Lyrics for singles by The Kinks

Lola

I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry cola
C-O-L-A cola
She walked up to me and she asked me to dance
I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said Lola
L-O-L-A Lola

Well I'm not the world's most physical guy
But when she sqeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine
Oh my Lola
Well I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man
Oh my Lola

Well we drank champagne and danced all night
Under electric candlelight
She picked me up and sat me on her knee
And said "Little boy, won't you come home with me?"

Well I'm not the world's most passionate guy
But when I looked in her eyes well I almost fell
For my Lola

I pushed her away
I walked to the door
I fell to the floor
I got down on my knees
Then I looked at her and she at me

Well that's the way that I want it to stay
And I always want it to be that way
For my Lola
Girl will be boys and boys will be girls
It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world
Except for Lola

Well I'd left home just a week before
And I'd never ever kissed a woman before
But Lola smiled and took me by the hand
And said "Little boy, I'm gonna make you a man"

Well I'm not the world's most masculine man
But I know what I am
I'm glad I'm a man
And so is Lola

Come Dancing

They put a parking lot on a piece of land,
Right where the super market used to stand.
Before that, they put up a bowling alley,
On the site that used to be the local palais.
That's where the big bands used to come and play,
My sister went there on a Saturday.

Come dancing! All her boyfriends used to come and call,
Come dancing! It's only natural

Another Saturday, another date,
She would be ready but she'd always make him wait.
In the hallway in anticipation,
He didn't know the night would end up in frustration.
He'd end up blowing all his wages for the week,
All for a cuddle and a peck on the cheek.

Come dancing! Come on, Sister! Have yourself a ball!
Don't be afraid to come dancing! It's only natural

My sister should have come in at midnight,
And my mom would always sit up and wait.
It always ended up in a big row,
When my sister used to get home late.

Out in the moonlight, I could see them in the darkness,
Two sillohettes, saying goodnight by the garden gate.

The day they knocked down the palais,
My sister stood and cried.
The day they knocked down the palais,
My sister's childhood died.....(just died)

And now I'm grown up and playing in a band,
And there's a car lot where the palais used to stand.
My sister's married and she lives on an estate,
She's two grown daughters, now it's her turn to wait.
She lets them get away with things she never could,
But if I asked her, I wonder if she would......

Come dancing! Just like the palais on a Saturday,
Why not come dancing?  Where the big bands used to play

Celluloid Heroes

Everybody's a dreamer and everybody's a star
And everybody's in movies, it doesn't matter who you are
There are stars in every city
In every house and on every street
And if you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Their names are written in concrete

Don't tread on Greta Garbo as you walk down the Boulevard
She looks so weak and fragile that's why she tried to be so hard
But they turned her into a princess
And they sat her on a throne
But she turned her back on stardom
Because she wanted to be alone

[Refrain]
You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognize, some that you've hardly even heard of
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded, some who suffered in vain

Rudolph Valentino looks very much alive
And he looks up ladies' dresses as they sadly pass him by
Avoid stepping on Bela Lugosi 'cause he's liable to turn and bite
But stand close by Bette Davis because hers was such a lonely life

If you covered him with garbage George Sanders would still have style
And if you stamped on Mickey Rooney he would still turn round and smile
But please don't tread on dearest Marilyn 'cause she's not very tough
She should have been made of iron or steel but she was only made of flesh and blood

[Refrain]

Everybody's a dreamer and everybody's a star
And everybody's in show biz, it doesn't matter who you are
But those who are successful: be always on your guard
You see, Success walks hand in hand with failure down the Hollywood Boulevard

I wish my life was a non-stop Hollywood movie show
A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes
Because celluloid heroes never feel any pain
And celluloid heroes never really die

Father Christmas

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.
We'll 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 (?) 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
We'll 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
We'll beat you up if you don't hand it over
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
We'll beat you up if you don't hand it over
We want your bread, so don't make us annoyed

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

Woke up this morning, started to sneeze
I had a cigarette and a cup of tea
I looked in the mirror, what did I see
A nine stone weakling with knobbly knees
I did my knees bend press ups touch my toes
I had another sneeze and I blew my nose
I looked in the mirror at my pigeon chest
I had to put on my clothes because it made me depressed

Surely there must be a way
For me to change the shape I'm in
Dissatisfied with what I am
I want to be a better man

Superman Superman wish I could fly like Superman
Superman Superman I want to be like Superman
I want to be like Superman
Superman Superman wish I could fly like Superman

Woke up this morning, what did I see
A big black cloud hanging over me
I switched on the radio and nearly dropped dead
The news was so bad that I fell out of bed
There was a gas strike, oil strike, lorry strike, bread strike
Got to be a Superman to survive
Gas bills, rent bills, tax bills, phone bills
I'm such a wreck but I'm staying alive
Hey girl we've got to get out of this place
There's got to be something better than this
I need you, but I hate to see you this way
If I were Superman then I'd fly you away

I'd really like to change the world
And save it from the mess it's in
I'm too weak, I'm so thin
I'd like to fly but I can't even swim

Superman Superman I want to fly like Superman
Superman Superman wish I could fly like Superman
Superman Superman wish I could fly like Superman
Superman Superman I want to be like Superman
Superman Superman I want to fly like Superman

Destroyer

Met a girl called lola and I took her back to my place
feelin' guilty, feelin' scared, hidden cameras everywhere
STOP!
Hold on
Stay in control

Girl, I want you here with me
But I'm really not as cool as I'd like to be
'cause there's a red, under my bed
And there's a little yellow man in my head
And there's a true, blue, inside of me
That keeps stoppin' me, touchin' ya, watchin' ya, lovin' ya

Paranoia, need destroyer.
Paranoia, they destroy ya'

Well I fell asleep, then I woke feelin' kinda' queer
Lola looked at me and said ooh you look so weird
She said man, there's really something wrong with you
One day you're gonna' self-destruct
You're up, get down, I'll come work you out
You get a good thing goin' then you blow yourself out

Silly boy ya' self-destroyer.
Silly boy ya' self-destroyer

Silly boy you got so much to live for
So much to aim for, so much to try for
You blow it all with, paranoia
You're so insecure you, self-destroyer

(and it goes like this, here it goes) paranoia, they destroy ya
(here it goes again) paranoia, they destroy ya

Doctor, doctor, help her please I know you'll understand
there's a time device inside of me I'm a self-destructin' man
there's a red, under my bed
and there's a little green man in my head
and said you're not goin' crazy, you're just a bit sad
'cause there's a man in ya, knawin' ya, tearin' ya, in to to

silly boy ya' self-destroyer. paranoia, they destroy ya'

self-destroyer, wreck your health
destroy friends, destroy yourself
the time device of, self-destruction
lies, confusion, start eruption

(yea, it goes like this, here it goes) paranoia, they destroy ya
(here's to paranoia) paranoia, they destroy ya
(hey hey, here it goes) paranoia, they destroy ya
(and it goes like this)

paranoia, they destroy ya
(and it goes like this)

Do It Again

Standing in the middle of nowhere
Wondering how to begin
Lost between tomorrow and yesterday
Between now and then

And now we're back where we started
Here we go round again
Day after day I get up and I say
I better do it again

Where are all the people going
Round and round till we reach the end
One day leading to another
Get up go out do it again

Then it's back where you started
Here we go round again
Back where you started
Come on do it again

And you think today is going to be better
Change the world and do it again
Give it all up and start all over
You say you will but you don't know when

Then it's back where you started
Here we go round again
Day after day I get up and I say
Come on better do it again

The days go by and you wish you were a different guy
Different friends and a new set of clothes
You make alterations and [a fact in you knows]
A new house a new car a new job a new nose
But it's superficial and it's only skin deep
Cause the voices in your head keep shouting in your sleep
Get back, get back

Back where you started, here we go round again
Back where you started, come on do it again

Back where you started, here we go round again
Day after day I get up and I say, do it agaIIIIIIINNNNNN
Do it again
Day after day I get up and I say, do it again

Pressure

Pressure pressure I got pressure, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Pressure pressure I got pressure, oh yeah

I don't really want to give it to you
'Cos it's really contagious
You can pick it anywhere
And it can be quite dangerous
You can spread it mouth to mouth
You can even get it when you're alone
But I can always live with it
Whenever I am close to you

Pressure pressure I got pressure, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Pressure pressure I got pressure, oh yeah

I get it driving in my motor car
I get it when I'm drinking in a bar
I get it riding on the subway
I get it regular every day
And anyone who never had it yet
And doesn't know what I'm goin' through
But I forget the pressure
When I'm close to you

Altogether now - oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Pressure pressure I got pressure, oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
Pressure pressure feel the pressure

You've got the pressure and that's a fact
I can tell by the way you act
And I can tell that you're pressurised
By the look that's in your eyes
I know the pressure 'cos I've got it too
So I know what you're going through
But I forget the pressure
Whenever I am close to you

Low Budget

Cheap is small and not too steep
But best of all cheap is cheap
Circumstance has forced my hand
To be a cut price person in a low budget land
Times are hard but we'll all survive
I just got to learn to economize

I'm on a low low budget!
I'm on a low low budget!
I'm not cheap, you understand
I'm just a cut price person in a low budget land

Excuse my shoes they don't quite fit
They're a special offer and they hurt me a bit
Even my trousers are giving me pain
They were reduced in a sale so I shouldn't complain
They squeeze me so tight so I can't take no more
They're size 28 but I take 34

I'm on a low low budget!
What did you say
I'm on a low low budget!
I thought you say that
I'm on a low low budget!
I'm a cut price person in a low budget land

I'm shopping at Woolworth and low discount stores
I'm dropping my standards so that I can buy more
Low budget sure keeps me on my toes
I count every penny and I watch where it goes
We're all on our uppers we're all going skint
I used to smoke cigars but now I suck polo mints

I'm on a low low budget!
What did you say
Yeah I'm on a low low budget!
I thought you said that
I'm on a low low budget!
Low budget low budget

Art takes time, time is money
Money's scarce and that ain't funny
Millionaires are things of the past
We're in low budgetville where nothing can last
Money's rare there's none to be found
So don't think I'm tight if I don't buy a round

I'm on a low low budget!
What did you say
Yes I'm on a low low budget!
I thought you said that
I'm on a low low budget!
I'm a cut price person in a low budget land
I'm on a low low budget!
Say it again
Low budget
One more time
Low budget

Apeman

I think I'm sophisticated 'cause I'm living my life like a good homo sapiens
But all around me everybody's multiplying and they're walking round like flies man
So I'm no better than the animals sitting in the cages in the zoo man
Cause compared to the flowers and the birds and the trees
I am an apeman.

I think I'm so educated and I'm so civilized 'cause I'm a strict vegetarian
But with the over-population and inflation and starvation and the crazy politicians
I don't feel safe in this world no more,
I don't want to die in a nuclear war.
I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an apeman.

I'm an apeman, I'm an ape, apeman, oh I'm an apeman
I'm a King Kong man, I'm a voodo man, oh I'm an apeman
Cause compared to the sun that sits in the sky,
Compared to the clouds as they roll by,
Compared to the bugs and the spiders and flies I am an apeman.

In man's evolution he's created the city and the motor traffic rumble.
But give me half a chance and I'd be taking off my clothes and living in the jungle.
Cause the only time that I feel at ease
Is swinging up and down in the coconut trees.
Oh what a life of luxury to be like an apeman.

I'm an apeman, I'm an ape, apeman, oh I'm an apeman
I'm a King Kong man, I'm a voodo man, oh I'm an apeman
I look out the window but I can't see the sky,
The air pollution is a-fucking up my eyes,
I want to get out of this city alive and make like an apeman.

Oh come on and love me, be my apeman girl
And we'll be so happy in my apeman world.

I'm an apeman, I'm an ape, apeman, oh I'm an apeman
I'm a King Kong man, I'm a voodo man, oh I'm an apeman
I'll be your Tarzan, you'll be my Jane,
I'll keep you warm and you'll keep me sane,
We'll sit in the trees and eat bananas all day, just like an apeman.

I'm an apeman, I'm an ape, apeman, oh I'm an apeman
I'm a King Kong man, I'm a voodo man, oh I'm an apeman
I don't feel safe in this world no more,
I don't want to die in a nuclear war.
I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an apeman.

All Day & All of the Night

I'm not content to be with you in the morning
Girl I want to be with you all of the time all day and all of the night
The only time I feel alright is by your side

Girl I want to be with you all of the time
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night

I believe that you and me last forever
Oh yea all day and nighttime yours, leave me never
The only time I feel alright is by your side

Girl I want to be with you all of the time
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night

[Guitar]

I believe that you and me last forever
Oh yea all day and nighttime yours, leave me never
The only time I feel alright is by your side

Girl I want to be with you all of the time
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night

Attitude

You go down the pub
You wear make up
And old dads trousers
Why don't you tidy up
You talk like a docker but you act like a queer
You drink champagne then complain it's too dear
You try so hard not to follow any trends
Then you cry in your beer and say you've got no friends
But it's not the make up
Or the way you dress
It's not your appereance, thar they all detest
It's not your manners, that you gotta to improve
Ooooo - it's your attitude

chorus:
Attitude, oo oo oo
Your attitude
Attitude, oo oo oo
Your attitude

Take off your head phones
Hear what's going on
You can't live in a time zone
You've gotta move on
But before you get there
There's one thing you've gotta do
Oh change your attitude
It's your attitude
It's your attitude

[chorus]

It's all the music
It's all your brain
You've used all the old licks
Now it's all gotta change
Change your attitude
It's your attitude
Attitude

You Really Got Me

Girl, you really got me going, you got me so I don't know what I'm doing
Yea, you really got me now, you got me so I can't sleep at night
Yea, you really got me now, you got me so I don't know what I'm doing
Oh yea, 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 want to be by your side
See, don't ever set me free, I always want to be by your side

Catch Me Now I'm Falling

I remember when you were down
And you needed a helping hand
I came to feed you
But now that I need you
You won't give me a second glance
Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world
This is Captain America calling
I bailed you out when you were down on your knees
So will you catch me now I'm falling

Help me now I'm calling you
Catch me now I'm falling
i'm in your hands, it's up to you
Catch me now I'm falling

I remember when you were down
You would always come running to me
I never denied you and I would guide you
Through all of your difficulties
Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world
This is Captain America calling
I bailed you out when you were down on your knees
So will you catch me now I'm falling

Help me now I'm calling you
Catch me now I'm falling
i'm in your hands, it's up to you
Catch me now I'm falling

When you were broke you would come to me
And I always pull you round
Now I call your office on the telephone
And your secretary tells me that she's sorry
But you've gone out to town

This is Captain America calling
This is Captain America calling

Help me now I'm calling you
Catch me now I'm falling
i'm in your hands, it's up to you
Catch me now I'm falling

Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling

This is Captain America calling
This is Captain America calling

Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling

I was the one who always bailed you out
Of your depressions and your difficulties
I never thought that you would let me down
But the next time you've in trouble
Better not come to me

Now I'm calling all citizens from all over the world
This is Captain America calling
I bailed you out when you were down on your knees
So will you catch me now I'm falling

Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling
Catch me now I'm falling

Living on a Thin Line

All the stories we've been told of kings and days of old
But there's no England now (there's no England now)
All the wars that were won and lost
Somehow don't seem to matter very much anymore
All the lies we were told (all the lies we were told)
All the lives of the people running round and castles that burned
Now I see change but inside we're the same as we ever were

Living on a thin line oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line, living this way, each day's a dream
What am I, what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line, oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?

Now another century nearly gone (gone, gone)
What are we gonna leave for the young?
What we couldn't do, or what we wouldn't do, disappoint but does it matter?
Does it matter much, does it matter much to you?
Does it ever really matter? Yes, it really really matters!

Living on a thin line oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?

Then another leader says, break their hearts and break some heads
Is there nothing we can say or do?
Blame the future on the past, always lost in bloody guts
And when they're gone it's me and you

Living on a thin line oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line oooohh tell me now what are we supposed to do?
Living on a thin line oooohh

Don't Forget to Dance

You look out of your window,
Into the night.
Could be rain, could be snow,
But it can't feel as cold as you're feeling inside.

And all of you friends are either married, vanished,
Or just left alone.
But that's no reason to just stop living.
That's no excuse to just give in to a sad and lonely heart.

Don't forget to dance, no, no, no,
Don't forget to smile.
Don't forget to dance, no, no, no,
Forget it for a while.

'Cause darling, darling,
I bet you danced a good one in your time.
And if this were a party
I'd really make sure the next one would be mine.
Yes, you with the broken heart.

Don't forget to dance, no, no, no,
Don't forget to smile.
Don't forget to dance, no, no, no,
Forget it for a while.

Don't forget to dance, no, no, no,
Forget it for a while.

You walk down the street
And all the young punks whistle at you.
A nice bit of old,
Just goes to show what you can achieve
with the right attitude.
As you pass them by
They whisper their remarks one to another,
And you give them the eye
Even that you know that you could be their mother.
You do the thing you love the most.
What separates you from the rest,
And what you love to do the most?
And when they ask me how you dance,
I say that you dance real close.

Don't forget to dance, no, no, no,
Don't forget to dance.

State of Confusion