant
When I travel far and wide
When I explore different places and go on various adventures
And looking for a four leaf clover
When I search for a symbol of good luck, like a four-leaf clover
Don't mind if I can't find it, got no chip upon my shoulder
I am okay if I do not find it, and I am not resentful or bitter about it
I don't need no one
I do not require anyone else's assistance or company to get by
I don't need no one
I do not require anyone else's assistance or company to get by
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Written by: DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wagner Roberto Gomes
Para mim, uma banda no mesmo nível de THE BEATLES e ROLLING STONES, nos anos 60...esses caras eram f....!
Akbar Lebowitz
Brother Dave belting out the lyrics like a boss!
william john oliver
loved this band met my wife the rest is history gbh.
The Del-Viles
Rock the roll out
Dr Stupid
Im listening for the first time !!!
Akbar Lebowitz
The first time I heard it was on the radio in 1981 from a best of album that an album rock station was playing at midnight. Loved it right away!
Dr Stupid
@Tunalic So far State of Confusion is sounding awesome .
Tunalic
Oh man, I hope you're still listening. They were banned from entering the U.S. during the British invasion of the 60's so they weren't noticed as much as other great English bands, but imho they were better than most of them. I love the Beatles, stones, Who, et al but the Kinks really took the number one spot in my heart for the 60's/early 70's.
Fiwi Vlogz
as an aroace this is the reason I thrive