(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

The Kinks

About (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

"(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman" is a song written by Ray Davies that was first released on the Kinks' 1979 album, Low Budget. The song, inspired by Superman: The Movie, employs a disco beat and lyrics that describe the singer's wish to be like the fictional character Superman. The song's disco style was created as a response to Arista Records founder Clive Davis's request for "a club-friendly record," despite Ray Davies' hatred of disco. The song was released as the lead single from Low Budget, becoming a moderate hit in North America. It has since appeared on numerous compilation and live albums. 


Year:
1989
5:59
324 
#4

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Woke up this morning, started to sneeze
I had a cigarette and a cup of tea
I looked in the mirror what did I see
A nine stone weakling with knobbly knees
I did my knees bend press ups touch my toes
I had another sneeze and I blew my nose
I looked in the mirror at my pigeon chest
I had to put on my clothes because it made me depressed
Surely there must be a way
For me to change the shape I'm in
Dissatisfied is what I am
I want to be a better man

Superman superman wish I could fly like superman
Superman superman I want to be like superman
I want to be like superman
Superman superman wish I could fly like superman

Woke up this morning, what did I see
A big black cloud hanging over me
I switched on the radio and nearly dropped dead
The news was so bad that I fell out of bed
There was a gas strike, oil strike, lorry strike, bread strike
Got to be a superman to survive
Gas bills, rent bills, tax bills, phone bills
I'm such a wreck but I'm staying alive

(Look in the paper, what do I see,
Robbery, violence, insanity.)

Hey girl we've got to get out of this place
There's got to be something better than this
I need you, but I hate to see you this way
If I were superman then we'd fly away
I'd really like to change the world
And save it from the mess it's in
I'm too weak, I'm so thin
I'd like to fly but I can't even swim

Superman superman I want to fly like superman
Superman superman wish I could fly like superman
Superman superman wish I could fly like superman
Superman superman I want to be like superman
Superman superman I want to fly like superman

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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 © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman" is a song from the genre of rock and dance music. It uses elements of disco and funk, representing a stylistic departure from The Kinks' traditional sound.
Album Information
This song was featured in the album "Low Budget" which was released in 1979. The album was The Kinks' 17th studio album.
Chart Performance
"(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman" managed to climb up to rank #41 on the USA Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, marking it as a hit single.
Music Video
A music video for the song was produced, which was one of the earliest attempts by the band to make a promotional video. The song's video included scenes of frontman Ray Davies dressed as Superman.
Pop Culture Relevance
The song has been referenced and used in various forms of media. For instance, it was covered by the American band Soundgarden and has appeared in movies such as "Superman Returns".
Band's Line-up
The band roster for this song included Ray Davies on vocals and guitar, Dave Davies on lead guitar, Mick Avory on drums, and Jim Rodford on bass guitar.
Song Themes
With lyrics like "I'd really like to change the world/And save it from the mess it's in," the song expounds upon themes of disillusionment, escapism, and a desire for societal change.
Live Performances
"(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman" became a staple of The Kinks' live performances during their late-70s and early-80s concerts.
Influence on Other Artists
The track's fusion of rock and disco was influential to many other bands of the time, displaying The Kinks' versatility and willingness to experiment with new music styles.
Name Origin
The song draws its name from the popular DC Comics superhero, Superman, and explores the fantasy of possessing similar superpowers to escape life's difficulties.

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    (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1979

    Billboard #41


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