Do You Wish To Be A Man?
The Kinks · Other Songs - The Kinks
An uneasy thing to do? [?]
Are you troubled by the bad things in your life?
If you're worrying 'bout a verse[?],
And you can't get it off your chest,
Just lie down and try to ease your mind.
If your mother[?] comes 'round the bend,
Come to give you a helping hand,
Do you wish to go and bury your head in the sand?
Oh, do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be the one to understand?
Oh, do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be a man?
Oh, do you wish to be a man?
Well the misery is yours,
If you hide behind that door,
If you hide behind the troubles[?] in your life.
You haven't got a friend,
And there's no one to take you in,
Will you come in, stretch[?] and stand up on your own?
When you know that your time has come,
And there'll be no place to run,
There will be no time to bury your head in the sand.
So, do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be the one to understand?
Oh, do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be a man?
Oh, do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be a man?
Do you wish to be a man?
Oh, do you wish to be a man?
Do You Wish To Be A Man?
Released by The Kinks in 1966, "Do You Wish To Be A Man?" stands as a quintessential example of the band's exploration of gender roles and societal expectations. The track features the distinctive vocal delivery of Ray Davies, who often infused his songs with a blend of irony and social commentary characteristic of their mid-1960s output. While the song does not appear on their most famous albums, it reflects the era's preoccupation with masculinity and the rigid structures of British culture. The recording captures the raw energy of The Kinks' early work, utilizing a straightforward arrangement that allowed Davies' lyrics to take center stage. It remains a notable song in their discography, showcasing their ability to address complex themes through accessible pop-rock structures that would define their legacy.