 Arthur (1969) [ larger cover art ] |
Share this song
Tweet this song
Wikipedia search
Musicbrainz DB;){kind=link}
Now that you've found your paradise
This is your kingdom to command
You can go outside and polish your car
Or sit by the fire in your shangri-la
Here's your reward for working so hard
Gone are the lavatories in the backyard
Gone are the days when you dreamed of that car
You just want to sit in your shangri-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
In your shangri-la
Sit back in your old rocking chair
You need not worry, you need not care
You can't go anywhere
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
The little man who gets the train
Got a mortgage hanging over his head
But he's too scared to complain
'Cause he's conditioned that way
Time goes by and he pays off his debts
Got a TV set and a radio
For seven shillings a week
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
And all the houses in the street have got a name
'Cause all the houses in the street, they look the same
Same chimney pots, same little cars, same window panes
The neighbours call to tell you things that you should know
They say their lines, they drink their tea, and then they go
They tell your business in another shangri-la
The gas bills and the water rates and payments on the car
Too scared to think about how insecure you are
Life ain't so happy in your little shangri-la
Shangri-la, shangri-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire
You've reached your top and you just can't get any higher
You're in your place and you know where you are
In your shangri-la
Sit back in your old rocking chair
You need not worry, you need not care
You can't go anywhere
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
Shangri-la
| ArseneFurst | Posted: Mar 31, 2013 - 10:35 This brought back memories.Used to own it on an LP.Saw the Kinks live many ,many years ago. Sadly, I also remember when one could rent a TV and a radio for seven shillings (35p) week, as mentioned in the lyrics. |
| MoonDweazel | Posted: Mar 31, 2013 - 09:37 See http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-kinks-mn0000100160/overview/main#discography for more info on their discography. |
| amprich (Oregon) | Posted: Mar 31, 2013 - 09:27 Sounds like something from their rather obscure "Preservation Act One" album...did they make a sequel? |
| jmkate (nearly under a stack of books) | Posted: Feb 27, 2013 - 22:30 This is fantastic. I have never heard this before, and am chair-dancing at this mildly sick time of the morning. |
| Bobert_ParkCity (San Jose, CA) | Posted: Jan 27, 2013 - 15:14 Gee, I thought a Waterloo Sunset was a shangri-la! |
| joelbb | Posted: Nov 25, 2012 - 22:02 ziakut wrote: Excellent segue from Bowie to Kinks with Davies singing in a similar style as Bowie in this particular track. Great.  But Davies and Kinks are sooooo much better. |
| robotbass (Boston Area) | Posted: Oct 25, 2012 - 13:39 kingart wrote: Never heard this before in my life. RP is radio paradise alright! Get some old Kinks albums. There are many treasures.... |
| kingart (Brooklyn NY) | Posted: Oct 25, 2012 - 13:32 Never heard this before in my life. RP is radio paradise alright! |
| martinc (Ottawa Canada) | Posted: Aug 23, 2012 - 13:09 Another treasure from 1969...Ray and Dave did a good job on closing of Olympics. Glad they were included. |
| spindrift (Philadelphia PA) | Posted: Aug 23, 2012 - 13:08 haresfur wrote: Yeah, isn't it great that it captures a time past, but is still relevant?   |
| ziakut (Unmoon) | Posted: Feb 15, 2012 - 16:22 Excellent segue from Bowie to Kinks with Davies singing in a similar style as Bowie in this particular track. Great.  |
| TerryS (Another SW) | Posted: Jan 14, 2012 - 21:57 Sit in your Shangri-la near Paradise. |
| terrapin52 (Terrapin Station, SC) | Posted: Nov 12, 2011 - 11:28 Amazing how 1969 England sounds like current-day America in this song. |
| allabout (Perth Western Australia) | Posted: Oct 11, 2011 - 22:06 Thank you Bill |
| RParadise (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) | Posted: Sep 10, 2011 - 10:14 sirdroseph wrote:  I agree with Excelsior. They were a fair to middlin band with a few good tunes, but mostly boring tripe IMO. Underrated? I think they are overrated to get as much praise and recognition as they do. This is one of their good songs though, I like it. Middlin'? Songs like Some Mother's Son, Australia and She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina are as brilliant lyrical attacks on war, dreams of emigrating to a better life and worship of the Royals as have ever been written. This entire album reached way beyond anything that was being written at the time. And for the rebellious youth of the late 60s and early 70s (who could listen to the lyrics of Lola in 1970 and not feel part of a subversive experience?), Ray Davies spoke to us loud and clear. For those of us who lived through the Kinks' era, they are neither overrated or underrated. We know exactly where they stand. |
| sirdroseph (Yes) | Posted: May 07, 2011 - 10:49 jvaljean wrote: I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! . I agree with Excelsior. They were a fair to middlin band with a few good tunes, but mostly boring tripe IMO. Underrated? I think they are overrated to get as much praise and recognition as they do.This is one of their good songs though, I like it. |
| Kittee (NC- Dreaming of the Mountains) | Posted: Apr 05, 2011 - 19:15 Kinks <3 |
| martinc (Ottawa Canada) | Posted: Mar 05, 2011 - 08:00 Another great piece of music from 1969. It was an amazing year! |
| Alexandria (Alexandria, VA) | Posted: Sep 28, 2010 - 17:55 Thanks for playing! One of my faves from the Kinks' "middle period." |
| haresfur | Posted: Aug 27, 2010 - 18:03 fredriley wrote: 7/- a week? Outside loos? Boy, is this dated, or what? Still, the suburban situation it describes is as real now as then, as anyone from a 'new town' (Milton Keynes, Stevenage, etc) would testify. Yeah, isn't it great that it captures a time past, but is still relevant? |
| helgigermany (Germany) | Posted: May 24, 2010 - 01:19 Very nice!! |
| peter_james_bond (The Burg) | Posted: Apr 22, 2010 - 07:59 It seems to me the Kinks don't get the kudos they deserve. When we think of the sixties what bands come to mind?....The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, The Byrds.... but The Kinks also produced a string of great records from the mid 60s to the early 70s. At least RP recognizes them.  |
| fredriley (Nottingham, UK) | Posted: Apr 22, 2010 - 07:51 7/- a week? Outside loos? Boy, is this dated, or what? Still, the suburban situation it describes is as real now as then, as anyone from a 'new town' (Milton Keynes, Stevenage, etc) would testify. |
| Hannio (Austin, TX) | Posted: Apr 22, 2010 - 07:51 holborne wrote: Jesus, people are still paying attention to Excelsior? Unreal. STOP REPLYING TO HIM. (I think he just reincarnated under the name "fluffybum," btw.) Let me try to make this clear: Excelsior, or fluffybum, or whatever the fuck he's now calling himself, is a troll. Period. The more you respond, the more he loves it, and the more he posts. The way to get rid of trolls is really simple: ignore them. That's it. Nothing more than that. It's 2009 — haven't people learned how to deal with internet trolls by now? Christ. I'm beginning to think maybe you're a troll. |
| ick (S.E. La Jolla) | Posted: Dec 17, 2009 - 07:50 Very, very, very nice. The Kinks rule! |
| Verpeiler (Düsseldorf, Germany) | Posted: Dec 17, 2009 - 07:48 You know, every now and then I hear a really crappy song on RP and when I check the playlist it´s mostly the Kinks. |
| DaveInVA (In a crumbling Queen Anne mansion in Damnville, VA) | Posted: Dec 17, 2009 - 07:45 One of my favorite Kinks tunes... |
| h_in_bristol (over there ^) | Posted: Oct 15, 2009 - 10:58 Love it |
| lily34 (lexvegas) | Posted: Oct 15, 2009 - 10:57 LOVE |
| suebee3 | Posted: Oct 15, 2009 - 10:57 technical difficulties? Or did someone sneek up on Bill, grab the back of his chair and spin him around? |
| fuh2 (salmon land) | Posted: Apr 24, 2009 - 19:58 Radio ShangriLa |
| sharkartist | Posted: Apr 08, 2009 - 15:36 Ray Davies will always be a hero of mine. I love this song and every bit of Arthur! |
| RadioDoc (Chicagoland) | Posted: Feb 20, 2009 - 18:08 Uh oh. I think holborne needs a hug and maybe a cookie. As for me, I'll just sit and be content with my 10 rating for this tune. It is a milestone of the genre. |
| Nicman612 (Stamford, CT) | Posted: Feb 20, 2009 - 18:05 I wasn't so sure of the previous cover of Waterloo Sunset by Bowie, but this is redemption. Wet my palet on the real thing. Thnx! |
| holborne (New York) | Posted: Feb 04, 2009 - 13:47 Jesus, people are still paying attention to Excelsior? Unreal. STOP REPLYING TO HIM. (I think he just reincarnated under the name "fluffybum," btw.) Let me try to make this clear: Excelsior, or fluffybum, or whatever the fuck he's now calling himself, is a troll. Period. The more you respond, the more he loves it, and the more he posts. The way to get rid of trolls is really simple: ignore them. That's it. Nothing more than that. It's 2009 — haven't people learned how to deal with internet trolls by now? Christ. |
| Thistle (Peg City) | Posted: Feb 04, 2009 - 13:28 AWESOME. So ahead of their time. |
| terriertribe (gone to ground) | Posted: Feb 04, 2009 - 13:24 jvaljean wrote: I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! . Amen! |
| jvaljean (NYC) | Posted: Dec 14, 2008 - 20:01 Excelsior wrote: Dear God, these guys suck. I've read this comment and others you've written about The Kinks, who were probably the most under-rated, yet most influential British rock bands in history. Their lyrics were years ahead of the times, and remain relevant today Perhaps you don't listen to lyrics, or you're too young to understand, or you don't like the music, I don't know where your ignorance comes from. I've met 15 year old sons and daughters of friends who get it. The Kinks are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & U.K. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for nothing, nor is Ray Davies in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame for sucking, Excelsior. Dave Davies invented the guitar sound copied by many, beginning back with "You Really Got Me," and "All Day And All of the Night." "Shangri-la" is one of their best songs, from the album "Arthur,"(for short), which has been cited by many as being the first rock opera, even preceding The Beatles Sgt. Peppers, and The Who's Tommy. I get a chuckle reading your comments. Just saw Ray Davies at The Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC on 12/12, and he remains one of the great showmen, and continues to put out relevant solo albums, which your probable Attention Deficit Disorder would limit your comprehension of. God Save The Kinks! . |
| Hannio (Austin, TX) | Posted: Dec 03, 2008 - 08:17 tiggers wrote: Hard to accept that this little island has led the world of popular music for nearly 50 years ain't it?  I think I put it down to us not wasting our time with the likes of country music  The leader in pop, agreed. But who do the Beatles, Stones, Who, Kinks, Yardbirds, Elton John, etc., etc. list as their inspiration? Elvis, Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters, James Brown, The Staples Singers, T-Bone Walker, Chuck Berry, Bo-Diddley, Fats Domino...etc., etc., etc..... You got it dead right about CM. |
| jagdriver (Tunin' in from the aptly-named Grass Valley, CA) | Posted: Dec 03, 2008 - 08:15 My favorite Kinks album. |
| modest_mouse (Nuremberg, Germany) | Posted: Dec 03, 2008 - 08:11 velvetglove wrote: That makes two of us. I guess, it makes not only three of us... |
| velvetglove (Savage, MD) | Posted: Dec 03, 2008 - 08:08 bachbeet wrote: I'm surprised at the low rating for this. The whole album offers great social commentary as the Kinks did quite often. That makes two of us. |
| sharkartist | Posted: Nov 01, 2008 - 21:17 Excelsior wrote: Dear God, these guys suck. Pfffft. you suck. |
| Excelsior | Posted: Aug 30, 2008 - 19:24 Dear God, these guys suck. |
| tonypf (Honolulu) | Posted: Aug 30, 2008 - 17:02 Up until roughly '72, I thought Ray might just take his place w/ Pete, the Stones and the Beats. I suppose that didn't happen, but what a run he had for that period! |
| bachbeet | Posted: Aug 30, 2008 - 16:59 I'm surprised at the low rating for this. The whole album offers great social commentary as the Kinks did quite often. |
| toterola (Somewhere between Shipping and Receiving) | Posted: Jun 28, 2008 - 12:17 The Kinks get my vote for "Most Underrated, Over-influential Band of All Time".  |
| sharkartist | Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 14:21 God bless Ray Davies |
| jude_the_obscure (Yorkshire) | Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 13:58 Davies captured the insipidness of English suburbia in the second half of the century quite rightly in this dity. This culture is what the Punks rebelled against. |
| colt4x5 (east of eden) | Posted: Apr 26, 2008 - 13:56 miahfost wrote: The Kinks stinks.
well, we can't all be abba, can we. |