You Really Got Me

The Kinks

About You Really Got Me

"You Really Got Me" is a song written by Ray Davies for English rock band the Kinks. The song, originally performed in a more blues-oriented style, was inspired by artists such as Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy. Two versions of the song were recorded, with the second performance being used for the final single. Although it was rumoured that future Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page had performed the song's guitar solo, the myth has since been proven false. "You Really Got Me" was built around power chords (perfect fifths and octaves) and heavily influenced later rock musicians, particularly in the genres of heavy metal and punk rock. Built around a guitar riff played by Dave Davies, the song's lyrics were described by Dave as "a love song for street kids.""You Really Got Me" was released on 4 August 1964 as the group's third single, and reached number one on the UK singles chart the next month, remaining for two weeks. The song became the group's breakthrough hit; it established them as one of the top British Invasion acts in the United States, reaching number seven there later in the year. "You Really Got Me" was later included on the Kinks' debut album, Kinks. American rock band Van Halen adapted the song for their 1978 self-titled debut album; it was released as their first single and peaked at 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. 


Year:
1980
3:35
102 
#1

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

Girl, you really got me goin'
You got me so I don't know what I'm doin' now
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 doin' 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 want to 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 doin' 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
Oh no

See, don't ever set me free
I always want to 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 doin' 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

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


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 © BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Origin and Composition
"You Really Got Me" was written by Ray Davies, the lead singer of the British rock band, The Kinks. - He composed the song on his mother's piano. - Ray's brother, Dave Davies, is credited with the iconic opening guitar riff that became a staple in rock and roll music.
Release and Reception
It was first released by The Kinks in August 1964 as their third single, and it became their breakthrough hit. - The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. - Rolling Stone magazine ranks "You Really Got Me" number 82 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Legacy and Influence
The song is considered one of the foundation stones of heavy metal and punk rock, largely due to the distorted guitar sound that characterizes the track. - It significantly influenced the development of hard rock and heavy metal music, with the guitar sound becoming a key element of these genres.
Cover by Van Halen
The American rock band Van Halen covered the song for their debut album in 1978. - Their version peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a concert staple for the band for many years.
Trivia
Dave Davies, the song's original guitarist, claims to have created the song's iconic distorted guitar sound using a razor blade to slash his amplifier's speaker cone. - Despite the song's monumental success, Ray Davies later expressed dissatisfaction with the final product, stating in his autobiography that he had initially envisioned the song as more of a jazz number. - "You Really Got Me" has been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including Robert Palmer, The Chipmunks, and Oingo Boingo.

Discuss the You Really Got Me Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "You Really Got Me Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18511616/The+Kinks/You+Really+Got+Me>.

    Missing lyrics by The Kinks?

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

    Watch the song video

    You Really Got Me

    21.6M
    236.5K     3,703

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1964

    Billboard #7


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Say It Right" is a song by which female pop artist?
    A Jessica Simpson
    B Mandy Moore
    C Nelly Furtado
    D Katherine Mcphee

    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!

    Don't miss The Kinks's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    The Kinks tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    You Really Got Me

    »