Village Green

The Kinks

About Village Green

"The Village Green Preservation Society" is a single by the English rock group the Kinks. Written by Ray Davies, the song is a nostalgic reflection on cultural English "village green", country, and hamlet lifestyle, and references many different characteristics and features of it, such as Tudor houses and draught beer. At the same time, it speaks negatively of modern, industrial traits, such as office blocks and skyscrapers. As the opening track of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, it sets the theme for the majority of the rest of the album. It is also, according to AllMusic, the best-known track from the album. The song has been part of the Kinks' live setlist. The song inspired the band's slogan, "God Save the Kinks". 


Year:
1967
2:10
242 
#1

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Out in the country,
Far from all the soot and noise of the city,
There's a village green.
It's been a long time
Since I last set eyes on the church with the steeple
Down by the village green.
Twas there I met a girl called daisy
And kissed her by the old oak tree.
Although I loved my daisy, I saw fame,
And so I left the village green.

I miss the village green,
And all the simple people.
I miss the village green,
The church, the clock, the steeple.
I miss the morning dew, fresh air and Sunday school.

And now all the houses
Are rare antiquities.
American tourists flock to see the village green.
They snap their photographs and say "gawd darn it,
Isn't it a pretty scene?"
And daisy's married tom the grocer boy,
And now he owns a grocery.

I miss the village green,
And all the simple people.
I miss the village green,
The church, the clock, the steeple.
I miss the morning dew, fresh air and Sunday school.

And I will return there,
And I'll and daisy,
And we'll sip tea, laugh,
And talk about the village green.
We will laugh and talk about the village green.

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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

Genre Classification
"Village Green" is considered to be a folk rock song. This genre is a mix of folk music and rock music elements.
Album Identification
The song is the title track from the album "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society". This album is often regarded as one of their best.
Song Duration
The song is just 2 minutes and 10 seconds long, making it one of the shorter tracks on the album.
Conceptual Theme
"Village Green" describes an idyllic English village, referring to traditional value systems and the diminishing local culture due to urbanization.
Song's Inspiration
Lead vocalist and songwriter Ray Davies got the inspiration for "Village Green" from his childhood memories of visiting his sisters in the countryside.
Album's Initial Popularity
Despite the high regard for the album now, "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" was not initially a commercial success, and neither was the song "Village Green".
Reception and Acclaim
In retrospect, both the album and the song "Village Green" received critical acclaim for their nostalgic and evocative depiction of traditional English life.
Live Performances
"Village Green" was not regularly performed live by The Kinks, making live renditions of the song quite rare.
Lyric Analysis
The lyrics of "Village Green" reflect a longing for simpler times, with mentions of 'cows, ducks and sheep' in a pastoral setting.
Album Art
The album cover of "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" illustrates the theme of the song "Village Green" with its detailed image of an old-fashioned village scene.

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