The Kinks - Victoria (1969)

Formed in 1962 by brothers still in school, Ray and Dave Davies, this group was initially called the Ray Davies Quartet. Their classmate (and future star), Rod Stewart, was their lead singer for a very brief period of time in early ’62. The group went through more name changes (The Pete Quaife Band, The Bo-Weevils, The Ramrods, and The Ravens) before finally settling on their final name. They went on to release huge hit songs such as “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of The Night,” “Lola,” “Waterloo Sunset,” “Supersonic Rocket Ship,” and many, many more.

This song is the opening track on the group’s 1969 concept album, Arthur (or The Decline and Fall of the British Empire). The album told the story of a character named Arthur and his family, who leave London for a new life in Australia. The characters in the album were based on the Davies’ sister, Rose, and her husband, Arthur Anning.



The Kinks - Victoria (1969)

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Lyrics:

Long ago life was clean
Sex was bad; called obscene
And the rich were so mean
Stately homes for the Lords
Croquet lawns, village greens
Victoria was my queen

Victoria, Victoria
Victoria, Victoria

I was born, lucky me
In a land that I love
Though I’m poor, I am free
When I grow I shall fight
For this land I shall die
Let the sun never set

Victoria, Victoria
Victoria, Victoria

Victoria, Victoria
Victoria, Victoria

Land of hope and glory, uh
Land of my Victoria
Land of hope and glory, uh
Land of my Victoria
Victoria
Victoria

Victoria, Victoria
Victoria, Victoria

Canada to India
Australia to Cornwall
Singapore to Hong Kong
From the West to the East
From the rich to the poor
Victoria loved them all

Victoria, Victoria
Victoria, Victoria

Victoria, Victoria
Victoria