I Need You
The Kinks Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I don't need you, honey
I am not in need of your presence or company


'Cause things just ain't the same
Since you started seeing other men, our relationship has changed


Since you've been going out with other fellas
Your dating other men has altered our relationship


Things have really changed
Our relationship has undergone significant change


If I ever lost you
In the past, I believed that if I were to lose you, it would result in my death


Then I will surely have died
I believed that losing you would be a catastrophic event in my life


That's what I thought
I used to believe this idea wholeheartedly, but no longer do


Things have changed a little, honey
My perspective has changed somewhat since then


Now I'm a wiser guy
As a result of my experiences, I am now more knowledgeable and sensible


Well, I never thought that I'd love you again
Previously, I did not consider the possibility of loving you once more


But my luck has changed, now I'm free
I am now free from the previous constraining circumstances that prevented me from loving you again


I don't need you any more
I am now completely self-sufficient and do not require your presence or attention


Well, I needed you once
At one point, I was dependent on you


But now I'm standing alone
Now, I am self-sufficient and no longer need you


I don't need you any more
I am now independent and can function without you


I don't need you any more
I am now completely self-reliant and do not require your assistance or support


I don't need you any more
I am now capable of dealing with life on my own and do not require your presence or assistance




Lyrics © Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Written by: Raymond Douglas Davies

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Dani Ibarra

I need you
I need you more than birds need the sky
I need you, it's true little girl
That you can lift the tears from my eyes

But if you ever tell me goodbye
I'll break down and you'll hear me cry
I need you
More than anybody else has needed anyone before

I need you
There's no one else to stand in your place
I need you, you know little girl
That you can keep the smile on my face

But if you ever tell me goodbye
I'll break down and you'll hear me cry
I need you
More than anybody else has needed anyone before

I need you
There's no one else to stand in your place
I need you, you know little girl
That you can keep the smile on my face

But if you ever tell me goodbye
I'll break down and you'll hear me cry
I need you
More than anybody else has needed anyone before
More than anybody else has needed anyone before
I need you
I need you
I need you



비정한세상

I need you,
I need you more than birds need the sky.
I need you, it's true little girl,
That you can lift the tears from my eyes.

But if you ever tell me good-bye,
I'll break down and you'll hear me cry.
I need you,
More than anybody else has needed anyone before.

I need you,
There's no one else to stand in your place.
I need you, you know little girl,
That you can keep the smile on my face.



All comments from YouTube:

Mello Gee

Let's face it, folks. From 1963 to 1965, which was still a very EARLY period for "rock and roll" in general, these guys were literally the 'hardest sound' out there as far as sheer rock punch, goes. Nobody had a sound this hard back then. Not the Stones, Beatles, Who. (It would not be for a couple two-three years later that you would see Hendrix, Blue Cheer and MC5 show-up.) The Kinks three-chord power punch riffs, the distorted electric guitar, the groovy beat, etc. These dudes were trailblazers. This stuff gave rise to heavy metal and punk. Prove me wrong.

Reverse Fulfillment

We know, that's why were here.

Emmett McKenna

You’re absolutely correct, my rock n’ roll friend!

Pookie Martinez

The Sonics.

christian cody

Kinks and Sonics. That is punk rock.

Stefan Adamcik

I agree. That guitar is gritty.

7 More Replies...

Jamie L Wendland

One of the greatest guitar solos of the mid-sixties-sheer, raw talent.

dawalt009

This 1965 gem is the benchmark of many a bands plunder into axe chopping riffs, from The Easybeats in Australia to many other world chart topping bands, they were years ahead of Heavy Metal when it raised it's head circa 1968.
It's definitely there for all to hear, the trouble is most people aren't listening.

alley kitty

The Kinks, the original punk rockers!!! Kick ass song!

Paul Allen

I did not realize so many people out there felt as I do. For all the distorted, overdriven guitars that followed the era of The Kinks, none have sounded so absolutely rude and raunchy. Dave's guitar solos have been described as just this side of out of control. So great!

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