“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The Kinks’ “All Day And All Of The Night” is one of those iconic tracks that instantly transports you to the rebellious energy of the 1960s. I remember the first time I heard it—its raw, driving guitar riff and electrifying energy pulled me in. It’s a song that embodies a time when rock music was becoming a vehicle for youthful defiance. With its unforgettable hook, it’s no wonder this track has stood the test of time.
About The Composition
- Title: All Day And All Of The Night
- Composer: Ray Davies (of The Kinks)
- Premiere Date: Released as a single on October 23, 1964
- Album/Collection: Originally released as a standalone single
- Genre: Rock, Proto-Punk
Background
Released in 1964, “All Day And All Of The Night” is a quintessential Kinks song, driven by Ray Davies’ sharp songwriting and his brother Dave Davies’ powerful guitar work. The song was a follow-up to their breakthrough hit “You Really Got Me,” and it carries forward the same aggressive, riff-driven energy that The Kinks were becoming known for. The song was composed during a period when British rock bands were experimenting with bluesy, hard-hitting sounds, which laid the groundwork for what would later be known as punk rock.
The song’s lyrical content reflects the youthful exuberance and desire for freedom, capturing the spirit of the 1960s. At the time of its release, “All Day And All Of The Night” was seen as an anthem of rebellion, with its lyrics focusing on the passionate intensity of romantic longing. The track reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100, cementing The Kinks as one of the leading forces in the British Invasion.
Musical Style
The defining feature of “All Day And All Of The Night” is its powerful, distorted guitar riff, which was groundbreaking for its time. Dave Davies famously achieved this sound by slashing the speaker cone of his amplifier, producing a raw, gritty tone that added to the song’s aggressive feel. The track is built around a simple yet driving chord progression, enhanced by its infectious rhythm and energetic vocals from Ray Davies.
The song is structured in a straightforward verse-chorus format, but what makes it memorable is the intensity with which it’s delivered. The urgency in Ray’s voice, paired with the relentless beat, gives the song an almost primal energy. This raw sound would go on to influence future rock and punk bands, making The Kinks pioneers in shaping the harder edges of rock music.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “All Day And All Of The Night” are straightforward but effective, centered on the theme of obsessive love. Lines like “I believe that you and me last forever” convey an almost desperate longing, but it’s the chorus—repeating the song’s title—that captures the listener’s attention. The lyrics are uncomplicated, reflecting the directness of youthful desire, and are perfectly complemented by the unrelenting music. The simplicity of the lyrics allowed listeners to connect with the song on an instinctive level, turning it into an anthem for restless youth.
Performance History
“All Day And All Of The Night” quickly became a staple of The Kinks’ live performances and remains one of their most celebrated songs. The band’s intense and energetic delivery on stage amplified the song’s impact, making it a fan favorite at concerts. Over the decades, the song has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, showcasing its enduring appeal.
One of the most iconic live performances of the song came during the band’s 1965 tour in the United States, where it was greeted with frenzied applause. The song’s relentless energy continues to make it a highlight in classic rock playlists and live sets by cover bands, preserving its legacy across generations.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its success on the charts, “All Day And All Of The Night” has had a significant influence on the development of rock music. Its distorted guitar sound was a precursor to the harder rock and punk styles that would dominate the 1970s. Bands like The Clash and The Ramones have cited The Kinks as an influence, pointing to songs like this one as inspirational for their own sound.
The track’s relentless energy and youthful exuberance have also made it a popular choice in various forms of media. It has been used in movies like “Good Morning, Vietnam” and “Minions,” and continues to appear in commercials, solidifying its place in pop culture.
Legacy
Even after six decades, “All Day And All Of The Night” remains a powerful example of how simplicity, when combined with raw energy, can produce a timeless classic. The song’s influence can be heard in the music of countless bands that followed, especially within the punk and hard rock genres. Its raw, driving force and memorable riff make it an enduring favorite, not just for fans of The Kinks, but for anyone who appreciates the roots of rock music.
The track is a reminder of a time when music was all about breaking boundaries and expressing raw emotion. For anyone looking to explore the early roots of rock and its evolution into punk, this song is an essential listen.
Conclusion
Listening to “All Day And All Of The Night” today, it still feels as fresh and rebellious as it did back in the ’60s. Its relentless energy and infectious riff remind us of the power of rock music to capture the spirit of youth. If you haven’t yet had the chance to experience it, I highly recommend checking out The Kinks’ original recording. For a great live performance, look up their 1965 tour footage—it’s a testament to why this song remains an iconic piece of rock history.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I’m not content to be with you in the daytime
Girl, I want to be with you all of the time
[Chorus]
The only time I feel all right is by your side
Girl, I want to be with you all of the time
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night
[Verse 2]
I believe that you and me last forever
Oh yeah, all day and nighttime yours, leave me never
[Chorus]
The only time I feel alright is by your side
Girl, I want to be with you all of the time
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night
Oh, come on
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 2]
I believe that you and me last forever
Oh yeah, all day and nighttime yours, leave me never
[Chorus]
The only time I feel alright is by your side
Girl, I want to be with you all of the time
All day and all of the night
All day and all of the night-time
All day and all of the night