The Kinks were a legendary British rock band formed in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in Muswell Hill, North London.
They are considered one of the most influential and iconic acts of the 1960s British Invasion, alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Known for their sharp lyrics, distinctive guitar riffs, and a blend of hard rock and British folk-pop, The Kinks created timeless hits such as “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” “Waterloo Sunset,” and “Sunny Afternoon.” Ray Davies’s songwriting often focused on English culture, working-class life, and sharp satire.
Their innovative sound, particularly their distinctive distorted guitar style, played a significant role in shaping the hard rock and punk genres.
Although the band officially disbanded in the 1990s, their legacy endures through their continued influence on modern rock artists and several Hall of Fame honors.
About the Song: “Come Dancing” by The Kinks
“Come Dancing” is a nostalgic hit by The Kinks, released in 1982 in the UK and 1983 in the US. Written by Ray Davies, it’s a tribute to his late sister and reflects on changing times and lost traditions.
Blending upbeat melodies with sentimental lyrics, the song marked a major comeback for the band, reaching No. 6 on the US charts and becoming one of their most memorable hits of the 80s.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | November 19, 1982 (UK); May 1983 (US) |
| Album | State of Confusion |
| Writer | Ray Davies |
| Producer | Ray Davies |
Come Dancing Lyrics by The Kinks
They put a parking lot on a piece of land
Where the supermarket 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
Why not come dancing?
It’s only natural
Another Saturday, another date
She would be ready but she’d always make them 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
That’s how they did it when I was just a kid
And when they said come dancing
My sister always did
My sister should have come in at midnight
And my mum would always sit up and wait
It always ended up in a big row
When my sister used to get home late
Out of my window I can see them in the moonlight
Two silhouettes 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
Part of my childhood died, just died
Now I’m grown up and playing in a band
And there’s a car park where the Palais used to stand
My sister’s married and she lives on an estate
Her daughters go out, now it’s her turn to wait
She knows they get away with things she never could
But if I asked her I wonder if she would
Come dancing
Come on, sister, have yourself a ball
Don’t be afraid to come dancing
It’s only natural
Come dancing
Just like the Palais on a Saturday
And all her friends will come dancing
Where the big bands used to play
Themes of “Come Dancing” – The Kinks
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Nostalgia
The song reflects on the joyful memories of growing up in a different era, especially the 1950s dance hall culture. -
Tribute to the singer’s sister
Ray Davies wrote the song in memory of his older sister, capturing her love for dancing and the innocence of youth. -
Changing times and lost traditions
It contrasts the vibrant past (dance halls, live music) with the modern reality (parking lots, routine life), symbolizing the evolution of culture and communities. -
Family and growing up
The lyrics illustrate how family roles evolve, from children watching their siblings go out to adults raising their own. -
Melancholy mixed with joy.
While the melody is upbeat, there’s an emotional layer of sadness tied to fading memories and the passage of time. -
Celebration of simple pleasures
At its heart, the song is a celebration of carefree fun, youth, and the magic of a Saturday night out dancing.
Similar Songs to “Come Dancing” by The Kinks
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“Penny Lane” – The Beatles
A cheerful, nostalgic look at childhood streets and small-town life, filled with vivid characters and imagery. -
“Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams
Reflects on youthful passion, first loves, and the music that defined an era—bittersweet and timeless. -
“Glory Days” – Bruce Springsteen
A rock anthem about reminiscing on the “good old days” with a mix of joy and regret. -
“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” – Billy Joel
Tells a story of old friends, young love, and how life changes over time—all set to shifting musical styles.
Behind the Scenes
Live Performance of Come Dancing
Awards & Recognitions for “Come Dancing” by The Kinks
| Award/Nomination | Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | Chart Peak (U.S.) | 1983 | #6 Position |
| UK Singles Chart | Chart Peak (UK) | 1983 | #12 Position |
| MTV Rotation | Heavy Rotation on MTV | 1983 | Achieved |
| Comeback Recognition | Major U.S. Comeback Hit | 1983 | Widely Noted |
| RIAA Certification | U.S. Gold (Single) | 1983 | Not Certified (but major airplay success) |
Similar Artists Like The Kinks
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The Beatles
Known for their evolving sound and British Invasion roots, they shared The Kinks’ talent for melody, wit, and cultural commentary. -
The Who
Another British rock giant, known for energetic guitar work and concept-driven songs. Like The Kinks, they captured themes of youth, rebellion, and identity. -
The Rolling Stones
Though bluesier in sound, they paralleled The Kinks in attitude and era-defining impact, especially in their early rock ’n’ roll years. -
The Zombies
A 60s British band with melodic pop-rock and introspective lyrics, often compared to The Kinks for their musical sensitivity and layered sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Come Dancing” About?
The song is a nostalgic tribute to Ray Davies’ older sister and the 1950s dance hall culture. It reflects the changing times, lost traditions, and the passage of time.
Who Wrote “Come Dancing”?
It was written by Ray Davies, the lead singer and main songwriter of The Kinks.
When was “Come Dancing” Released?
The song was released in the UK in November 1982 and in the US in May 1983.
Was “Come Dancing” a Hit?
Yes! It became one of The Kinks’ biggest hits, reaching #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on the UK Singles Chart.
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