Two Sisters

The Kinks

About Two Sisters

"Two Sisters" is the third track from The Kinks' 1967 album, Something Else by the Kinks. The song was written by Ray Davies.


Year:
1967
2:01
105 

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Sylvilla looked into her mirror
Percilla looked into the washing machine
And the drudgery of being wed
She was so jealous of her sister
And her liberty, and her smart young friends
She was so jealous of her sister

Sylvilla looked into the wardrobe
Percilla looked into the frying pan
And the bacon and eggs
And the breakfast is served
She was so jealous of her sister
And her way of life, and her luxury flat
She was so jealous of her sister

She threw away her dirty dishes just to be free again
Her women's weekly magazines just to be free again
And put the children in the nursery just to be free again
Percilla saw her little children
And then decided she was better off
Than the wayward lass that her sister had been
No longer jealous of her sister
So she ran 'round the house with her curlers on
No longer jealous of her sister

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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 »

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Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Lyrics Commentary
"Two Sisters" tells a story in the form of a song: The song is known for its story-telling lyrics, it speaks of two sisters with different personalities and contrasting lifestyles - one is a glamorous but unhappy socialite while the other is a traditional and content homemaker.
Album Information
"Two Sisters" is part of the album "Something Else by The Kinks": This song is from their fifth studio album, which was released in 1967. The album signifies a distinct shift from the band's earlier rock and roll style to more lyric-centric and observational songwriting.
Song Presentation
Unique Instrumentation: A prominent feature of the song is the use of the harpsichord, which adds a unique flavor to the overall sound of the piece.
Songwriting Fact
"Two Sisters" was penned by Ray Davies: As with many songs by The Kinks, lead vocalist Ray Davies was the primary songwriter for "Two Sisters". Known for his capacity to write about detailed everyday life situations, Davies successfully draws a vivid picture of the lives of the two titular sisters in this song.
Critical Acclaim
High critical appreciation: The song, much like the rest of the album, is known for its high quality of lyricism and has earned The Kinks accolades from fans, critics, and other musicians alike.
Band History
"Two Sisters" is a representation of The Kinks’ Transition: The song, stylistically and lyrically, signifies the band’s emergence from an early beat group format into a more mature, complex and unique sound - a transition that would last throughout the rest of their career.
Song Theme
Female-centric Storyline: It’s interesting that this song focuses on the lives of two female characters, a rare occurrence in The Kinks’ discography as the band typically featured male-driven stories and perspectives in their songs.
Influence
"Two Sisters" Influencing Later Work: The album "Something Else" and the songs within it, including "Two Sisters", established the tone of The Kinks' subsequent releases. The band would go on to produce a series of highly acclaimed albums in a similar vein including "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" and "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)".
Public Reception
The song's universal appeal: Despite the niche society that the song portrays, "Two Sisters" has managed to resonate with audiences worldwide due to the relatable characters and their contrasting life choices.
Song Meaning
Commentary on societal expectations: The song can be seen as a commentary on societal expectations and standards of success, particularly for women, as the seemingly more successful sister is portrayed as less happy than her simple, content homemaker sister—a subtle but powerful critique of societal norms and expectations.
Song History
"Two Sisters" is a song by The Kinks, an influential British rock band.
Album Information
It was included in their fourth studio album "Something Else by The Kinks" released in 1967.
Song’s Theme
The song portrays a contrast of lifestyle choices between two sisters, one married with children and the other being a socialite. It sympathizes with the domesticated one, showing a recurring theme of The Kinks' preference for simpler values.
Songwriting Credits
Like most of The Kinks' songs, "Two Sisters" was written by the band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, Ray Davies.
Musical Style
The song is noted for its baroque pop style, a fusion of classical music and pop that was popular during the mid-to-late 1960s.
Contribution to British Invasion
"Two Sisters" is among the classic Kinks' songs that contributed to their significant role in the British invasion of the U.S. music scene during the 1960s.
Use in Films
While the song hasn't been widely used in popular media or films, The Kinks' music often has been, making the song a potential choice for filmmakers seeking an authentic 1960s British sound.
Sound and Instruments
Unique for its heavily reverberated piano and harpsichord, this song is an example of innovative use of musical instruments in rock music.
Contemporary Reviews
Described as a gem by some critics, the song exemplifies Ray Davies' storytelling and character-based songwriting that propelled The Kinks' success.
Cultural Impact
Though not as well known as singles like "Waterloo Sunset" or "Lola," "Two Sisters" has been recognized for its critique of high society life, contributing to the band's legacy of socially conscious music.

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