The Kinks (1963–1996; 2018-present) is an English pop-rock group that came … Read Full Bio ↴The Kinks (1963–1996; 2018-present) is an English pop-rock group that came out of the British R&B scene of the early 1960s. Formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray Davies and Dave Davies in 1964 and categorised in the United States as a "British Invasion" band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups of the era. In 1990, their first year of eligibility, the original four members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Later, in November 2005, they were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. Among numerous other honours, they received the Ivor Novello Award for "Outstanding Service to British Music" in 2006. The Kinks reunited in June 2018, with the Davies brothers and drummer Mick Avory.

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)

Waterloo Sunset
The Kinks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling
Flowing into the night?
People so busy, make me feel dizzy
Taxi light shines so bright
But I don't need no friends
As long as I gaze on
Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise

Every day, I look at the world from my window
But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)

Terry meets Julie
Waterloo station
Every Friday night
But I am so lazy, don't want to wander
I stay at home at night
But I don't feel afraid
As long as I gaze on
Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise

Every day, I look at the world from my window
But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)

Millions of people swarming like flies 'round
Waterloo underground
But Terry and Julie cross over the river
Where they feel safe and sound
And they don't need no friends
As long as they gaze on
Waterloo Sunset
They are in paradise

Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Waterloo sunset's fine

Overall Meaning

"Waterloo Sunset" is a classic song by The Kinks, released in 1967, which tells the story of two lovers, Terry and Julie, who meet every Friday night at Waterloo station. The song is set against the backdrop of a busy city, with its dirty old river that seems to never stop rolling, and the hustle and bustle of people rushing about their lives. The singer, who lives near Waterloo, watches the world pass by from his window and notes the people he sees, feeling dizzy with their urgency.

Despite the chaos of the world outside, and his lack of belonging to it, the singer finds solace in gazing upon the Waterloo sunset. He feels as though he is in paradise, and this same sentiment is echoed by Terry and Julie, who cross over the river where they can feel safe and sound. Although they have each other, they don't need any friends as long as they can gaze upon the beauty of the sunset.

The lyrics of the song highlight the themes of love, loneliness, and isolation in a bustling city, with its inhabitants bustling about their lives. The Waterloo Sunset represents a moment of tranquillity and beauty in an otherwise chaotic world. The song also serves as an ode to London and its iconic landmarks.

Line by Line Meaning

Dirty old river, must you keep rolling
The river constantly flowing reminds me of how time never stops

Flowing into the night?
Does the river continue to flow even at night?

People so busy, make me feel dizzy
The hectic pace of everyone around me is overwhelming

Taxi light shines so bright
The bright lights of the city at night are mesmerizing

But I don't need no friends
Despite being alone, I am content with my own company

As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset I am in paradise
Watching the beautiful sunset from Waterloo station brings me an immense sense of joy and peace

Every day, I look at the world from my window
I watch the world go by from the safety of my own home

But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Evening time can feel cold and lonely

Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Despite the loneliness, the Sunset at Waterloo brings a sense of comfort

Terry meets Julie Waterloo Station Every Friday night
Terry and Julie have a regular meeting spot at Waterloo station

But I am so lazy, don't want to wander
I am content staying in and not venturing out like Terry and Julie

And they don't need no friends As long as they gaze on Waterloo Sunset They are in paradise
Terry and Julie don't need anyone else as long as they have the beautiful sunset to enjoy together

Millions of people swarming like flies 'round Waterloo underground
The busy crowds at Waterloo underground station can be overwhelming

But Terry and Julie cross over the river Where they feel safe and sound
Terry and Julie find safety and comfort across the river from the bustling crowds

Waterloo SunsetThe Kinks Lyrics

David Chedgey

on Do It Again

Waterloo Sunset
The Kinks Lyrics