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)
Johnny Thunder
The Kinks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Johnny Thunder don't need no one, don't want money.
And all the people of the town,
They can't get through to Johnny, they will never, ever break him down.
Johnny Thunder speaks for no one, goes on fighting.
And sweet Helena in bed prays for Johnny.
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
Though everybody tried their best,
Old Johnny vowed that he would never, ever end up like the rest.
Johnny Thunder rides the highway, moves like lightning.
But sweet Helena just says, "God bless Johnny."
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Ba ba-ba ba ba-ba ba,
Thunder and lightning.
The lyrics to The Kinks’ “Johnny Thunder” tell the story of a man who lives on water and feeds on lightning. He is independent and doesn’t need anyone or anything, including money. The people of the town can’t break him down, and he speaks for no one but himself, always fighting. Despite this toughness, there is a tender moment when the woman he shares his bed with, Helena, is seen praying for him.
The song is about a rebel who is a lone wolf in society. By living on the edge and eschewing societal norms, he is seen as a powerful force that cannot be tamed. His determination is such that he does not want to be like anyone else, and he will do whatever it takes to remain true to himself. Johnny Thunder is a symbol of independence and power, someone who is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, even if that means going against the grain.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny Thunder lives on water, feeds on lightning.
Johnny Thunder is a force of nature, sustained by the intangible and impossible to capture. He is a powerful and seemingly indestructible entity.
Johnny Thunder don't need no one, don't want money.
Johnny Thunder is self-sufficient and independent. He does not require money or the support of others to survive. He is his own person.
And all the people of the town, They can't get through to Johnny, they will never, ever break him down.
Despite the efforts of those around him, Johnny is unbreakable. He is impervious to the influence of others and cannot be persuaded to change his ways.
Johnny Thunder speaks for no one, goes on fighting.
Johnny is a fighter, but he does not speak for anyone else. He lives life on his own terms and does not cater to the needs or wants of others. He fights for himself and no one else.
And sweet Helena in bed prays for Johnny.
Despite Johnny's independent spirit, there is one person who cares deeply for him. Helena prays for his well-being and safety, even though she knows she cannot change him.
Thunder and lightning.
Thunder and lightning are the elemental forces that sustain Johnny. They are symbolic of his power and innate, unstoppable strength.
Though everybody tried their best, Old Johnny vowed that he would never, ever end up like the rest.
Despite the efforts of those around him to change him, Johnny remains steadfast in his beliefs and way of life. He refuses to conform or become like everyone else.
Johnny Thunder rides the highway, moves like lightning.
Johnny is always on the move, and he moves quickly and with great speed. He is unstoppable, like a bolt of lightning.
But sweet Helena just says, "God bless Johnny."
Helena continues to care for Johnny, even though he is unchanging and independent. She blesses him and wishes him well, hoping that he will remain safe and strong.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Raymond Douglas Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Chedgey
on Do It Again
Great song but also a memorable music video. Why is it unavailable?