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)
Permanent Waves
The Kinks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I think that I'm finally breakin'
I can't quite explain, I can't feel any pain
But I know that this time I'm not fakin'
Oh, what can it be, oh, inside of me
I saw my doctor he said man you look sick
He said I think you better do something quick
What you need is a change, have a shave, find a chic
Your body functions, but your hair's a disgrace
You shouldn't let it hang all over your face
Change your image 'cause you look out of place
Comb your hair, put on weight, try to look up to date
Why don't you put in some permanent waves
You'll look smooth you'll look cool, you'll be laughing
You'll get lots of dates, you'll be made you'll get laid
You'll get out and about, you'll be laughing
Oh, you'll be O.K. once you get those permanent waves,
I was really up but now I'm down once again
I went out walking and it started to rain
My perm washed out it just got flushed down the drain
My neurosis returned, I'm a wreck once again
But wait 'til I get back my permanent waves
I'll be cool, I'll be smooth, I'll be laughing
I'll be all the rage with my permanent waves
And I'll start a new craze, I'll be laughing
Oh, I'll be O.K. once I get my permanent waves
Start a new craze, permanent waves
I'll be all the rage, my permanent waves
The Kinks's song "Permanent Waves" is about a man who is struggling with depression and seeks help from a doctor. However, the doctor's solution is rather superficial as he suggests the man should change his appearance and get permanent waves in his hair to feel better. The man goes along with the idea, hoping that it will solve his problems and make him feel good about himself. He is convinced that the waves will change his life and that he will be able to start a new craze and be all the rage. Unfortunately, after getting the permanent waves, he still feels depressed and realizes that his neurosis has returned.
The song is a commentary on how society often focuses on superficial solutions to deeper problems. The doctor's recommendation to get permanent waves is symbolic of this. By changing his appearance, the man may feel better temporarily, but it doesn't address the root cause of his depression. The song is also about the pressure people face to conform to societal expectations and to look a certain way in order to be accepted. The man's desire to fit in and be cool is what ultimately leads him to seek out the permanent waves.
Overall, "Permanent Waves" is a satirical take on the superficiality of society and how it can affect individual mental health. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of emotional struggles rather than relying on superficial solutions.
Line by Line Meaning
Please call a doctor, I've been so depressed
I am feeling extremely down and helpless and in need of medical attention.
That I think that I'm finally breakin'
My emotional state is deteriorating, and I feel like I'm on the verge of collapsing.
I can't quite explain, I can't feel any pain
It's hard for me to put into words the depth of my despair, even though I am not experiencing physical pain.
But I know that this time I'm not fakin'
I am not pretending to be mentally ill this time, and the severity of my condition should not be underestimated.
Oh, what can it be, oh, inside of me
I am trying to understand what is causing my deep-seated internal turmoil and seeking answers.
He checked me over and he said I was fit
After seeing a doctor, I was told that I am physically healthy.
What you need is a change, have a shave, find a chic
The doctor suggests that to feel better, I should change my appearance, shave my hair, and find a fashionable partner.
Why don't you put in some permanent waves
The doctor recommends that I get a perm to look trendy and attractive.
You'll look smooth you'll look cool, you'll be laughing
Getting permanent waves will make me look stylish, confident, and happy.
You'll get lots of dates, you'll be made you'll get laid
Having a fashionable appearance will result in romantic success with multiple partners.
I was really up but now I'm down once again
Despite feeling good for a while, my mood has plummeted yet again.
My perm washed out it just got flushed down the drain
My perm was not permanent, and it washed out, leaving me feeling disappointed.
But wait 'til I get back my permanent waves
I am still hopeful that getting permanent waves will boost my mood and make me feel better again.
Start a new craze, permanent waves
Having permanent waves will make me become a trendsetter or pioneer of the hair fashion industry.
I'll be all the rage, my permanent waves
Having permanent waves will make me the center of attention, admired and envied by others.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stuart Jones
This is just a brilliant song. I hate it when people say that The Kinks never did anything decent after 1972.
BadLarry Gibb
maybe the best band of the 80s....definitely the 60s and 70s
gringochucha
Most people don't know what they're talking about : )
John LaStrada
So many classic rock songs ignored by radio and streaming services. This is one. Marvelous Kinks track. "Do It Again," "Shangri La," (and the live one recently performed by Ray Davies with full orchestra and chorus is incredible), "Victoria," "Deadend Street," "Polly," "Autumn Almanac," the original "Days," "A Well Respected Man," "Big Black Smoke," the stunning "Waterloo Sunset," and the early "Little Miss Queen of Darkness," are all splendid -- and that's still a weak description of their genius. Some of these are played...but not often enough. This band is as big as The Beatles, The Stones, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys....
Lanny Dante
100% agree with u John and Im a kinks fan from 1964 Im 70 years old now
Steve Blakely
Kinks were a very underrated, excellent band. also a heck of a sense of humor.
Mark Izzard
One of my favourite Kink songs - but such a unknown gem. Thanks for posting!
joe mac
Love this entire album ,TY the Davies Brothers !
Fuzzy Kinkster
THE Best Kinks album,period.
Beach Goat
Kinks...always the best of the best