“A Well Respected Man” is a classic song by the British rock band The Kinks, released in 1965 as a single and later included on their EP “Kwyet Kinks.” The song was written by the band’s frontman, Ray Davies, who is renowned for his sharp wit and keen observations of British society.
As one of The Kinks’ most enduring hits, “A Well Respected Man” captures the essence of the social climate in mid-1960s Britain. Ray Davies, the principal songwriter for The Kinks, was known for his ability to infuse storytelling with social commentary. “A Well Respected Man” is a prime example of this talent.
The song presents a satirical portrayal of a man who conforms to societal norms and expectations, striving to be respected and admired by his peers. The protagonist is depicted as someone who meticulously follows the conventions of his social class, from his clothing and mannerisms to his choice of leisure activities.
Davies wrote this song after the group’s 1965 tour of the United States. The tour did not go well, with infighting, fatigue and a conflict with the musician’s union that kept them from performing in the country for another four years. Davies recovered from the tour with a vacation at the English resort town of Torquay, Devon. There, a wealthy hotel guest recognized him and asked Ray to play a round of golf. Far from being flattered by the invitation, he took great offense. ‘I’m not going to be your caddy so you can say you played golf with a pop star’, Ray said to him.
The lyrics of “A Well Respected Man” critique the hypocrisy and shallowness inherent in the pursuit of social status. The protagonist is described as a man who outwardly appears successful and esteemed but is ultimately hollow and devoid of genuine happiness. Despite his efforts to conform and gain approval, he is trapped in a cycle of conformity and repression.
Personnel
- Ray Davies – lead vocal, acoustic guitar; twelve-string guitar (“Wait Till the Summer Comes Along”)
- Dave Davies – backing vocal, electric guitar; lead vocal (“Wait Till the Summer Comes Along”)
- Pete Quaife – bass guitar
- Mick Avory – drums
- Shel Talmy – producer
- Alan MacKenzie – engineer
The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo contrast sharply with its cynical lyrics, creating a compelling juxtaposition that highlights the underlying themes of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with societal norms. Musically, “A Well Respected Man” features The Kinks’ signature sound, characterized by jangly guitars, driving rhythms, and Ray Davies’ distinctive vocal delivery. In the context of the mid-1960s,
“A Well Respected Man” resonated with audiences who were questioning traditional values and societal expectations. The song tapped into the growing sense of disillusionment with the rigid class structure and materialism prevalent in British society at the time. It served as a critique of the superficiality of social status and the pressure to conform to arbitrary standards of respectability.
A Well Respected Man written by Ray Davies
'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
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Kwyet Kinks” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwyet_Kinks
- Wikipedia “A Well Respected Man” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Well_Respected_Man
- SongFacts “A Well Respected Man by The Kinks” https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-kinks/a-well-respected-man
- Discogs “The Kinks – A Well Respected Man” https://www.discogs.com/release/4673835-The-Kinks-A-Well-Respected-Man
- SongMeanings “A Well Respected Man – The Kinks” https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/42550/
