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)
King Kong
The Kinks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a big six gun and everybody is scared.
I'm King Kong, got a hydrogen bomb,
I can blow up your houses so you better beware.
Everybody wants power,
Everybody wants fame.
Everybody wants money.
La-la-la-la-la,
Little man's weak and big man's strong,
Everyone wants to be King Kong, oh yeah.
I'm King Kong, I got so much money,
I can buy anybody who gets in my path.
I'm King Kong, and I'm big and strong,
I can blow up your houses so you better beware.
Everybody wants power,
Everybody wants fame.
Everybody wants money.
La-la-la-la-la, King Kong.
La-la-la-la-la,
Little man's weak and big man's strong,
Everyone wants to be King Kong, oh yeah.
I'm King Kong and I'm ten feet long,
Got a big six gun and everybody is scared.
I'm King Kong, got a hydrogen bomb,
I can blow up your houses so you better beware.
Everybody wants power,
Everybody wants fame.
Everybody wants money.
La-la-la-la-la, King Kong.
La-la-la-la-la,
Little man's weak and big man's strong,
Everyone wants to be King Kong, oh yeah.
The Kinks' song "King Kong" is an interesting commentary on power and the desire for domination that runs through human nature. The song takes the persona of the giant simian creature King Kong who has become a symbol of male aggression and dominance. The opening lines of the song, "I'm King Kong and I'm ten feet long, / Got a big six-gun and everybody is scared," creates the image of a larger-than-life creature that is not only imposing but also dangerous. The following line, "I'm King Kong, got a hydrogen bomb," adds to the sense of power and danger.
The song then explores the concept that everyone wants power, fame, and money, showcasing the universal desire for domination, adulation, and wealth. The song repeats the phrase "La-la-la-la-la, King Kong" as if to emphasize the inescapability of the desire for power and dominance. The line "Little man's weak and big man's strong, everyone wants to be King Kong" suggests that even those who may seem small and unassuming have a desire to rise to the top and become the dominant figure.
Overall, "King Kong" by The Kinks is a satirical song that satirizes the concepts of power, domination, and the male ego, and does so with a humorous edge that reminds audiences of the kind of self-aggrandizement that can occur in any culture.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm King Kong and I'm ten feet long,
I am powerful and intimidating, with a physical presence that commands attention and instills fear in others.
Got a big six gun and everybody is scared.
I possess a weapon that amplifies my already imposing presence, and others are terrified of me as a result.
I'm King Kong, got a hydrogen bomb,
I have access to incredibly destructive and deadly weapons which further cement my dominance and ability to intimidate others.
I can blow up your houses so you better beware.
I have the power to obliterate the possessions and homes of others, further solidifying my hold over them and expanding my power.
Everybody wants power,
The desire for power is a common and universal trait among humans, as it represents a way to establish control and influence over others.
Everybody wants fame.
Most people seek recognition and attention, as it can lead to greater social status and admiration from others.
Everybody wants money.
The acquisition of wealth is a primary goal for many people, as it can provide greater opportunities and freedom in life.
La-la-la-la-la, King Kong.
These repeated syllables reinforce the idea that the desire for power, fame, and money is universal and appeals to many people, just like the iconic character of King Kong.
Little man's weak and big man's strong,
This line highlights the idea that strength and power are often equated with physical size, and that those who are smaller in stature are often seen as weaker or less powerful.
Everyone wants to be King Kong, oh yeah.
Despite the negative consequences of pursuing power and dominance, many people still desire to be in a position of great strength and influence over others.
I'm King Kong, I got so much money,
In addition to physical prowess and deadly weapons, the possession of vast wealth further bolsters my power and dominance over others.
I can buy anybody who gets in my path.
My wealth and influence give me the ability to control and manipulate others, regardless of their own desires or goals in life.
I'm King Kong, and I'm big and strong,
Another reference to my physical size and strength, which serves as a source of fear and reverence among others.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrMark-op8cw
Thanks!!! First heard this on Kinks Kronikles from the early 70's. Another great under appreciated Kinks Klassik. This was the b-side to Plastic Man, and it should have been the a-side. Love the Kinks, got 'em all on vinyl. Even love the RCA years stuff; Preservation Act 1 & 2, Soap Opera, Everybody's In Showbiz, and of course, Muswell Hillbillies. Love Give the People What They Want too. Obviously everything from Face To Face up to Lola is golden (including the Great Lost Kinks Album). Even Percy has a couple of great tunes on it. Thanks again, and God Save The Kinks!!!
@blackmore4
Hello, d'you know if a stereo mix of this track ('King Kong') is available anywhere?
@Lollipop399
MORE COWBELL! Great song. Love the Bolan-like warble.
@docsavage8640
Amazing this was left off the LP. It's better than several tracks that made the cut.
@botvertex3830
fr
@dsparkman6315
Huh?
@botvertex3830
@D Sparkman it means for real
@mintybadgerproductions
It was actually recorded after Village Green was released. I also don't think it really fits the album, musically or thematically.
@stirfry3546
This song is the truth of the world if it isn't obvious.
@michavandam
0:34 This was the B-side of Apeman ['69]. wasn't it? Hearing this riff, Sunshine of Your Love ['67] by Cream seems to have been an influence.