The Hard Way

The Kinks

About The Hard Way

"The Hard Way" is a song written by Ray Davies and first released by The Kinks on their 1975 album Schoolboys in Disgrace. It was also released on The Kinks live album One for the Road and on several greatest hits collections. The Knack covered the song on their 1980 album ... But the Little Girls Understand.


Year:
1975
2:35
86 
#1

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Boys like you were born to waste,
You never listen to a word I say
And if you think you're here to mess around,
You're making a big mistake,
Cause you're gonna find out the hard way,
You gonna find out the hard way.

No matter what I do or say,
You're much too dumb to educate.
One day life's going to turn around and slap you in the face,
Then you're gonna find out the hard way.
You'll take the hard way,
Gonna take the hard way.

Well, you'll do it your way and I'll do it my way,
And we'll see who's the one to survive.
You'll find that with no foundation
Or qualifications
There's no way that you can get by,
No, there's no way you can get by.

Why don't you take the easy way?
Why don't you co-operate?
Don't just sit there and vegetate.
Do you want to end up illiterate?
You think that life's a vacation
And you've no inclination
To dust away the cobwebs of your mind.
Now it's time for confrontation
And I'm tired of being patient,
So I've got to be cruel to be kind.

You've got to be cruel to be kind.
I'm wasting my vocation teaching you to write neat
When you're only fit to sweep the streets.
Your intellect is such
That it requires a killer's touch.

So I'm going to play it your way,
We'll take the hard way.
Going to take the hard way,
You can take the hard way.
Gonna take the hard way,
Gonna take the hard way.

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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: RAY DAVIES

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

MUSIC CLASSIFICATION
"The Hard Way" is often recognized as a classic rock song, aligning with The Kinks' well-known sound.
ALBUM INFORMATION
The song is featured on the highly-acclaimed studio album "Schoolboys in Disgrace" released in 1975.
SONGWRITER
"The Hard Way" was composed by Ray Davies, the lead vocalist of The Kinks and a highly acclaimed songwriter.
CONCEPT ALBUM
The album "Schoolboys in Disgrace" is a concept album. The song "The Hard Way" contributes to telling the story of a boy who learns life lessons the hard way.
REOCCURRING CHARACTER
The song continues the narrative of a recurring character present in other Kinks’ albums, typically referred to as ‘the naughty schoolboy.’
THEME
Lyrically, "The Hard Way" speaks about the harsh realities of life and how mistakes can lead to valuable lessons.
MUSICAL STYLE
As a track, "The Hard Way" exhibits the band's distinctive rock 'n' roll style with intricate guitar riffs and catchy melodies.
BACKING VOCALS
The Kinks' consistent backing vocalist, John Gosling, is featured in the song.
COVER VERSIONS
The song was covered by Fleshtones in 1981, showcasing its lasting influence in the rock music scene.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Despite not being a single, "The Hard Way" has received positive comments from critics, often highlighting its poignant lyrics and the band's distinctive sound.

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