Victoria

Ray Davies

About Victoria

"Victoria" is a song written by Ray Davies of the Kinks. It is the opening track on the band's 1969 concept album Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire). In Ray Davies' satirical style, the lyrics juxtapose the grim realities of life in Britain during the 19th century ("Sex was bad, and obscene/And the rich were so mean") with the paternalist aspirations of the British Empire in the Victorian age ("From the West to the East/From the rich to the poor/Victoria loved them all"), and expresses the simple adulation of queen and country by the downtrodden working class ("Though I am poor, I am free/When I grow I shall fight/For this land I shall die"). The production begins with a simple heavy rock electric blues guitar riff, carried through each verse and chorus, while the "Land of hope and gloria" bridge and raucous background vocals from Dave Davies build to an exultant climax of brass.  


Year:
1998
2:14
180 
#1

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Long ago life was clean
Sex was bad and obscene
And the rich were so mean
Stately homes for the Lords
Croquet lawns, village greens
Victoria was my queen
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
I was born, lucky me
In a land that I love
Though I am poor, I am free
When I grow I shall fight
For this land I shall die
Let her sun never set
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, toria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Canada to India
Australia to Cornwall
Singapore to Hong Kong
From the West to the East
From the rich to the poor
Victoria loved them all
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria

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Ray Davies

Raymond Douglas "Ray" Davies CBE ( /ˈdeɪvɨz/ DAY-viz; born 21 June 1944) is an English rock musician. He is best known as lead singer and songwriter for The Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave. He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theatre and television. more »

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Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
- "Victoria" is a song by the British rock band The Kinks, penned by their lead vocalist and chief songwriter, Ray Davies.
Album Presence
- The song is the opening track on their 1969 concept album "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)".
Historical Context
- "Victoria" is widely interpreted as both a satire and a nostalgic reflection on the Victorian era in Great Britain, touching upon England's past glory and wealth.
Chart Performance
- Despite being banned by the BBC as it seemed to be mocking the monarchy, "Victoria" still managed to reach number 33 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 in the UK Singles Chart.
Cover Versions
- "Victoria" has been covered by many artists throughout the years including the indie rock band The Fall and the pop punk group Green Day.
Musical Style
- The song exemplifies Davies's masterful storytelling through music, with rollicking guitar rifts, a catchy melody, and cleverly crafted lyrics.
Karaoke Release
- A karaoke version of "Victoria" was released on the album, "The Karaoke Channel - Sing Like Ray Davies of The Kinks" in 2016.
Song Interpretation
- Ray Davies’ lyrics with respect to "Victoria" use the metaphor of the monarch to symbolize Britain's lost status and decline following the end of the imperial Victorian era.
Grammy Hall of Fame
- Album "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020, signaling recognition towards all of its songs including "Victoria".
Live Performances
- Even after the official disbandment of The Kinks in 1996, Ray Davies often still performs “Victoria” in his solo shows, demonstrating its enduring popularity.

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