The Kinks - Arthur (Official Audio)

Visit the official store and listen now: https://thekinks.bio.to/TheKinks "Arthur" is taken from Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire), The Kinks’ seventh album, released in October 1969. Conceived as a concept record about post-war Britain, emigration, and the fading empire, it follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a carpet-layer whose family emigrates to Australia. Ray Davies developed the narrative with writer Julian Mitchell for a planned TV drama that was ultimately scrapped, but the music stands powerfully on its own. Blending sharp social observation with emotional depth, Arthur reflects on nostalgia, war, class, and disillusionment — a portrait of everyday lives caught in the sweep of history. The legendary British band formed by Ray and Dave Davies in 1963, The Kinks helped shape rock music with their sharp songwriting and unforgettable riffs. From "You Really Got Me" to "Come Dancing" via "Lola", their influence was far reaching through heavy metal, power pop, and modern rock. Explore their timeless songs right here on the official Kinks channel. Lyrics: Arthur was born just a plain simple man In a plain simple working class position Though the world was hard and its ways were set He was young and he had so much ambition All the way he was overtaken By the people who make the big decisions But he tried and he tried for a better life And a way to improve his own condition If only life were easy it would be such fun Things would be more equal and be plenty for everyone Arthur the world's gone and passed you by Don't you know it, don't you know it You can cry, cry all night but it won't make it right Don't ya know it, don't ya know it Arthur we know and we sympathize Don't ya know it, don't ya know it Arthur we like you and want to help you Somebody loves you don't you know it How is your life and your Shangri-la And your long lost land of Hallelujah And your hope and glory has passed you by Can't you see what the world is doing to ya And now we see your children Sailing off in the setting sun To a new horizon Where there's plenty for everyone Arthur, could be That the world was wrong Don't ya know it, don't ya know it Arthur, could be You were right all along Don't ya know it, I hope ya know it Now we know and we sympathize We'd like to help you and understand you Don't ya know it, don't ya know it Somebody loves you, don't ya know it Don't ya know it, don't ya know it Arthur the world's gone and passed you by Don't ya know it, don't ya know it You can cry, cry all night But it won't make it right Don't ya know it, don't ya know it Arthur we read you and understand you Arthur we like you and want to help you Oh! we love you and want to help you #TheKinks #Arthur #BritishEmpire