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)

I Don't Need You Anymore
The Kinks Lyrics

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Well I don't need you, honey
'Cause things just ain't the same
Since you've been going out with other fellas
Things have really changed

Well, I needed you once
But now I'm standing alone
I don't need you any more

I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more

If I ever lost you
Then I will surely have died
That's what I thought
Things have changed a little, honey
Now I'm a wiser guy

Well, I needed you once
But now I'm standing alone
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more

Well, I never thought that I'd love you again
But my luck has changed, now I'm free
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more

If I ever lost you
Then I will surely have died
That's what I thought
Things have changed a little, honey
Now I'm a wiser guy

Well, I needed you once
But now I'm standing alone
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more

I never thought that I'd love you again
But my luck has changed, now I'm free
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more

I don't need you any more
I don't need you any more

Overall Meaning

The Kinks' "I Need You" is a celebration of independence from a past romantic relationship. At the song's outset, the singer is speaking to their former partner, stating that they no longer require them in their life since things have changed so much due to the other person going out with other people. The person used to need them, but now they can stand on their own. While they used to believe that if they ever lost their partner, they would die, the person singing the song has moved on and become a wiser individual. The singer proclaims that they never thought they'd love their ex again, but now they are liberated and free from the relationship. The song concludes with a strong message: the singer no longer needs that person's love; they have become stronger since the breakup.

"I Need You" is a song about a former partner's independence and self-reliance, themes that were common throughout the music of the 1960s. It's a reminder that despite the difficulties that come with breakups, people often come out stronger and better in the end. The song also addresses the difficulties of letting go of someone you once loved, and the emotional pain that comes with staying in that connection, despite its brokenness.

I Don't Need You AnymoreThe Kinks Lyrics

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I Don't Need You Anymore
The Kinks Lyrics