The Kinks – A Well Respected Man: A Razor-Sharp Satire of Class and Convention
Released in 1965 during a turning point in the Kinks’ artistic evolution, A Well Respected Man showcases Ray Davies’ incisive wit and burgeoning talent for crafting observational character studies. Departing from the hard-edged rock and roll of their earlier hits like You Really Got Me, this song marked a shift toward a more refined, Anglocentric approach, with lyrics steeped in social commentary and melodies inspired by the traditional British music hall.
The track introduces listeners to a seemingly upstanding member of society, a man who meticulously adheres to societal expectations: “He’s a well respected man about town, doing the best things so conservatively.” However, Davies’ sharp pen quickly reveals the hollowness and hypocrisy beneath this façade. Through biting, sardonic verses, he critiques the rigid conventions of Britain’s upper class, their obsession with appearances, and the superficial pursuit of respectability. Lines such as, “He likes his own backyard, and he likes his fags the best / ‘Cause he’s better than the rest” skewer the self-satisfied insularity of the privileged, exposing their narrow worldview with cutting precision.
Musically, A Well Respected Man trades the distortion-heavy riffs of the Kinks’ earlier hits for a clean, jangly acoustic guitar and a bouncy rhythm. This light, almost pastoral arrangement underscores the contrast between the jaunty surface and the biting commentary of the lyrics. The melody is simple and singable, drawing listeners in with its charm while delivering a subtly rebellious message. Davies’ vocal delivery strikes a delicate balance between earnestness and irony, perfectly capturing the duality of admiration and disdain woven into the song’s narrative.
The inspiration for the song reportedly came from Davies’ disdain for wealthy tourists he encountered while on vacation in 1965. This disdain translated into a broader critique of class pretensions, reinforcing the Kinks’ growing identity as chroniclers of the peculiarities of British life. The song also reflects Davies’ fascination with the traditions of the British music hall, a style that would heavily influence much of the band’s later work, such as Sunny Afternoon and Waterloo Sunset.
- A Well Respected Man* was initially released in the UK as part of the Kwyet Kinks EP, but it made a bigger impact in the United States, where it was issued as a single. The song’s universal themes of hypocrisy and societal expectations resonated across cultural boundaries, helping it become one of the Kinks’ most enduring and celebrated works. Critics have hailed the track as a pivotal moment in the band’s career, paving the way for their later exploration of uniquely British themes and characters.
More than half a century later, the song’s relevance remains striking. Its critique of social climbing and hollow respectability feels timeless, capturing a phenomenon that transcends eras and geographies. A Well Respected Man is not merely a satire of the British upper class; it’s a broader commentary on the human tendency to prioritize appearances over authenticity, a theme that remains as incisive and compelling today as it was in 1965.
With its deft blend of melodic charm and lyrical acerbity, A Well Respected Man exemplifies the Kinks’ unique ability to tell deeply resonant stories within the framework of a three-minute pop song. It stands as a cornerstone of their catalog, a masterclass in songwriting, and a testament to Ray Davies’ genius as a storyteller and social commentator.