A Well Respected Man (2:42)

“A Well Respected Man” is a song by the British band The Kinks, originally released on the UK EP Kwyet Kinks in September 1965 (see 1965 in music). It was released as a single in the US in October and reached #13. Musically, it marked the beginning of an expansion in the Kinks’ inspirations, drawing much from British music hall traditions, as well as from American rhythm and blues used later in songs such as “Dedicated Follower of Fashion”. Following the success of that single, “A Well Respected Man” was also released as a single in mainland Europe in March 1966 (although pressed in the UK, it was an export only issue).

It was one of three Kinks songs included on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll along with You Really Got Me and Lola.

Davies composed the song based on a negative experience with upper class guests at a luxury resort where he was staying in 1965. He crafted the song to mock what he perceived as their condescension and self-satisfaction