It's weird, people keep posting this comment, almost like you're trying to spread the myth that The Kinks are unloved and banished to the margins of obscurity. I'm 44 and when I was growing up, in the 80's, I always got the impression they were right up there, mentioned in the same breath with The Beatles & The Stones. But hey, if you want to promote the notion that they were never huge, go for it, I guess.
Absolutely. I saw them in 1980 at CY Stephens in Ames, Iowa. At the time, I liked them, but had no idea. 40+ years later, and tons of concerts later, and still, whenever anyone asks what the best show I have ever seen was, I don't have to think twice.
Ray Davies is the only songwriter in rock-n-roll history who can go toe to toe with McCartney for 200 songs and still be standing; a truly LEGENDARY and Way under appreciated song-master. He is 'THE IMAGINARY MAN'!!! Here's a fun fact: McCartney is worth 1.2 billion and Ray, 2.65 million. Conclusion: Ray Davies is largely unknown by the masses. The bulk of his work has never been heard by a huge majority of classic rock lovers....... This needs to change. It's a classic unsung hero who sings story.
Brian Wilson is certainly in a league of his own and can go toe to toe with McCartney on some levels but... I think Ray Davies has had more highly creative phases, more variety of great pop and even more brilliant pop songs than Brian, while Brian has had some deservedly bigger hits. And all that said. It's also not a competition!
#1 AC/DC #2 Kinks My two favorite rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time, nobody even close for third place in my humble opinion.. I’ve been rocking and rolling to these guys since late 70s. Im the old guy driving down the road with my windows down, my music up and people Saying what the hell is that old man doing. I’m just thinking to myself, I’m listening to the best music ever.
I saw Ray solo at the Chicago Theatre in the 90s. It was a scorching summer day. Waiting in a fairly crowded lobby, having a beer before the show, a guy wearing a trench coat with the collar turned up and a fedora walked in with a dog on a leash. I thought WTF is this weirdo doing with a dog. How, why did they even let him in. As the guy approached me, we made eye contact. I recognized him. The guy was no weirdo, he was Ray Davies in cognito. He walked by everybody, unnoticed, right into the theatre. True story. The show was amazing. "Superman" was one of the songs he performed.
Imma get swole in the gym lifting weights listening to this song. I look at the clouds taking photos each day saying i wish I could be like Superman appreciating each cloud. Many people don’t realize another world is up there to appreciate the aesthetic when your head is in the clouds.
Ray did this tongue in cheek with the obvious disco parody and lyric replays (hey girl we gotta get out of this place, stayin alive). But he was a pro and turned the song into a hit. It was a big concert song as well.
This really got the Kinks going again. We wore out the 8-track on this one. WHAT IS AN 8 - TRACK? You had to be there. Hall-O-Fame all the way! "I'd really like to save the world, I'd like to fly, but I can't even swim."
hmm i never heard "you really got me" on the radio. actually they practically NEVER play kinks on the radio. neither on tv. only Lola once a year. :D cool video, love this song.
I agree they are so much more than they have been credited for. I am so glad they gave so much no matter how underrated they may have been. Maybe the underated made them so good flying just under the radar...made them more special to those who got em... and those of us who got em...we are blessed...thank you Ray and Dave!!!
I want the Kinks to reunite again and do a tour! I'm only 17 so I never had the chance to see them! Hope they do it again, they're not getting any younger.
Great tune that gets very little recognition. It came out right after the first Superman movie came out so the critics wrote it off as an attempt at trying to capitalize on the movie.
I was just in my boyfriend's car listening to the radio on our way home from a broadway show, and this song came on. I said "Wow, who is THIS?" He didn't know who it was. But when the song ended the deejay said who it was. I love this song!
Hey Ray Davies I was driving on a highway yesterday and a Guitarist was dancing back and forth over the bridge with his Guitar and God Superman I know put him there to guitar and dance as I was coming and drive under him. I was so thrilled to him do this on a bridge. Your guitarist dancing around with his guitar reminded me of this.
I was a wee little thing when we were at a neighbors bar mitzvah. The DJ played this song. I didn't win any prizes but as we were leaving he let me come pick something. Everyone thought I was going to pick a toy but this single on record was in the box. That's what I picked. Everyone was like are you sure? I was never son happy again. Love this band.
Kinks played at small awesome venue Concord pavilion in 1985 , Mt Diablo Right behind stage . I couldn't believe it when I heard they were coming , I got me a ticket and prayed they would play SUPERMAN And yep , they did. Thank you KINKS Legendary tour for All of us that attended , Thanks again Britt explosion Dudes .yep your definitely counted as is ....!!!
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 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 is 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 I'd really like to change the world 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 Wish I could be like Superman Superman, Superman I want to fly like Superman Superman, Superman I wish I could fly like Superman Superman, Superman Wish I could be like Superman Look in the paper, what do I see? Robbery, violence, insanity 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 we'd fly away Superman, Superman I want to be like Superman Superman, Superman Wish I could fly like Superman Superman, Superman I want to be like Superman Superman, Superman Wish I could fly like Superman Superman, Superman I want to be like Superman Superman, Superman Wish I could be like Superman Superman, Superman I want to be like Superman Superman, Superman Wish I could be like Superman Superman, Superman I want to be like Superman Superman, Superman Wanna fly like Superman
kinksboss1 Joe Ely--I didn't even remember the opening act but now that you mentioned his name, I recall he WAS the guy; the guys I went with described him as "Texas Springsteen with Cowboy boots"; The main thing that I recollect from the show was an off the cuff remark from Ray about Bill Graham needing to clean the carpet on the edge of the stage.
These guys are old school 60’s British Invasion rock artists, but the reinvented themselves for this unbelievable anthem, a disco staple, with plenty of the emerging punk attitude that The Kinks invented well before there was even that genre.
The heyday of the Kinks for me was mid 60's to early 70's, but I'd be remiss if I didn't admit they had quite a few hits in their career after Muswell Hillbillies
In the 70's the Kinks played SF Winterland show for almost 3 hours. So long that the crowd was worn out and half left. My group of friends stayed to the end amazing show.
![[Wish I Could Fly Like] Superman (US 12" Extended Mix)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yIimr0gVg-c/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Wish I Could Fly Like] Superman (US 12" Extended Mix)](/img/tr.png)
The Kinks are seriously underrated. They are without question one of the best rock and roll bands of all time.
It's weird, people keep posting this comment, almost like you're trying to spread the myth that The Kinks are unloved and banished to the margins of obscurity. I'm 44 and when I was growing up, in the 80's, I always got the impression they were right up there, mentioned in the same breath with The Beatles & The Stones. But hey, if you want to promote the notion that they were never huge, go for it, I guess.
@@TheRealValus best comment
As great as the Kinks are I still think they have been grossly underrated.
No kidding.
I agree 100%
Was just about to post something to that effect.
wow.....m is all I'm thinking, The Kinks ate sure underrated
Absolutely. I saw them in 1980 at CY Stephens in Ames, Iowa. At the time, I liked them, but had no idea. 40+ years later, and tons of concerts later, and still, whenever anyone asks what the best show I have ever seen was, I don't have to think twice.
I absolutely love them. This song is a great one.
Yes I agree love this song I remember in 1979, when I was 13😁
Relevant to the news today.
They're not like everybody else.
This song is STILL relevant-- even more so than when it was released
Rock on, Ray!!!
Been a loyal listener of the kinks since 1976! AC/DC & the kinks are my 1-2 punch
Ray Davies is the only songwriter in rock-n-roll history who can go toe to toe with McCartney for 200 songs and still be standing; a truly LEGENDARY and Way under appreciated song-master. He is 'THE IMAGINARY MAN'!!!
Here's a fun fact: McCartney is worth 1.2 billion and Ray, 2.65 million. Conclusion: Ray Davies is largely unknown by the masses. The bulk of his work has never been heard by a huge majority of classic rock lovers....... This needs to change. It's a classic unsung hero who sings story.
Daniel Bortz He’s no Paul but still a legend
Chrissie Hynde didn't think he was a legend. She married Jim Kerr right after she had Ray's daughter.
Ummm Brian Wilson?
Brian wilson is names as an inspiration by most of the other people everyone calls great...
Brian Wilson is certainly in a league of his own and can go toe to toe with McCartney on some levels but... I think Ray Davies has had more highly creative phases, more variety of great pop and even more brilliant pop songs than Brian, while Brian has had some deservedly bigger hits. And all that said. It's also not a competition!
best line (i'd like to fly but i can't even swim) makes me smile everytime i here this song
one of the most underated bands in music history. Ray Davis should be placed on a pedestal, a great enterainer and song writer.
Yet another hidden gem. Sounds 20 years ahead of its time. Never mind Sir Ray, arise King Ray!!!
I remember when this was played on the radio
I remember this very well
Just 1 of Rays masterpieces. Great guitar work by Dave.
#1 AC/DC
#2 Kinks
My two favorite rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time, nobody even close for third place in my humble opinion.. I’ve been rocking and rolling to these guys since late 70s. Im the old guy driving down the road with my windows down, my music up and people Saying what the hell is that old man doing. I’m just thinking to myself, I’m listening to the best music ever.
In 1980 my 2 year old son loved this song, I still play it for myself.
I saw Ray solo at the Chicago Theatre in the 90s. It was a scorching summer day.
Waiting in a fairly crowded lobby, having a beer before the show, a guy wearing a trench coat with the collar turned up and a fedora walked in with a dog on a leash.
I thought WTF is this weirdo doing with a dog. How, why did they even let him in. As the guy approached me, we made eye contact. I recognized him.
The guy was no weirdo, he was Ray Davies in cognito. He walked by everybody, unnoticed, right into the theatre. True story.
The show was amazing.
"Superman" was one of the songs he performed.
in my top 5 favorite songs of all time... the lyrics, the beat... superb!
+mewowcat Good choice.
I was a little kid , probably early 80s and I remember some saying:
The Kinks , yeah , like the Beatles but heavier 😂
The Kinks,a great group I remember in 1979, when I was 13.❣️
This song should have gotten more play on alternative radio stations... These guys are underrated and I blame it on us.
Yes, I remember it in 1979, when I was 13.have not heard it in along time ☺️
I love the driving rhythm and the guitar on this, it has a kind of ZZ Top feel.
It's the disco bass line
always loved this song !! The lyrics and beat is fantabulous!!😃❤
Imma get swole in the gym lifting weights listening to this song. I look at the clouds taking photos each day saying i wish I could be like Superman appreciating each cloud. Many people don’t realize another world is up there to appreciate the aesthetic when your head is in the clouds.
Killer tune!!!
the first time I heard this song was on a Northwest Airlines flight in 2003 on the in-flight audio system. I LOVED it then and I LOVE it now.
This is a great song and very underrated.
Its often on my playlists. The bass is what gets you.
So are the Kinks underrated. Stupid commercial radio plays the same old chosen pics as if that's all they've really ever done.
I agree.
Steven Leccese the Kinks rock!!!
How did I just find this song?! Brilliant!!
I remember listening to this song on a portable 8-track tape player, before everyone owned a Sony Walkman
Ray did this tongue in cheek with the obvious disco parody and lyric replays (hey girl we gotta get out of this place, stayin alive). But he was a pro and turned the song into a hit. It was a big concert song as well.
best song for me forever!!
This really got the Kinks going again.
We wore out the 8-track on this one.
WHAT IS AN 8 - TRACK?
You had to be there.
Hall-O-Fame all the way!
"I'd really like to save the world,
I'd like to fly, but I can't even swim."
Meanwhile I was typin in programs on my "trash 80" from the backs of cereal boxes for 2 hours to watch a dot go across the screen. 😂
Saw Ray do a solo show 15 yrs ago,met the man briefly. Nice guy,I wish the Kinks would tour.
this is one of the rock songs of all time its so dynamic its seems to stretch reality
hmm i never heard "you really got me" on the radio. actually they practically NEVER play kinks on the radio. neither on tv.
only Lola once a year. :D
cool video, love this song.
I know!!! So irritating! It's always the VH version.
Still kicking ass in 2019
Simply incredible
love this song. kinda strange seeing the 60s footage with the 70s song. the kinks were so great. criminally underrated band.
My brother sent me a tape about 90 minutes ( about 1980)of radio LKJ in New York this song was on it loved it still do
Long live the Kinks!!!!!!!!!
The bass is ridiculous!
I agree they are so much more than they have been credited for. I am so glad they gave so much no matter how underrated they may have been. Maybe the underated made them so good flying just under the radar...made them more special to those who got em... and those of us who got em...we are blessed...thank you Ray and Dave!!!
I bought this 45 when it first came out. Its still my favourite Kink's song. cheers TyT
I used to listen to this on my mother's 8 track player along with my little brother! Was my favorite, after Iron Man that is. Circa 1980?
I want the Kinks to reunite again and do a tour! I'm only 17 so I never had the chance to see them! Hope they do it again, they're not getting any younger.
Superman, great song, lyrics
Great tune that gets very little recognition. It came out right after the first Superman movie came out so the critics wrote it off as an attempt at trying to capitalize on the movie.
TOO, TOO EARLY ,THEM AND GOLDEN EARING SHOULD HAVE BEEN BORN 20 YEARS LATER
Critics both then and now know dick
How poetic. 40 to 50. Years this. Song we in trouble.
I was just in my boyfriend's car listening to the radio on our way home from a broadway show, and this song came on. I said "Wow, who is THIS?" He didn't know who it was. But when the song ended the deejay said who it was. I love this song!
I have the original 45 rpm. And thankfully it never became "lost" when I returned to California from my second tour in Germany.
Great
Tune
Hey Ray Davies I was driving on a highway yesterday and a Guitarist was dancing back and forth over the bridge with his Guitar and God Superman I know put him there to guitar and dance as I was coming and drive under him. I was so thrilled to him do this on a bridge. Your guitarist dancing around with his guitar reminded me of this.
Still an appropriate tune for today.
1:45 that little warble warble sound ❤
Great Song
Yes I agree 💯😊 I remember it in1979 when I was 13
@@lisaparsons4124 l was 5..., got some memory 😂
Excellent. TYVM!
A lot of times I’ve got Kinks tunes go through my mind! Thankfully I’ve come across your site! Thank you Very Much!
One of my favorite songs of all time!!! Still have my 45 but no record player to listen to it on
A nine stone weakling with knobbely knees.
Favorite Kinks song.
Congrats Sir Ray.
Great song and beat and very profound lyrics.
Yes I agree a great song and group I remember in 1979, when I was 13☺️
Kinks forever
I have Loved the Kinks every since I was 16yrs I'm now 63.5 Yrs Kept on Rock'n In the Free world!
I was a wee little thing when we were at a neighbors bar mitzvah. The DJ played this song. I didn't win any prizes but as we were leaving he let me come pick something. Everyone thought I was going to pick a toy but this single on record was in the box. That's what I picked. Everyone was like are you sure? I was never son happy again. Love this band.
love the kinks great band
This is the best video I’ve ever seen in my life
I love the kinks
I love this song.
I'm flying listening to this fucking timeless gem!!!!
Incredible Brilliance...listen also to "Apeman" by the Kinks...excellent song.
AWESOME VIDEO!!
Great video and song!
wow wow respect for the group! You really got me...
この曲…高校生の時にラジオではじめて聴いてめっちゃかっこいいと思ってたのでRUclipsで改めて聴けて本当に嬉しいです❣️アップありがとうございます♪感謝します❣️
Good Rock n Roll . It does truly rock.! Fuckin rock n roll!
Really great, synching the old footage with the song. Well done. :)
Hello Lisa
Kinks played at small awesome venue
Concord pavilion in 1985 , Mt Diablo
Right behind stage .
I couldn't believe it when I heard they were coming , I got me a ticket and prayed they would play SUPERMAN
And yep , they did.
Thank you KINKS
Legendary tour for
All of us that attended , Thanks again Britt explosion
Dudes .yep your definitely counted as is ....!!!
The Kinks poking their finger in the eye of disco…with this song.
doubt there will ever be anything like these guys again....they are still enjoyable after.....too long
Great music.
These guys ROCKED!
"Wish I could fly but, I can't even swim" !
Thanks man !
The live version is even better
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
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 is 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
I'd really like to change the world
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
Wish I could be like Superman
Superman, Superman
I want to fly like Superman
Superman, Superman
I wish I could fly like Superman
Superman, Superman
Wish I could be like Superman
Look in the paper, what do I see?
Robbery, violence, insanity
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 we'd fly away
Superman, Superman
I want to be like Superman
Superman, Superman
Wish I could fly like Superman
Superman, Superman
I want to be like Superman
Superman, Superman
Wish I could fly like Superman
Superman, Superman
I want to be like Superman
Superman, Superman
Wish I could be like Superman
Superman, Superman
I want to be like Superman
Superman, Superman
Wish I could be like Superman
Superman, Superman
I want to be like Superman
Superman, Superman
Wanna fly like Superman
Awsome oh man this tune takes me back.
bellydump1974 Berkley's Greek Theater 1981-the 'Give the People What they Want' Tour! My first concert EVAH!!
Nick Mitsialis I was there...Joe Ely opened up for them
kinksboss1
Joe Ely--I didn't even remember the opening act but now that you mentioned his name, I recall he WAS the guy; the guys I went with described him as "Texas Springsteen with Cowboy boots"; The main thing that I recollect from the show was an off the cuff remark from Ray about Bill Graham needing to clean the carpet on the edge of the stage.
I love this song, and the video mix is awesome! Thanks.
Nice job gravitas especially with Dave wiping away tears with the realization he/she? won't be able to change the world.
When this song came out I wore it out! Thanks for posting!
Love this song!
Fabulous song !!!!
More heart and soul than the Beatles, what I hear.
Still rockin to this in 2017
@pigknuckle1 The Kinks were underrated then (60's-70s')and are underrated now. Way ahead of their time, one of the greatest bands ever.
herd it on the way home love this song brings back great memories!!!
These guys are old school 60’s British Invasion rock artists, but the reinvented themselves for this unbelievable anthem, a disco staple, with plenty of the emerging punk attitude that The Kinks invented well before there was even that genre.
Where have I been. Love this.
The heyday of the Kinks for me was mid 60's to early 70's, but I'd be remiss if I didn't admit they had quite a few hits in their career after Muswell Hillbillies
Love this.
Great track Kinks, love YA x
I love their 60s style
Nice job putting vids 25 years apart (give or take) that were completely different tunes and pass it off as one song to vid. Kudos.
just discovered this song wow.
Great. Song.
It works the song is timeless....
In the 70's the Kinks played SF Winterland show for almost 3 hours. So long that the crowd was worn out and half left. My group of friends stayed to the end amazing show.
This song would have sounded perfect in the movie (and game) The Warriors. The Kinks have got to be one of my favorite bands ever.