“A Well Respected Man,” released in 1965, is a satirical song by The Kinks that critiques the rigidity and hypocrisy of the British upper class. Written by Ray Davies, the song combines clever lyrics with a catchy melody to create a biting commentary on social status and conformity. As one of the band’s early hits, “A Well Respected Man” marked a shift from their raw rock ‘n’ roll roots to more sophisticated and introspective songwriting, establishing The Kinks as one of the most insightful and influential British bands of the 1960s.

About The Song

  • Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “A Well Respected Man” paint a vivid picture of a character who appears to live a perfect life according to societal standards, but whose outward respectability hides deeper contradictions and hypocrisy. Lines like “And he likes his own backyard, and he likes his fags the best, ‘cause he’s better than the rest” suggest a sense of smugness and self-satisfaction. The song’s ironic tone highlights the emptiness and superficiality of striving for social status and approval while failing to confront one’s own flaws and insincerities.
  • Songwriting Inspiration: Ray Davies wrote “A Well Respected Man” during a period of frustration with the British class system and the moral pretensions of the upper class. Influenced by his observations of the people around him and his own experiences of feeling like an outsider, Davies crafted a song that satirized the very notions of respectability and success. The song’s observational style and sharp wit became hallmarks of The Kinks’ music, setting them apart from other bands of the British Invasion.
  • Cultural Impact: “A Well Respected Man” resonated with audiences during a time of cultural and social change in Britain and the United States. Its critique of social norms and expectations struck a chord with listeners who were questioning traditional values and exploring new ways of thinking. The song became a defining track of the mid-1960s, reflecting the growing discontent with societal structures and the desire for more authenticity and individuality.
  • Musical Composition: Musically, “A Well Respected Man” diverged from The Kinks’ earlier rock sound, incorporating a more melodic and folk-influenced arrangement. The song’s steady rhythm, acoustic guitar riffs, and vocal harmonies create a refined and polished sound that complements its satirical lyrics. This musical evolution showcased Ray Davies’ growth as a songwriter and The Kinks’ willingness to explore new stylistic territories.
  • Song Legacy: “A Well Respected Man” remains one of The Kinks’ most enduring and popular songs. It has been covered by various artists and used in films, television shows, and commercials that seek to evoke a sense of irony or social critique. The song’s sharp social commentary and clever wordplay continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its place as a classic piece of satirical pop that speaks to the complexities of human behavior and societal expectations.

“A Well Respected Man” is more than just a song—it’s a sharp critique of societal norms and the pursuit of outward appearances at the expense of authenticity. Ray Davies’ keen observations and satirical lyrics, combined with The Kinks’ sophisticated musical arrangement, have made the song a timeless reflection on human behavior and the contradictions that lie beneath the surface of social respectability.

Video

Lyric

‘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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *