VIDEO | The Kinks – "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

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"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

Last updated 📅 2025-04-14

Unleash the raw power of The Kinks' groundbreaking 1964 hit, "You Really Got Me"! Driven by Dave Davies' legendary distorted power chord riff, this track revolutionized rock music. Its garage rock energy laid the foundation for both hard rock and proto-punk sounds.

Released as a single in 1964, "You Really Got Me" catapulted The Kinks to international stardom. This electrifying track, featuring Ray Davies' urgent vocals and that unforgettable fuzzy guitar tone (achieved by slashing an amplifier cone), became a defining anthem of the British Invasion and early hard rock.

Cited as a major influence by countless bands, this 1964 garage rock classic changed everything with its simple, heavy riff and raw energy. Considered a pivotal proto-punk and hard rock milestone, "You Really Got Me" remains one of the most important and influential rock songs ever recorded.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics express an overwhelming, almost disorienting infatuation with someone. The singer declares how intensely captivated they are ("Girl, you really got me goin' / You got me so I don't know what I'm doin'"), emphasizing the powerful, all-consuming effect the person has on them.

HASHTAGS: #TheKinks #GarageRock #HardRock #CruisinClassic #August04
BAND: The Kinks
GENRE: Garage Rock, Hard Rock, Proto-punk
OTHER: Cruisin Classic
RELEASEDAY: August 04
YEAR: 1964

Band

"The Kinks"

The Kinks, led by Ray and Dave Davies, were among the most influential bands of the British Invasion. Known for Ray Davies' sharp songwriting and Dave's groundbreaking guitar sounds, their music ranged from raw rock to poignant social commentary. Discover the diverse catalog of rock legends The Kinks.

Active primarily from 1963 until 1997, The Kinks showcased remarkable stylistic evolution throughout their long career. Their early period, around 1964, unleashed raw garage rock, proto-punk energy, and foundational hard rock riffs. By 1970, they explored rock, folk rock, and pop with nuanced character studies and social observations, producing enduring cruising classics. Later years, including around 1980 and 1982, saw The Kinks successfully adapt to new wave sounds and embrace straightforward pop rock, demonstrating their enduring relevance. The Kinks' ability to master diverse rock idioms was a key part of their legacy. Their iconic songbook includes tracks that defined different rock eras. An early, revolutionary hit built on a distorted power chord riff became a blueprint for hard rock and punk...

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