About the song
“Kicks,” a seminal song from the 1960s, penned by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, holds a unique place in the history of American rock music. Originally intended for the Animals but declined by Eric Burdon, it found its home with Paul Revere & the Raiders, who released it as a single in 1966. The track swiftly ascended to number one in Canada and reached an impressive number four spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as a chart-topping hit during a pivotal year for music.
Contextually, “Kicks” emerged amidst a cultural backdrop where themes of rebellion and experimentation were gaining prominence on American FM radio. It stood out as one of the earliest anti-drug anthems of its time, carrying a cautionary message about the perils of substance abuse—a theme that resonated even as the broader counterculture movement diverged towards pro-hippie sentiments and psychedelic exploration.
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil crafted “Kicks” as a heartfelt warning, addressing the seductive allure and dangers of drug use indirectly through its lyrics. The song’s narrative unfolds through a protagonist pleading with a friend about the destructive path of addiction, subtly cautioning about the slippery slope from soft to hard drugs. Yet, beneath the surface, it also touches upon deeper psychological introspection, suggesting that the ultimate challenge lies within oneself.
Musically, “Kicks” showcases influences from the British Invasion sound, with its distinctive lead guitar lines reminiscent of the Beatles and bass figures evoking the style popularized by the Byrds. The song’s arrangement features harmonies and instrumentation that blend R&B vocal stylings with organ and guitar, akin to contemporaneous acts like the Kinks and the Yardbirds. This amalgamation of styles contributed to its broad appeal and enduring resonance.
Upon its release, “Kicks” quickly gained traction on the charts, reflecting its immediate popularity among listeners. It not only became Paul Revere & the Raiders’ highest-charting U.S. hit at the time but also achieved significant international success, including a notable number one position on the Canadian Singles Chart and recognition in Sweden.
Over the decades, “Kicks” has continued to receive acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its enduring legacy is underscored by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, cementing its place in the annals of rock history as a poignant reflection of the 1960s zeitgeist. The song’s ability to blend social commentary with infectious musicality ensures its relevance and appeal remain undiminished, making “Kicks” a timeless emblem of its era.
Video
Lyrics
Girl, you thought you found the answer on that magic carpet ride last night
But when you wake up in the mornin’ the world still gets you uptight
Well, there’s nothin’ that you ain’t tried
To fill the emptiness inside
But when you come back down, girl
Still ain’t feelin’ right
Kicks just keep gettin’ harder to find
And all your kicks ain’t bringin’ you peace of mind
Before you find out it’s too late, girl
You better get straight
No, but not with kicks
You just need help, girl
Well you think you’re gonna find yourself a little piece of paradise
But it ain’t happened yet, so girl, you better think twice
Don’t you see no matter what you do
You’ll never run away from you
And if you keep on runnin’
You’ll have to pay the price
(And don’t it seem like)
Kicks just keep gettin’ harder to find
And all your kicks ain’t bringin’ you peace of mind
Before you find out it’s too late, girl
You better get straight
No, you don’t need kicks
To help you face the world each day
That road goes nowhere
I’m gonna help you find yourself another way
Kicks just keep gettin’ harder to find
(Oh, you don’t need kicks, girl)
And all your kicks ain’t bringin’ you peace of mind
(You just need help, girl)
Before you find out it’s too late, girl
You better get straight
Kicks just keep gettin’ harder to find
(Oh, you don’t need kicks, girl)
And all your kicks ain’t bringin’ you peace of mind
(Oh, You just need help, girl)
Before you find out it’s too late, girl
You better get straight