Wonderboy

The Kinks

About Wonderboy

"Wonderboy" is a pop song, written by Ray Davies and recorded by the Kinks in 1968. "Wonderboy" stalled at number 36 in the UK charts, becoming the band's first single not to make the UK Top Twenty since their early covers. Despite this, it became a favourite of John Lennon of The Beatles, and, according to Ray Davies in his autobiography, X-Ray, "someone had seen John Lennon in a club and he kept on asking the disc jockey to play 'Wonder Boy' [sic] over and over again." Kinks guitarist Dave Davies praised the song, saying, "'Wonderboy' was a big one for us although it wasn't a hit. That was one song we really felt something for." However, bassist Peter Quaife's opinion towards the track was low, later stating that "[I] hated it ... it was horrible."It peaked at number six in The Netherlands. "Wonderboy" was also released as a single in the US but failed to chart. It was one of several US non-LP singles tracks that made its album debut on the US-only released compilation The Kink Kronikles. 


Year:
2015
2:50
#1

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La-la-la-la...
Wonder boy, life's just begun.
Turn your sorrow into wonder
Dream alone, don't sigh, don't groan
Life is only what you wonder.
Day is as light as your brightest dreams,
Night is as dark as you feel it ought to be.
Time is as fast as the slowest thing,
Life is only...

Wonder boy,
Wonder boy.
Everybody is looking for the sun.
People strain their eyes to see,
But i see you and you see me,
And ain't that wonder?

Wonder boy, some mother's son,
Life is full of work and plunder[?].
Easy go, life is not real,
Life is only what you conjure.

Wonder boy,
And the world is joy, every single day.
It's the real mccoy,
Wonder boy.
Everybody is looking for the sun.
People strain their eyes to see,
But i see you and you see me,
And ain't that wonder?

Wonder boy, some mother's son,
Turn your sorrow into wonder
Dream alone, go have your fun.
Life is only...
Life is only...
Life is only...

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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

Band Formation
The Kinks were formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1964, with the original members Ray Davies, Dave Davies, Mick Avory, and Pete Quaife. "Wonderboy" was released four years after their formation.
Song Release
"Wonderboy" was released in 1968 and is part of the Kinks' vast discography. Despite the band’s notable fame, this song did not have as substantial an impact as their other hits.
Chart Position
"Wonderboy" didn’t perform as well as expected on the charts, only reaching number 36 in the UK Singles Chart. This was the Kinks' first single that failed to enter the top twenty since their debut.
Style & Genre
The Kinks were known for their British rock genre, but "Wonderboy" displays a pop rock style, demonstrating the band's versatility.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Wonderboy" are perceived as a portrayal of innocence and childhood wonder. This contrasts some of the Kinks' other songs that depict social and political struggles.
Music Video
The Kinks also released a promotional video for "Wonderboy," which was quite an unusual move for bands of that era.
Live Performances
Despite its position on the UK charts, "Wonderboy" like many of the Kinks songs was popular in their live concert performances.
Album
"Wonderboy" does not feature on any of the Kinks’ original studio albums, which was also the case for many of their single releases in the late 1960s. However, it was included in several compilation albums.
B-side
The B-side of the "Wonderboy" single is “Polygoonies,” a track that further illustrates the Kinks' diverse stylistic range.
Band Influence
The Kinks, including songs like "Wonderboy," significantly influenced several later bands, including Oasis and Blur. Ray Davies's songwriting style has often been praised and imitated.

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