Well Respected Man
Well Respected Man

The Kinks - Well Respected Man Lyrics

Rock
Aug 1, 2013
577
Well Respected Man Music Video

Well Respected Man Lyrics

'Cause he gets up in the morning
And he goes to work at nine
And he comes back home at five-thirty
Gets the same train every time
'Cause his world is built 'round punctuality
It never fails

And he's oh, so good
And he's oh, so fine
And he's oh, so healthy
In his body and his mind
He's a well respected man about town
Doing the best things so conservatively

And his mother goes to meetings
While his father pulls the maid
And she stirs the tea with councilors
While discussing foreign trade
And she passes looks, as well as bills
At every suave young man

'Cause he's oh, so good
And he's oh, so fine
And he's oh, so healthy
In his body and his mind
He's a well respected man about town
Doing the best things so conservatively

And he likes his own backyard
And he likes his fags the best
'Cause he's better than the rest
And his own sweat smells the best
And he hopes to grab his father's loot
When pater passes on

'Cause he's oh, so good
And he's oh, so fine
And he's oh, so healthy
In his body and his mind
He's a well respected man about town
Doing the best things so conservatively

And he plays the stocks and shares
And he goes to the regatta
He adores the girl next door
'Cause he's dying to get at her
But his mother knows the best about
The matrimonial stakes

'Cause he's oh, so good
And he's oh, so fine
And he's oh, so healthy
In his body and his mind
He's a well respected man about town
Doing the best things so conservatively

Writer(s): Ray Davies
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BROADWAY MUSIC CORPORATION, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who wrote the song 'Well Respected Man'?

    'Well Respected Man' was written by Ray Davies, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of The Kinks.

  2. When was 'Well Respected Man' released?

    'Well Respected Man' was originally released in the United Kingdom on the EP Kwyet Kinks in September 1965. It was later released as a single in the US and Continental Europe.

  3. What inspired Ray Davies to write 'Well Respected Man'?

    Ray Davies was inspired to write 'Well Respected Man' after a negative experience at a luxury resort in Torquay, where he encountered wealthy upper-class guests who tried to coax him into playing golf with them. This encounter led him to satirize the British upper class through his songwriting.

  4. Did 'Well Respected Man' achieve commercial success?

    'Well Respected Man' achieved significant commercial success. In the UK, it reached number one on the EP charts through its release on Kwyet Kinks. In the US, it reached number 13 when released as a single by Reprise Records. The song also appeared on various live setlists and compilations.

  5. What is notable about Ray Davies's vocal style in 'Well Respected Man'?

    In 'Well Respected Man,' Ray Davies sings with a pronounced British accent, which was distinctive at a time when many bands sang in American accents. This choice underscored the song's satirical take on British upper-class life.

  6. How did critics respond to 'Well Respected Man'?

    'Well Respected Man' received positive reviews from critics for its lyrical wit and influence. Retrospective writers have praised it as one of The Kinks’ best and most influential songs, with some noting its enduring relevance even decades after its release.

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