The Informer
The Kinks Lyrics


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Isn't it strange meeting you here
Two old friends
Just sitting down quietly drinking a beer
But knowing your past the way that I do
After all this time I'm surprised
You'd even come to this rendezvous
They say you went and moved across the border
So it's hard to believe
That you're sitting here with me tonight
I know you're on the run, you shouldn't be here
But do you feel the fear
When you meet an old friend and the enemy's near
It's strange we always go to church on Sundays
After getting right out of it on a Saturday night
And if we stay here too long, I know that we'll quarrel
And end up having a fight
Just a couple of losers putting the world to right
Just two people having a beer
But on either side there is so much anger
And so much fear
Just two people trying to get by
But we're torn apart
Because of different pressures
From different sides
I hear you're on the run from law and order
But you had to show up
''cause you knew it was a matter of pride
But beliefs aside, religion apart
Did you ever think about all the suffering you caused
And all the broken hearts?
The word is out that you are the informer
Who gave me away without so much as a fight
So be a good friend
And let me take you quietly without a fight
I'll be the one who's
Gonna take you home tonight




I'll be the one who's
Gonna take you home tonight

Overall Meaning

The Kinks' song "The Informer" tells the story of two old friends meeting at a bar and sharing a beer together. However, there is tension between them because one friend knows that the other is on the run from law enforcement. The two friends talk about their lives and the different pressures that they face. The singer wonders if his friend feels fear in knowing that he is meeting with an enemy, given the situation that he is in. The singer also questions his friend's morality and whether he has considered the consequences of his actions.


The lyrics of "The Informer" highlight the strained relationship between the two friends. What starts as a seemingly innocent conversation between two old pals turns into a confrontational discussion, as the singer realizes the gravity of his friend's actions. The song highlights the importance of moral responsibility and accountability for one's actions.


Line by Line Meaning

Isn't it strange meeting you here
It's strange to see you here after all this time.


Two old friends
We have known each other for a long time.


Just sitting down quietly drinking a beer
We are peacefully sharing a drink.


But knowing your past the way that I do
I am aware of your past actions and behavior.


After all this time I'm surprised
I'm surprised that you showed up today after all these years.


You'd even come to this rendezvous
I didn't expect you to come here.


They say you went and moved across the border
I heard you fled to another country.


So it's hard to believe that you're sitting here with me tonight
It's surprising and difficult to accept that you are here with me now.


I know you're on the run, you shouldn't be here
I know you are running from the law, it's not safe for you to be here.


But do you feel the fear when you meet an old friend and the enemy's near
Do you feel scared when you're with me, knowing I'm technically an enemy?


It's strange we always go to church on Sundays
It's odd that we attend church regularly.


After getting right out of it on a Saturday night
After having a wild night just the day before.


And if we stay here too long, I know that we'll quarrel
If we stay here for too long, I know we will argue.


And end up having a fight
Which could lead to a physical altercation.


Just a couple of losers putting the world to right
We are just two people trying to figure things out in life.


Just two people having a beer
We are just two people having a casual drink.


But on either side there is so much anger
Both of us feel a lot of pent-up anger towards each other.


And so much fear
There is also a lot of fear involved in our interaction.


Just two people trying to get by
We are just two people trying to survive and make a living.


But we're torn apart
Our relationship is strained due to our history and current circumstances.


Because of different pressures
We are being pulled in different directions by various factors.


From different sides
The pressures we are facing come from opposite directions.


I hear you're on the run from law and order
I've heard that you are running from the authorities.


But you had to show up 'cause you knew it was a matter of pride
You came here because you knew it was important for your pride and reputation.


But beliefs aside, religion apart
Regardless of our differing beliefs and religious affiliations,


Did you ever think about all the suffering you caused
Have you considered the hurt and pain you have inflicted on others?


And all the broken hearts?
Your actions may have caused heartbreak and emotional damage to many people.


The word is out that you are the informer
There are rumors that you are the one who revealed my secrets to the authorities.


Who gave me away without so much as a fight
You gave me up without any hesitation or resistance.


So be a good friend
Please be a true friend.


And let me take you quietly without a fight
Please surrender to me without any resistance or argument.


I'll be the one who's gonna take you home tonight
I will be the one who takes you back to where you feel safe and secure.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVIES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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David Chedgey


on Do It Again

Great song but also a memorable music video. Why is it unavailable?