20th Century Man
The Kinks
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This is the age of machinery, A mechanical nightmare, The wonderful world of technology, Napalm hydrogen bombs biological warfare, This is the twentieth century, But too much aggravation It's the age of insanity, What has become of the green pleasant fields of Jerusalem. Ain't got no ambition, I'm just disillusioned I'm a twentieth century man but I don't want to be here. My mama said she can't understand me She can't see my motivation Just give me some security, I'm a paranoid schizoid product of the twentieth century. You keep all your smart modern writers Give me William Shakespeare You keep all your smart modern painters I'll take Rembrandt, Titian, Da Vinci and Gainsborough, Girl we gotta get out of here We gotta find a solution I'm a twentieth century man but I don't want to die here. I was born in a welfare state Ruled by bureaucracy Controlled by civil servants And people dressed in grey Got no privacy got no liberty 'cause the twentieth century people Took it all away from me. Don't want to get myself shot down By some trigger happy policeman, Gotta keep a hold on my sanity I'm a twentieth century man but I don't want to die here. My mama says she can't understand me She can't see my motivation Ain't got no security, I'm a twentieth century man but I don't want to be here. This is the twentieth century But too much aggravation This is the edge of insanity I'm a twentieth century man but I don't want to be here
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11 facts about this song
Song Inception"20th Century Man" is a song penned by the British rock band "The Kinks". It was written by the band's lead vocalist and main songwriter, Ray Davies.
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Album ContributionThe song is drawn from the concept album "Muswell Hillbillies," which was released in November 1971. This fifth track on the album is often considered its centerpiece.
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Genre"20th Century Man" is best classified in the Rock music genre, specifically Rock 'n' Roll, with prominent elements of Country and Rhythm & Blues, aligning with the overall Muswell Hillbilly sound.
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LyricsThe lyrics of "20th Century Man" express Ray Davies's frustration with modern technology and the fast-paced life of the 20th century, a recurrent theme in his compositions. In the song, Davies longs for a simpler time and bemoans the complexities of the industrialization and technology-driven modern era.
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RecognitionQ magazine, a prominent UK music publication, listed "20th Century Man" among the "1001 Best Songs Ever" in 2003.
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Song's StructureUnlike typical verse-chorus-verse songs, "20th Century Man" demonstrates Davies's storytelling prowess, starting quietly and building gradually as though narrating a story.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have given their own spin to this song, including notable covers by Big Audio Dynamite and former Soft Boys' frontman, Robyn Hitchcock.
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Acoustic VersionDavies released an acoustic version of "20th Century Man" in 2009 in his compilation album "The Kinks Choral Collection," providing a minimalist and soulful rendition.
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Live Performance"20th Century Man" has been a regular in The Kinks' live performances since its debut, and it was included in their 1980 live album "One for the Road."
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Album's ArtworkThe album "Muswell Hillbillies" which includes "20th Century Man," features band members in a pub setting, reflecting the themes of societal change and urbanization within its songs.
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Song's Interpretation"20th Century Man" often is cited as an example of Davies' ability to capture the thoughts and feelings of the 'common man' in the face of an ever-changing world.
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Citation
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