Victoria

The Kinks

About Victoria

"Victoria" is a song written by Ray Davies of the Kinks. It is the opening track on the band's 1969 concept album Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire). In Ray Davies' satirical style, the lyrics juxtapose the grim realities of life in Britain during the 19th century ("Sex was bad, and obscene/And the rich were so mean") with the paternalist aspirations of the British Empire in the Victorian age ("From the West to the East/From the rich to the poor/Victoria loved them all"), and expresses the simple adulation of queen and country by the downtrodden working class ("Though I am poor, I am free/When I grow I shall fight/For this land I shall die"). The production begins with a simple heavy rock electric blues guitar riff, carried through each verse and chorus, while the "Land of hope and gloria" bridge and raucous background vocals from Dave Davies build to an exultant climax of brass.  


Year:
1969
3:40
28 

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Long ago life was clean
Sex was bad, called obscene
And the rich were so mean
Stately homes for the Lords
Croquet lawns, village greens
Victoria was my queen
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria

I was born, lucky me
In a land that I love
Though I am poor, I am free
When I grow I shall fight
For this land I shall die
Let her sun never set
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria

Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria

Canada to India
Australia to Cornwall
Singapore to Hong Kong
From the West to the East
From to the rich to the poor
Victoria loved them all

Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria

 Struggling with Victoria? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. 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. Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues, British music hall, folk and country. Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals) remained members throughout the group's 32-year run. Original members Pete Quaife (bass guitar, vocals) and Mick Avory (drums and percussion) were replaced by John Dalton in 1969 and Bob Henrit in 1984, respectively. Dalton was in turn replaced by Jim Rodford in 1978. Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins accomp… more »

8 fans

Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
- "Victoria" is a song by the British rock band The Kinks, penned by their lead vocalist and chief songwriter, Ray Davies.
Album Presence
- The song is the opening track on their 1969 concept album "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)".
Historical Context
- "Victoria" is widely interpreted as both a satire and a nostalgic reflection on the Victorian era in Great Britain, touching upon England's past glory and wealth.
Chart Performance
- Despite being banned by the BBC as it seemed to be mocking the monarchy, "Victoria" still managed to reach number 33 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 in the UK Singles Chart.
Cover Versions
- "Victoria" has been covered by many artists throughout the years including the indie rock band The Fall and the pop punk group Green Day.
Musical Style
- The song exemplifies Davies's masterful storytelling through music, with rollicking guitar rifts, a catchy melody, and cleverly crafted lyrics.
Karaoke Release
- A karaoke version of "Victoria" was released on the album, "The Karaoke Channel - Sing Like Ray Davies of The Kinks" in 2016.
Song Interpretation
- Ray Davies’ lyrics with respect to "Victoria" use the metaphor of the monarch to symbolize Britain's lost status and decline following the end of the imperial Victorian era.
Grammy Hall of Fame
- Album "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020, signaling recognition towards all of its songs including "Victoria".
Live Performances
- Even after the official disbandment of The Kinks in 1996, Ray Davies often still performs “Victoria” in his solo shows, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

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    Victoria

    4M
    20,563     578

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #62


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