The Kinks – You Really Got Me (1964)

About the song

“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks is a groundbreaking rock song that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the 1960s and beyond. Written by Ray Davies, the band’s lead vocalist and chief songwriter, the song was released in August 1964. It appears on their debut album, simply titled “Kinks.”

The song’s raw, driving guitar riff, played by Dave Davies, Ray’s younger brother and the band’s lead guitarist, became one of the most iconic and influential riffs in rock history. “You Really Got Me” is often credited with pioneering the hard rock and heavy metal genres due to its aggressive sound and powerful, distorted guitar tone. This was achieved by Dave Davies slashing the speaker cone of his amplifier, creating a raw and gritty sound that had not been heard before in popular music.

“You Really Got Me” quickly ascended the charts, reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its success was a major breakthrough for The Kinks, establishing them as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion alongside The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.

The song’s energetic and rebellious spirit resonated with the youth of the time, capturing the excitement and turbulence of the 1960s. The lyrics, which express the intensity of infatuation and desire, are delivered with a raw and passionate edge by Ray Davies, perfectly complementing the song’s driving beat and explosive guitar work.

“You Really Got Me” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including a famous version by Van Halen, which further cemented the song’s status as a rock classic. Despite the many renditions, The Kinks’ original recording remains the definitive version, showcasing the band’s pioneering spirit and musical innovation.

The song’s influence extends far beyond its initial release, as it laid the groundwork for the development of rock music in the following decades. Its powerful simplicity and raw energy continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

For those who lived through the 1960s and for those discovering The Kinks for the first time, “You Really Got Me” stands as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their significant impact on the evolution of rock music. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or experiencing the song anew, “You Really Got Me” offers a thrilling glimpse into the vibrant and revolutionary spirit of one of rock’s most influential eras.

Video

Lyrics

Girl, you really got me going
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doing
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night

Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doing, now
Oh, yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me

See, don’t ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night

Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doing, now
Oh, yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
(Fuck off!) Oh, no!

See, don’t ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night

Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doing, now
Oh, yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me