Sitting in the Midday Sun

The Kinks

About Sitting in the Midday Sun

"Sitting in the Midday Sun" is a song by British rock band The Kinks, written by their frontman and main songwriter Ray Davies. It was recorded in June 1973 and released as a single in the US and UK the same year. Reviews were generally positive, but it failed to chart. "Sitting in the Midday Sun" was included on Preservation Act 1, released in November 1973. Act 1 peaked at number 177 on the US Billboard charts, but failed to make an impression on the UK charts.


Year:
2011
24 
#2

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I'm sitting by the side of a river 
Underneath the pale blue sky 
I've got no need to worry, I'm in no hurry 
I'm looking at the world go by. 

Just sitting in the midday sun, 
Just soaking up that currant bun, 
With no particular purpose or reason 
Sitting in the midday sun. 

Everybody say I'm lazy 
They all tell me get a job you slob, 
I'd rather be a hobo walking round with nothing 
Than a rich man scared of losing all he's got. 

So I'm just sitting in the midday sun 
Just soaking up that currant bun, 
Why should I have to give my reasons 
For sitting in the midday sun 

Oh look at all the ladies 
Looking their best in their summer dresses, 
Oh sitting in the sun. 
I've got no home, 
I've got no money 
But who needs a job when it's sunny. Wah Wah. 

I haven't got a steady occupation 
And I can't afford a telephone. 
I haven't got a stereo, radio or video 
A mortgage, overdraft, a bank loan. 

The only way that I can get my fun 
Is by sitting in the midday sun 
With no particular purpose or reason 
Sitting in the midday sun. 

Oh listen to the people, 
Say I'm a failure and I've got nothing, 
Ah but if they would only see 
I've got my pride, 
I've got no money, 
But who needs a job when it's sunny. Wah Wah. 

Everybody thinks I'm crazy, 
And everybody says I'm dumb, 
But when I see the people shouting at each other 
I'd rather be an out of work bum. 

So I'm just sitting in the midday sun 
Just soaking up that currant bun, 
With no particular purpose or reason 
Sitting in the midday sun.

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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 © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Inclusion
"Sitting in the Midday Sun" is a single from The Kinks' eleventh official studio album, "Preservation Act 1," released in 1973.
Songwriting Input
The song was written entirely by Ray Davies, lead vocalist and co-founder of The Kinks.
Popular Themes
The song includes themes of escaping the pressures of society and is thought to reflect Ray Davies' feelings of idleness and neutrality during the social and political upheaval of the 1970s.
Unique Style
The song stands out among The Kinks' discography for its distinctive soft, melodic, and soothing style, slightly deviating from the band's well-known rock sound.
Chart Performance
Despite the popularity of The Kinks, "Sitting in the Midday Sun" wasn't a major chart hit, peaking only at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart.
Album Concept
The song forms part of a concept album - "Preservation Act 1" focuses on Davies' observations of life's downtrodden and disenchanted, with the "Midday Sun" considered as a refuge from these harsh realities.
Artistic Direction
The song’s sound is an amalgamation of different musical influences, including folk, country, and early style pop music, exhibiting Davies' experimental approach.
Song Video
The song's video shows Ray Davies literally sitting in the midday sun while singing, emphasizing the song's carefree ethos.
Critical Reception
Critics weren't overwhelmingly positive around the time of the song’s release. Over time, however, "Sitting in the Midday Sun" began to receive praise for its evocative lyrics and unique composition style.
Cover Versions
There are limited cover versions of this song, indicating its unique style and thematic resonance with the band's identity, making it difficult to replicate.

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