Kicks

Paul Revere & the Raiders

About Kicks

"Kicks" is a song composed by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, best known as a 1966 hit for American rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. Mann and Weill wrote the song for the Animals, but the band's lead singer Eric Burdon turned it down. Instead, Paul Revere & The Raiders recorded and released it as a single in 1966. The single was a number one hit in Canada, and reached number four in the United States. "Kicks" was included on the band's fifth album, Midnight Ride, released in May 1966. A live version of the song was recorded on the band's 1996 Greatest Hits Live compilation album. Considered one of the earliest anti-drug songs, "Kicks" was composed and released during an era in which pro-hippie, pro-experimentation, and other counterculture themes were gaining popularity on U. S. FM radio stations. The song's message was consequently perceived as outdated by the emerging youth counterculture, as popular artists ranging from The Beatles to Jefferson Airplane had written songs whose themes sharply contrasted that of "Kicks." However, the song has received generally positive reviews by music critics in the decades since its release. In 2004, "Kicks" was ranked number 400 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 


Year:
1972
92 
#2

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

Girl, you thought you found the answer
On that magic carpet ride last night
But when you wake up in the mornin'
The world still gets you uptight
Well, there's nothin' that you ain't tried
To fill the emptiness inside
When you come back down, girl
Still ain't feelin' right

And don't it seem like
Kicks just keep gettin' harder to find
And all your kicks ain't bringin' you peace of mind
Before you find out it's too late, girl
You better get straight
No, but not with kicks, you just need help, girl

Well you think you're gonna find yourself
A little piece of paradise
But it ain't happened yet, so girl, you better think twice
Don't you see no matter what you do
You'll never run away from you
And if you keep on runnin' you'll have to pay the price

And don't it seem like
Kicks just keep gettin' harder to find
And all your kicks ain't bringin' you peace of mind
Before you find out it's too late, girl
You better get straight

No, you don't need kicks
To help you face the world each day
That road goes nowhere
I'm gonna help you find yourself another way

Kicks just keep gettin' harder to find
And all your kicks ain't bringin' you peace of mind
Before you find out it's too late, girl
You better get straight

Don't it seem like
Kicks just keep gettin' harder to find
And all your kicks ain't bringin' you peace of mind
Before you find out it's too late, girl
You better get straight

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Paul Revere & the Raiders

Paul Revere & the Raiders is an American rock band that saw considerable U.S. mainstream success in the second half of the 1960s and early 1970s with hits such as "Kicks" (1966; ranked number 400 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time), "Hungry" (1966), "Him Or Me - What's It Gonna Be?" (1967) and the 1971 No. 1 single "Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian)". more »

0 fans

Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Origin
"Paul Revere & the Raiders" was an American rock band formed in Idaho in 1958. Paul Revere was the founder and organist of the band.
Song Release
The song "Kicks" was released in February 1966. It served as their first big hit of that year.
Chart Performance
"Kicks" reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the band's biggest hits.
Songwriters
The song was written by the famous songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who were famous for crafting many hits from the 1960s and onward.
Anti-Drug Message
Contrary to the norm of most rock songs of the 1960s, "Kicks" was notable for its anti-drug message. The song warns against the perils of drug abuse.
Rolling Stone Ranking
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Kicks" as number 400 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Cover Versions
A number of other artists have covered "Kicks," including Del Shannon, The Flamin' Groovies, and The Monkees.
Music Video
Paul Revere & the Raiders were known for their Revolutionary War-themed outfits, which were also featured in the music video for "Kicks."
Album Appearance
"Kicks" appeared on the album "Midnight Ride," which was released by Columbia Records.
Live Performances
Despite numerous lineup changes, Paul Revere & the Raiders performed "Kicks" live at almost every concert they played, showcasing the song's popularity and longevity.

Discuss the Kicks Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Kicks Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/125366/Paul+Revere+%26+the+Raiders/Kicks>.

    Missing lyrics by Paul Revere & the Raiders?

    Know any other songs by Paul Revere & the Raiders? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Kicks

    17,458
    340     23

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #4


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Take my photo off the wall if it just won't sing for you."
    A Filter - Take a Picture
    B Berlin - Take My Breath Away
    C Jet - Look What You've Done
    D Alan Walker - Sing Me to Sleep

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Paul Revere & the Raiders tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!