The Kinks and the Inside Joke Behind 'David Watts'

Today we explore The Kinks' 1967 hit "David Watts" and the inspiration (and inside joke) that inspired Ray Davies' lyrics from their album 'Something Else.' We'll explore the song's themes of envy and social hierarchy, it's suspected homoerotic undertones, and unpack The Kinks' influence on rock music.

Poetic Wax is a weekly music history video series and podcast were host Andy Fenstermaker digs into the record collection he started back in the 1990s to explore the stories hidden in their grooves.

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[anthonymcneil]

I remember reading that Dave said some of his friends thought Ray was singing "I wish I could be like David was" referring to him, and Dave corrected them, saying that Ray would never have been so complimentary towards him

[geraldtanderson]

The Kinks are deep. I bought the Kink Kronikles Album around 1974 and thought I had a pretty good selection of most of their material. Not even close! I just recently put together a CD of "B" sides. Even die hard Kinks fans haven't heard some of those songs. It would take a life time of listening to understand all of Ray Davies genius writing. My current favorite song by them is "Lazy Old Sun". Psych gem.

[nicolagianaroli]

I guess that the fact that the Kinks were forced to remain confined in good old England despite their phenomenal talent gave them an unusual perspective in looking at the fast pacing changes occurring in 60s and 70s

[lannydante]

I am a fan since 1964…20 new kinks songs coming soon

[anthonyclarke]

I went to school with (a) David Watts, he became head boy at Beaumont Leys school, Leicester UK.🤪

[LorenStClair-wt]

"Low" I have you at number one

[markb.]

I'm not sure modern folks have an equivalent. I know rhe whole "mods vs. rocker" thing didn't influence my musical choices back rhen. I thought it was probably a class war issue in Britain.

[Chris-zkx]

So, the evidence that this song is homoerotic is... none.

[muffinman]

what about gods children from percy a movie about sex change