Destroyer

The Kinks

About Destroyer

"Destroyer" is a song by British rock band The Kinks, written by Ray Davies. It was released as a track on the group's nineteenth album, Give the People What They Want, in August 1981, and was the album's lead single in the US. It was not released as a single in the UK. The song features references to the band's earlier hits, including the riff from 1964's "All Day and All of the Night" and lyrics inspired by 1970's "Lola." Like other Kinks songs of the period, "Destroyer" features a heavier, rock-based sound. After being abandoned during the Low Budget sessions, the song was finally released on Give the People What They Want. 


Year:
1988
639 
#4

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Met a girl called Lola and I took her back to my place
Feelin' guilty, feelin' scared, hidden cameras everywhere
Stop! hold on. stay in control

Girl, I want, you here with me
But I'm really not as cool as I'd like to be
'Cause there's a red, under my bed
And there's a little yellow man in my head
And there's a true, blue, inside of me
That keeps stoppin' me, touchin' ya, watchin' ya, lovin' ya

Paranoia, need destroyer. Paranoia, they destroy ya'

Well I fell asleep, then I woke feelin' kinda' queer
Lola looked at me and said ooh you look so weird
She said man, there's really something wrong with you
One day you're gonna' self-destruct
You're up, get down, I'll come work you out
You get a good thing goin' then you blow yourself out

Silly boy ya' self-destroyer. Silly boy ya' self-destroyer

Silly boy you got so much to live for
So much to aim for, so much to try for
You blow it all with, paranoia
You're so insecure you, self-destroyer

(And it goes like this, here it goes) paranoia, they destroy ya
(Here it goes again) paranoia, they destroy ya

Dr. Dr. help her please I know you'll understand
There's a time device inside of me I'm a self-destructin' man
There's a red, under my bed
And there's a little green man in my head
And said you're not goin' crazy, you're just a bit sad
'Cause there's a man in ya, knawin' ya, tearin' ya, in to to

Silly boy ya' self-destroyer. paranoia, they destroy ya'

Self-destroyer, wreck your health
Destroy friends, destroy yourself
The time device of, self-destruction
Lies, confusion, start eruption

(Yea, it goes like this, here it goes) paranoia, they destroy ya
(Here's to paranoia) paranoia, they destroy ya
(Hey hey, here it goes) paranoia, they destroy ya
(And it goes like this)

Paranoia, they destroy ya (and it goes like this)

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


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 © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin
"Destroyer" is a song by British rock band The Kinks, written by lead vocalist and guitarist Ray Davies.
Release Year
The song was released in 1981 as part of the group's album "Give the People What They Want."
Inspirations
"Destroyer" includes lyrics that reference many of the band's previous songs, such as "Lola," "All Day and All of the Night," and "Catch Me Now I'm Falling."
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, marking it as a successful record for the Kinks in the United States.
Musical Style
It is notable for its hard-rocking style, contrasting somewhat with the Kinks' more typical direction of British-flavored pop and rock.
Conceptual Themes
The song's lyrics tell the story of a paranoid and schizophrenic man. The song revisits the character of Lola, last seen in the band's 1970 hit of the same name.
Notable Sequencing
Despite the song's popularity, "Destroyer" was not the opening track of "Give the People What They Want." It appeared as the sixth track on the album.
Legacy
Thanks to its chart success and relevance in the Kinks' discography, "Destroyer" often features in compilations and best-of lists of the Kinks' music.
Booster Single
Its release helped revitalize the Kinks' career in the United States, where they had struggled with declining album sales in the late 70s.
Music Video
A music video for "Destroyer" was filmed and released, further increasing its popularity. The video offers a visual clash of present-day performances and recollections of past events, expressing the song's sense of nostalgia.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, evidencing the enduring appeal of "Destroyer."

Discuss the Destroyer Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Destroyer Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/77830/The+Kinks/Destroyer>.

    Missing lyrics by The Kinks?

    Know any other songs by The Kinks? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Destroyer

    1.8M
    12,066     337

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

    Billboard #85


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    The song "Adore You" is performed by?
    A Billie Eilish
    B Harry Styles
    C Justin Bieber
    D Shawn Mendes

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Kinks tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Destroyer

    »