About the song
“You Really Got Me,” a groundbreaking hit by the English rock band The Kinks, catapulted them to fame and became a pivotal influence in the evolution of rock music. Written by the band’s frontman Ray Davies, the song emerged from humble beginnings to redefine the rock genre with its raw energy and innovative guitar work.
Initially conceived as a more jazz-oriented piece on piano, Ray Davies transformed “You Really Got Me” into a guitar-driven anthem after seeking input from his brother Dave Davies, the band’s lead guitarist. Inspired by blues artists like Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy, the song’s distinctive power chords and Dave’s iconic guitar solo revolutionized the rock landscape, laying the foundation for future heavy metal and punk rock sounds.
Released on August 4, 1964, by Pye Records in the UK and on September 2 by Reprise Records in the US, “You Really Got Me” quickly ascended to number one on the charts, solidifying The Kinks’ status as leading figures in the British Invasion. Its impact resonated globally, marking a significant shift in rock music’s sonic and lyrical approach.
The recording process for “You Really Got Me” was marked by innovation and determination. Despite initial resistance from their record label, the band pushed for a distinct sound that ultimately defined their identity. Dave Davies famously achieved the song’s signature distorted guitar sound by slashing his amplifier’s speaker cone with a razor blade, a technique that became legendary in rock music history.
The myth surrounding the guitar solo, often attributed to Jimmy Page but emphatically debunked by both Page and the band’s producer Shel Talmy, underscores the song’s enduring mystique and the fervor it ignited within the music community.
Beyond its commercial success, “You Really Got Me” remains a testament to The Kinks’ creative vision and rebellious spirit. Its influence continues to reverberate through generations of musicians, evidenced by numerous covers and tributes over the years. American rock band Van Halen notably revived the song in 1978, further cementing its status as a timeless classic.
In essence, “You Really Got Me” not only launched The Kinks into stardom but also left an indelible mark on rock music history, embodying the essence of youthful rebellion and musical innovation that defined the 1960s and beyond.
Video
Lyrics
Girl, you really got me goin’
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
See, don’t ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me, oh no
See, don’t ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
Oh yeah!