Not Far Away
The Kinks · Other Songs - The Kinks
Take what you want, why wait a lifetime?
Why wait till tomorrow when you can just take it today,
And it's not far away.
Live all your life according to a plan.
Live by the rules the best way you can.
So the system that fed you and bred you can throw you away,
And it's not far away,
Not far away.
Oh, oh.
The system that fed you and bred you can throw you away,
And it's not far away,
Not far away,
Not far away,
Not far away,
Oh, oh.
The system that breeds[? ] you and feeds you will through you away.
And it's not far away,
Not far away.
Oh, oh.
Total chaos, total destruction.
(not far away, not far away.)
Social collapse, moral corruption.
(not far away, not far away.)
I feel it in my bones, it gets closer each day.
The future is here, and it won't go away.
They're gonna segregate the people,
They're gonna put you in your place.
And no one's gonna listen when you try to plead your case.
And those who think they are immune will get slapped in the face.
Chaos will rule,
No one will be safe,
The ending is near,
And it's not far away.
The future is here and it's ours to dictate,
The ending is closer so why hesitate,
Oh, oh.
The ending is near, and it's not far away.
Not Far Away - The Kinks
Released in 1966, "Not Far Away" stands as a quintessential example of The Kinks' mid-period rock sound, blending driving rhythms with Ray Davies' characteristic vocal delivery and lyrical wit. The track exemplifies the band's ability to craft anthems that balance social observation with personal sentiment, a hallmark of their work during the height of their popularity in the United Kingdom. While often associated with the broader "Face to Face" era, the song's enduring appeal lies in its melodic structure and the band's signature blend of garage rock energy with polished studio production. It remains a staple of their discography, reflecting the band's transition from raw teenage rebellion to more complex, narrative-driven storytelling that defined their legacy in British rock history.