A fantastic guy called Roger Evans passed away recently who married his childhood sweetheart , this song was played at his funeral , you could have heard a pin drop , and their wasnt a dry face in the chuch. So sad & such a beautiful song. Rest in peace Roger.Ray Davies u r a ( Legend )..
My beautiful partner Janet died 2 weeks ago suddenly in front of me and our 3 year old daughter. I played this for her in the crematorium. Without doubt the most beautiful and poignant song I could think of to say goodbye to her. A truly great and beautiful song for a truly great and beautiful person xxx
I had a vocalist sing this at my husband's memorial mass in 2006. Unfortunately family feuds screwed it all up. That was truly truly a tragic experience but typical of his dysfunctional family...😪🙏💥
This has always been one of my favorite songs, and because so often covered by other people, I had no idea he had written this song, until i read his 'X-RAY the Unauthorized Autobiography'. Thank you Ray Davies for your simple genius.
She sang the song with pretty justice, a lovely voice. But there is something beautifully authentic about these two old brothers singing their old song.
so melancholic,..........my favourite kinks song anyway, and i reckon everybody had a experience with someone and this song was absolutely fitting with those feelings............days...............always passing by into eternity................
The world must to recognize now to Ray Davies, I am afraid that only after that his death the world will recongnize him and will know in all the planet the monster of composer that he is, will be a shame like Mozart or Van Gogh that only after the death were really recognized.
😊❤ I was just thinking within the last couple of days that those in the music industry don't know how they have affected our lives while they are still living. I wrote and delivered my dad's eulogy. Aftereards, my mom's brother approached me to ask that I write his eulogy as well. In the weeks that followed, I wanted my uncle to know what I thought about him BEFORE he died. Why should I wait to tell other people what a wonderful man he was. I wanted him to know how his life affected mine for the better, teaching life lessons along the way. RIP Herb. ❤
Hey Ray, this masterful rendition yet again hits deep - Emotional and profound, I just want to say another thanx for another deep hitting emotional vendering of this Davis classic - Many Thanx.
This is my all time favorite Kinks song!! and also one of my favorite all time favorites!! Absolutely beautiful!! Can someone tell me - where and when was this performed. Thanks for the post.
@piroschka6 yes, i had a beautiful girlfriend in those times, and did not know it -till she had gone-my fault -but we had some great times-these lyrics cover a multitude of life experiences-quite brilliant in its sadness but beauty. I think you could say "better to have loved, than to never have loved" -thats the only way I can describe this awesome track in my own experience of life -thx so much Ray and the Kinks
@krankiekat Frankie Frank, Joey Coffee here! I was going to write something along your lines, but instead I will just pay both you & Ray props! God Bless The Kinks! Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry The rest of Rays 2010 tour back in the USA was canceled yesterday! Feel Better Raymond! Joe
I'm watching The Kinks in Concert 1973 BBC right now. Village Green Preservation Society is the last song and its just too beautiful, it's just too much to take! Ray is one of the greatest songwriters of our age without a doubt.
@wowjef The melody line goes great with this song, not sure how else it should go. It's just a slow very emotional song. especially if you lost someone recently when hearing it. It's sad but offers hope and strength and shows you can carry on.
Agreed. An exquisite prayer, as lovely as anything in the King James Bible or the Book Of Common Prayer. Who said the movers and shakers of the 60's weren't religious?
That's not correct. Pete Quaife quit the band months after this song was recorded and released. As a matter of fact, when the band was recording this, Pete was forced to stay in the studio even when his work was done and he was aggravated and was caught writing "daze" on the tape box for the song and Ray got angry with him.
I Saw The Kinks on their last tour in Atlanta Georgia they were playing at the Roxy Theater a little dive in front of about 1,00£ people and it was really sad because Ray and Dave literally were fighting on stage. It was so pathetic to watch them, they looked like a bar band. A pathetic way to end after all the great music..
@pancdca Yeah, appreciate what you say man - one of my old friends died 2 days ago of lung cancer (smoker). There are so many good Kinks tunes. I 'm learning how to belt out on my guitar Dead End Street and Where Have all the Good Times Gone.
@MrCCRFan Ray's body of work far exceeds John's. Plus, Ray's was on the whole much deeper and had more passion. IF Ray should be compared to anyone it should be John Mellencamp. In my humblest of opinions.
Ray wrote this song as a tribute to bassist Peter Quaif when he quit the group back then. He regretted the breakup of the original lineup and Pete's contributions.
I am a great Kinks fan but this is one song of theirs I do not like. I don't hate it - I just think its melody line is bland, even though the words in this song are obviously what fans concentrate on.
This song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Ray Davies is a master songwriter.
This song is lyrical, philosopical, spiritual and genial.
One of my favorite songs ever.
Dave showing restraint on his backing vocal. Beautiful.
Great song from England's finest.
I dedicate this to my beautiful Pepsi. Closed her eyes and went to sleep after 16yrs with me. 30/07/12. Night night princess. I love you.
A fantastic guy called Roger Evans passed away recently who married his childhood sweetheart , this song was played at his funeral , you could have heard a pin drop , and their wasnt a dry face in the chuch. So sad & such a beautiful song. Rest in peace Roger.Ray Davies u r a ( Legend )..
My beautiful partner Janet died 2 weeks ago suddenly in front of me and our 3 year old daughter. I played this for her in the crematorium. Without doubt the most beautiful and poignant song I could think of to say goodbye to her. A truly great and beautiful song for a truly great and beautiful person xxx
I had a vocalist sing this at my husband's memorial mass in 2006. Unfortunately family feuds screwed it all up. That was truly truly a tragic experience but typical of his dysfunctional family...😪🙏💥
Bless you and Janet!
Fellow widower and longtime Kinks fan. Yep, this song speaks in a whole different way to us. Best wishes, brother.
Sensacionales...Kinks
I'm so sorry... 🫂🫂
one of the best songs and memories of my teenage years.
Bless Ray Davies and the Kinks
I miss the Kinks such wonderful songs 😢 really love to see one more tour! 😊
Superb song writer.
Gorgeous song that doesn't fully blossom until Dave joins his big brother with perfect high harmonies -- PERFECTION!❤️
Yes, this is a wonderful performance and Dave's harmonies were perfect.
What a beautiful song, I have loved this song for over 50 years. It still makes me fill up.
This has always been one of my favorite songs, and because so often covered by other people, I had no idea he had written this song, until i read his 'X-RAY the Unauthorized Autobiography'. Thank you Ray Davies for your simple genius.
RIP bass player Jim Rodford from St. Albans who died at home last month. I remember Jim's first real band The Bluetones.
The lyrics have the ability to make us all think about eternity.
The most beautiful version I've heard of the most beautiful Kinks song.
There's some song that will be around forever. THIS IS ONE OF THEM. Thanks Kinks
Song writing genius. Thanks Kinks!
This song embodies a profound spirituality. I wonder if Ray intended that when he wrote it? In America, this song is under-appreciated.
Amen. Peace and 🎵 hope 🎵 8888
She sang the song with pretty justice, a lovely voice. But there is something beautifully authentic about these two old brothers singing their old song.
My favourite kinks song saw R.D at Glastonbury ten tears ago fantastic gig.
I’m jealous you were able to see in person! That performance was out of this world. Made me weep like a baby.
so melancholic,..........my favourite kinks song anyway, and i reckon everybody had a experience with someone and this song was absolutely fitting with those feelings............days...............always passing by into eternity................
My dog has just died in my arms, this song seems about right.
bs5750 Dogs!
I'm sorry. I just lost my old fella too. That's why I'm here. In tears.
Dave's background vocal is my favorite part of the song.
This was broadcast on BBC2 in the UK on March 25th 1993, recorded live at Television Centre, London.
superbe song and performance love it very much
I usually withhold statements that compare prayer to songs, but your comment is pitch-perfect. Spectacular insight.
my funeral tune. love it
People cried in the record company when they first heard this
The world must to recognize now to Ray Davies, I am afraid that only after that his death the world will recongnize him and will know in all the planet the monster of composer that he is, will be a shame like Mozart or Van Gogh that only after the death were really recognized.
😊❤ I was just thinking within the last couple of days that those in the music industry don't know how they have affected our lives while they are still living.
I wrote and delivered my dad's eulogy. Aftereards, my mom's brother approached me to ask that I write his eulogy as well.
In the weeks that followed, I wanted my uncle to know what I thought about him BEFORE he died.
Why should I wait to tell other people what a wonderful man he was.
I wanted him to know how his life affected mine for the better, teaching life lessons along the way.
RIP Herb. ❤
wat a gem! EL CLASSICO! thank you chaps for such a song!
Great lyrics summing up how I feel after losing too many friends in the last 2 years..
Hey Ray, this masterful rendition yet again hits deep - Emotional and profound, I just want to say another thanx for another deep hitting emotional vendering of this Davis classic - Many Thanx.
This is my all time favorite Kinks song!! and also one of my favorite all time favorites!! Absolutely beautiful!! Can someone tell me - where and when was this performed. Thanks for the post.
The Kinks - one of the greatest bands.......EVER!!!
Enjoy your time living because it will end just like everything else. What a blessing to live....
@piroschka6 yes, i had a beautiful girlfriend in those times, and did not know it -till she had gone-my fault
-but we had some great times-these lyrics cover a multitude of life experiences-quite brilliant in its sadness
but beauty. I think you could say "better to have loved, than to never have loved"
-thats the only way I can describe this awesome track in my own experience of life
-thx so much Ray and the Kinks
I think it is said, "It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all" . But both sayings are true ofcourse.💕
@krankiekat Frankie Frank, Joey Coffee here! I was going to write something along your lines, but instead I will just pay both you & Ray props! God Bless The Kinks! Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry The rest of Rays 2010 tour back in the USA was canceled yesterday! Feel Better Raymond! Joe
The Kinks are up there with Paul Simon and Lennon and McCartney in my book.
Lucia Tilyard Absolutely
***** Just listened to this again, I just love Ray's voice too. It's got a sort of innocence about it.
I'm watching The Kinks in Concert 1973 BBC right now. Village Green Preservation Society is the last song and its just too beautiful, it's just too much to take! Ray is one of the greatest songwriters of our age without a doubt.
+Lucia Tilyard He is still very tasty even if he's 71. I wouldn't push him out of bed, would you?
+Lucia Tilyard True
I like Ray's version and I know he wrote it, but first heard this song by 'Flo and Eddie' and LOVE their version....
@wowjef The melody line goes great with this song, not sure how else it should go. It's just a slow very emotional song. especially if you lost someone recently when hearing it. It's sad but offers hope and strength and shows you can carry on.
underrated in a modern sense
Underrated by miles. He's up there with Lennon and McCartney.
With no any question is more vulnerable in a lyric way
Maravilloso!! Majestuoso!!
Yeah, this is fantastic!!!
Amo esa cancion
this is the version on the Did Ya EP. It's fabulous!
we luv dave and ray
Remember when it was first aired on the radio.
best song of the kinks......
Wondering if this was from 'Old Grey Whistle Test' post John Peel?
Very good ❤😌
Happy birthday Ray!!
Nicely understated
Genius x 10
Anyone know what TV show this is from, please?
Perfect.v💖💖💖
What year is this - does anyone know? Thankyou.
And I loved Flo and Eddy with Zappa
@Luann29 ..would you care to explain"..???? whats that all about????.
Agreed. An exquisite prayer, as lovely as anything in the King James Bible or the Book Of Common Prayer. Who said the movers and shakers of the 60's weren't religious?
Get the Barnet sorted raymondo
Good song
@whoarethebrainpigs Can we get a doctor here?
which year tbis gig ?
Has he been knighted yet? If not why not?
Yes, and well, why not!
Wunderbar
Het grijs gedraaide nummer van de stafkamer lichting 71-1, 71-2 108 Lttcie in Nunspeet.
That's not correct. Pete Quaife quit the band months after this song was recorded and released. As a matter of fact, when the band was recording this, Pete was forced to stay in the studio even when his work was done and he was aggravated and was caught writing "daze" on the tape box for the song and Ray got angry with him.
I Saw The Kinks on their last tour in Atlanta Georgia they were playing at the Roxy Theater a little dive in front of about 1,00£ people and it was really sad because Ray and Dave literally were fighting on stage. It was so pathetic to watch them, they looked like a bar band. A pathetic way to end after all the great music..
thanks Anastasia
Good tune
@pancdca
Yeah, appreciate what you say man - one of my old friends died 2 days ago of lung cancer (smoker). There are so many good Kinks tunes. I 'm learning how to belt out on my guitar Dead End Street and Where Have all the Good Times Gone.
@MrCCRFan Ray's body of work far exceeds John's. Plus, Ray's was on the whole much deeper and had more passion. IF Ray should be compared to anyone it should be John Mellencamp. In my humblest of opinions.
hes playing it in E
It should'nt be the same without Dave Davies you know !!!
Really? That's very sweet
Hi dear Jan, missing you. XXX
Ray wrote this song as a tribute to bassist Peter Quaif when he quit the group back then. He regretted the breakup of the original lineup and Pete's contributions.
For my brother xx
I am a great Kinks fan but this is one song of theirs I do not like. I don't hate it - I just think its melody line is bland, even though the words in this song are obviously what fans concentrate on.
still playing an Ovation ??? yeah i agree ,,not one of his finer songs.