Holiday Romance

The Kinks

About Holiday Romance

"Holiday Romance" is a song by the British rock band the Kinks. The song, making an appearance on the band's 1975 album Soap Opera, was written by Ray Davies, the band's main songwriter.


Year:
1975
3:10
212 
#1

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I won a competition in a little column in my local paper
So I packed my bags and flew across the sea all on my local paper
Sailing to Hawaii in the U.S.A.
I'm just an English boy who won a holiday in Waikiki

I didn't realize it was commercialized when I unpacked my cases
Because a genuine Hawaii ukulele cost me thirty guineas 
And even when I'm swimming I have to pay
I'm just an English boy who won a holiday in Waikiki
Oh yeah, yeah

Across the coral sands I saw a hula hula dancer, looking pretty
I asked her where she came from and she said to me 
I come from New York City 
And my mother is Italian 
And my dad's a Greek
I'm just an English boy who won a holiday in Waikiki

It's a hooka hooka on the shiny briny on the way to Kona
And in a little shack they had a little sign that said Coca Cola
And even all the grass skirts were PVC
I'm just an English boy who won a holiday in Waikiki
Oh yeah, yeah

In Waikiki
In Waikiki

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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: RAY DAVIES

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Holiday Romance" is written by Ray Davies, who is a primary member of The Kinks and is well known for his poignant lyrics that often work as socio-political commentaries.
Album Appearance
It features in the band's concept album "Soap Opera," which was their thirteenth studio album, released in 1975.
Conceptual Storyline
The album "Soap Opera," including "Holiday Romance," tells a storyline of a rock star who switches places with an ordinary person, making the song a part of a more extensive narrative. This conceptual framework was a common approach for The Kinks during the 1970s.
Song Theme
The theme of "Holiday Romance" fits into the overall narrative of "Soap Opera" as it explores the complexities of relationships, specifically flings during holiday escapes and their eventual melancholic endings.
Musical style
This particular song encapsulates a typically 'Kinks' style of storytelling in song, continuing their foundational role in developing the narrative lyrical style within the rock genre. The lighthearted musical tone contrasts with the somber narrative, enhancing the ironic message of the song.
Live Performances
"Holiday Romance" was not regularly featured as part of the band's live performances and has thus become more of a deep-cut favorite amongst fans.
Critical Reception
It wasn't one of the band's best-received songs at the time of release but has since grown in esteem, often lauded for its candid, tongue-in-cheek take on fleeting romantic encounters.
Band Dynamics
This song and the entire "Soap Opera" album were created during a time of significant friction within the band, which ultimately led to the departure of founding band member Mick Avory.
Song Duration
"Holiday Romance" is 3 minutes and 12 seconds long, which is quite typical of pop and rock songs during that era.
Catalog Number
The "Soap Opera" album's catalog number is RCA Victor APL1-0575 (in the US), which helps collectors identify original pressings where "Holiday Romance" was initially released.

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