‘You Really Got Me’ is a song by English rock band the Kinks. It was released in the UK on 4 August 1964 as the group's third single, and reached number one on the UK charts the following month, remaining there for two weeks. It was released in the US on 2 September 1964.
Written by Ray Davies, the song, originally performed in a more blues-oriented style, was inspired by artists such as Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy. Two song versions were recorded, with the second performance used for the final single. Although it was rumoured that future Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page had performed the song's guitar solo, the myth has since been proven false.
‘You Really Got Me’ was built around power chords (perfect fifths and octaves) and heavily influenced later rock musicians, particularly in the genres of heavy metal and punk rock. Built around a guitar riff played by Dave Davies, the song's lyrics were described by Dave as "a love song for street kids".
The song became the group's breakthrough hit. It established them as one of the top British Invasion acts in the United States, reaching number seven later in the year. ‘You Really Got Me’ was later included on the Kinks' debut album, Kinks. American rock band Van Halen adapted the song for their 1978 self-titled debut album; it was released as their first single and peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Songwriter – Ray Davies
Producer – Shel Talmy
SONG LYRICS
[Instrumental Intro][Verse 1]
Girl, you really got me goin’
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
[Verse 2]
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
[Chorus]
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
[Verse 3]
See, don’t ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
[Verse 4]
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
[Chorus]
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
Oh no...
(solo)
[Verse 5]
See, don’t ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
[Verse 6]
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night
[Chorus]
You really got me
You really got me
You really got me