The Kinks - Father Christmas (1977)

In 1965, The Kinks were touring Australia and New Zealand with Manfred Mann and The Honeycombs. At one particular show at The Capitol Theater in Cardiff, Wales on May 19th, Dave Davies was apparently upset about the way Mick Avory was drumming to “You Really Got Me.” In his anger, Davies decided to kick over Avory’s drum set in front of the audience. Now equally angry, Avory picked up his set’s high hat and clubbed Davies over the head, knocking him completely unconscious. Thinking he had just killed his bandmate, Avory fled the scene. Meanwhile, Davies was taken to the nearby hospital, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, and received sixteen stitches to his head. Later on, in an effort to avoid serious punishment, Avory told the local police that the entire event was part of a new act during their concerts in which the members had pre-planned to throw their instruments at one another. Needless to say, events like this led to The Kinks being banned from touring in the United States for four years, late 1965-1969, greatly reducing their exposure during the British Invasion.

As they consistently put out albums until the early ‘90s, it’s no wonder that The Kinks have a very large library of music. This song, coming out in time for the holidays, was first released as a single featuring the B-Side “Prince of the Punks.” It was written and produced by Ray Davies and released on the Arista label on November 25th, 1977.



The Kinks - Father Christmas (1977)

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Lyrics:

When I was small, I believed in Santa Claus
Though I knew it was my dad
And I would hang up my stocking at Christmas
Open my presents and I'd be glad

But the last time I played Father Christmas
I stood outside a department store
A gang of kids came over and mugged me
And knocked my reindeer to the floor

They said,
“Father Christmas, give us some money
Don't mess around with those silly toys
Well beat you up if you don't hand it over
We want your bread, so don't make us annoyed
Give all the toys to the little rich boys”

“Don't give my brother a Steve Austin outfit
Don't give my sister a cuddly toy
We don't want a jigsaw or Monopoly money
We only want the real McCoy”

“Father Christmas, give us some money
Well beat you up if you make us annoyed
Father Christmas, give us some money
Don't mess around with those silly toys”

“But give my daddy a job ‘cause he needs one
He’s got lots of mouths to feed
But if you’ve got one, I'll have a machine gun
So I can scare all the kids down the street”

“Father Christmas, give us some money
We got no time for your silly toys
Well beat you up if you don't hand it over
We want your bread, so don't make us annoyed
Give all the toys to the little rich boys”

Have yourself a merry, merry Christmas
Have yourself a good time
But remember the kids who got nothin’
While you're drinkin’ down your wine

“Father Christmas, give us some money
We got no time for your silly toys
Father Christmas, please hand it over
We’ll beat you up, so don’t make us annoyed”

“Father Christmas, give us some money
Don’t mess around with those silly toys
Well beat you up if you don't hand it over
We want your bread, so don't make us annoyed
Give all the toys to the little rich boys”

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