Sunny Afternoon

The Kinks

About Sunny Afternoon

"Sunny Afternoon" is a song by the Kinks, written by chief songwriter Ray Davies. The track later featured on the Face to Face album as well as being the title track for their 1967 compilation album. Like its contemporary "Taxman" by The Beatles, the song references the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British Labour government of Harold Wilson. Its strong music hall flavour and lyrical focus was part of a stylistic departure for the band (begun with 1965's "A Well Respected Man"), which had risen to fame in 1964–65 with a series of hard-driving, power-chord rock hits.  


Year:
1966
75 
#1

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The tax man's taken all my dough
And left me in my stately home
Lazing on a sunny afternoon
And I can't sail my yacht
He's taken everything I got
All I've got's this sunny afternoon

Save me, save me, save me from this squeeze
I gotta big fat mama trying to break me
And I love to live so pleasantly
Live this life of luxury
Lazing on a sunny afternoon
In the summertime
In the summertime
In the summertime

My girlfriend's run off with my car
And gone back to her ma and pa
Telling tails of drunkenness and cruelty
Now I'm sitting here
Sipping at my ice cold beer
Lazing on a sunny afternoon

Help me, help me, help me sail away
Well give me two good reasons why I oughta stay
'Cause I love to live so pleasantly
Live this life of luxury
Lazing on a sunny afternoon
In the summertime
In the summertime
In the summertime

Ah, save me, save me, save me from this squeeze
I gotta big fat mama trying to break me
And I love to live so pleasantly
Live this life of luxury
Lazing on a sunny afternoon
In the summertime
In the summertime
In the summertime
In the summertime
In the summertime

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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

Song Origin
"Sunny Afternoon" is a song by British rock band The Kinks, written by its member Ray Davies. It was first released as a single in 1966.
Album
It was included in the band's fourth studio album "Face to Face".
Chart Success
The song topped the UK Singles Chart and became the band's third and final number one hit in the UK. It also reached the top 10 in various other countries, including the United States.
Influence and Inspiration
Ray Davies credits the song's inspiration to the tax man, referring to when the British government imposed a supertax on the wealthy that affected the rock stars of the era.
Unique Sound
The song's distinctive sound features a droning Indian-style bass line, reflecting the influence of Indian music on British popular culture in the 1960s.
Production
It was recorded in the early part of 1966 around the same time as "Dedicated Follower of Fashion". The session took place at Pye Record Studios in London.
Genres
"Sunny Afternoon" was released during the period when The Kinks were expanding their musical style from British Invasion rock towards more complex, character-driven songs, fitting in more broadly with folk rock and Britpop genres.
Critics' Reception
The song continues to receive critical acclaim, with many praising the whimsical lyricism and musical composition.
Cultural Impact
"Sunny Afternoon" was a key part of The Kinks' and British rock's identity - it's whimsical, satirical and marks the first occasion in which Davies penned a hit with social commentary.
Cover Versions
The track has been covered by artists including Hugh Cornwell of Stranglers fame and British alternative rock band Stereophonics.

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    Sunny Afternoon

    6.2M
    51,653     1,097

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #14


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