Celluloid Heroes

The Kinks

About Celluloid Heroes

"Celluloid Heroes" is a song performed by The Kinks and written by their lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Ray Davies. It debuted on their 1972 album Everybody's in Show-Biz. The song names several famous actors of 20th century film, and also mentions Los Angeles's Hollywood Boulevard, alluding to its Hollywood Walk of Fame. The actors mentioned are Greta Garbo, Rudolph Valentino, Bela Lugosi, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, George Sanders, and Mickey Rooney, although the verse mentioning the latter three is omitted in some recorded versions of the song (e. g. on One for the Road). 


Year:
1972
6:21
#1

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Everybody's a dreamer and everybody's a star
And everybody's in movies, it doesn't matter who you are
There are starts in every city
In every house and on every street
And if you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Their names are written in concrete

Don't step on Greta Garbo as you walk down the Boulevard
She looks so weak and fragile that's why she tried to be so hard
But they turned her into a princess
And they sat her on a throne
But she turned her back on stardom
Because she wanted to be alone

You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognize, some that you've hardly even heard of
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain

Rudolph Valentino looks very much alive
And he looks up ladies dresses as they sadly pass him by
Avoid stepping on Bela Lugosi
'Cause he's liable to turn and bite
But stand close by Bette Davis
Because hers was such a lonely life

If you covered him with garbage
George Sanders would still have style
And if you stamped on Mickey Rooney
He would still turn round and smile
But please don't tread on dearest Marilyn
'Cause she's not very tough
She should have been made of iron or steel
But she was only made of flesh and blood

You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognize, some that you've hardly even heard of
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain

Everybody's a dreamer and everybody's a star
And everybody's in show biz, it doesn't matter who you are
And those who are successful
Be always on your guard
Success walks hand in hand with failure
Along Hollywood Boulevard

I wish my life was non-stop Hollywood movie show
A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes
Because celluloid heroes never feel any pain
And celluloid heroes never really die

You can see all the stars as you walk along...
You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognize, some that you've hardly even heard of
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain

La la la la

Oh, celluloid heroes never feel any pain
Oh, celluloid heroes never really die
I wish my life was non-stop Hollywood movie show
A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes
Because celluloid heroes never feel any pain
And celluloid heroes never really die

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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 © Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Album Placement
"Celluloid Heroes" is not just any song from the band's album; it is the closing golden track of The Kinks' 1972 album "Everybody's in Show-Biz".
Song Duration
The track stands out as one of the band's longest, clocking in at around six and a half minutes.
Song Genre
Despite being performed by a rock band, “Celluloid Heroes” leans more toward the 'ballad' genre, distinguished by its slow tempo and narrative storytelling lyrics.
Origin of Name
'Celluloid' refers to a type of plastic that was primarily used in the creation of movie and photography film during the 19th and 20th centuries, which ties in to the track's theme of Hollywood and its actors.
Song Theme
The song is a beautiful tribute to Hollywood's past as it mentions several late stars including Bette Davis, Rudolph Valentino, and George Sanders.
Songwriter
The song was written by Ray Davies, the band's lead singer, and main songwriter.
Inspiration Source
"Celluloid Heroes" conveys Ray Davies' fascination with cinema and films. He's known for his continual references to the movie stars and Hollywood in his songs.
Personal Appeal
This song holds a special place in the hearts of many Kinks fans as it captures the band's unique style of deep thinking and emotional exploration.
Live Performances
"Celluloid Heroes" was often the closing number for The Kinks' live performances.
Recognition Status
Despite not being a chart-topping success, many consider "Celluloid Heroes" to be one of The Kinks' finest and most significant songs due its lyrical depth and melodious appeal.
Variations
There are two known live recordings of the song: one from 1979's "One for the Road" and another one from 1994's "To the Bone".
Cover Versions
Besides being popular with fans, the song “Celluloid Heroes” has been covered by other established artists, including Steve Earle and Yo La Tengo.
Reception
Despite being over 6 minutes long, which is generally considered lengthy for radio play, "Celluloid Heroes" received considerable airtime because of its lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
Unique Expression
This song is viewed as a shining example of Ray Davies' uncommon ability to express the melancholy and regret in fame and celebrity life.

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