Set Me Free

The Kinks

About Set Me Free

"Set Me Free" is a song by Ray Davies, released first by The Kinks in 1965. Along with "Tired of Waiting for You", it is one of band's first attempts at a softer, more introspective sound. The song's B-side, "I Need You", makes prominent use of powerchords in the style of The Kinks' early, "raunchy" sound. "Set Me Free" was heard in the Ken Loach-directed Up the Junction, a BBC Wednesday Play which aired in November 1965; this marked the first appearance of a Kinks song on a film or TV soundtrack.  


Year:
1989
2:11
69 

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Set me free, little girl
All you gotta do is set me free, little girl
You know you can do it if you try
All you gotta do is set me free, free
Free

Set me free, little girl
All you gotta do is set me free, little girl
You know you can do it if you try
All you gotta do is set me free, free
Free, free

I don't want no one
If I can't have you to myself
I don't need nobody else
So if I can't have you to myself

Set me free
Set me free

Oh set me free, little girl
All you gotta do is set me free, little girl
You know you can do it if you try
All you gotta do is set me free, free
Free, free

I don't want no one
If I can't have you to myself
I don't need nobody else
So if I can't have you to myself

Set me free
Set me free

Oh set me free, little girl
All you gotta do is set me free, little girl
You know you can do it if you try
All you gotta do is set me free, free
Free

Set me free
Oh, set me free

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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: RAY DAVIES

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION, Songtrust Ave, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Origin and Release
"Set Me Free" is a song written and composed by "Ray Davies", singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the iconic British rock band "The Kinks". It was released as the band's ninth single in 1965.
Chart Performance
Upon release, "Set Me Free" was successful in the UK, peaking at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1965, making it their fourth top 10 hit in the UK that year.
B-Side Track
The B-side "I Need You" is often overlooked but is of note since it was among the first songs that showed The Kinks departing from their more traditional rock and roll sound.
Composition
This song is considered a precursor to the power-pop genre. It stood out for its distinctive, jangle-heavy guitar sound, and melancholic lyrics.
Song Theme
"Set Me Free" is known as one of pop music's first breakup songs, it's noted for its ahead-of-its-time subject matter about the end of a relationship and the desire for freedom.
Use in Media
The track frequently makes its appearance on '60s compilations and has been used in various film and TV soundtracks such as in the 2000 film "High Fidelity".
Live Performances
"Set Me Free", throughout various times in their existence as a band, found its place in the group’s live performances, showcasing the playfulness and inventiveness they had as a group.
Significant Cover Versions
The song has been covered by artists such as Samantha Fox in 1997. Her version peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the US.
The Kinks Line-up
The song was performed by the original lineup of The Kinks which included Ray Davies, Dave Davies, Mick Avory, and Pete Quaife.
Inspiring Future Bands
Ahead of its time in many ways, "Set Me Free" proved to be an influence on later power pop styles, inspiring bands like Cheap Trick and Big Star.
Record Label
"Set Me Free" was released through the record label Pye Records in the UK and Reprise Records in the US, where it found moderate success in chart performance.
Track Duration
"Set Me Free" is notably short, clocking in at just over two minutes, which was a characteristic of most pop singles of that era.
Evolution in Sound
Critics and fans consider "Set Me Free" a maturation in The Kinks’ songwriting when compared to their earlier hits like "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night".

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    Set Me Free

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #23


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