The Kinks and the Inside Joke Behind ‘David Watts’
Today we explore The Kinks’ 1967 hit “David Watts” and the inspiration (and inside joke) that inspired Ray Davies’ lyrics from their album ‘Something Else.’ We’ll explore the song’s themes of envy and social hierarchy, it’s suspected homoerotic undertones, and unpack The Kinks’ influence on rock music.
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@AndyFenstermaker
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
A few people have have objected to my calling The Kinks a MOD band. I tackle that question in the next video: https://youtu.be/ajbCQKSXLNA
@bengunns
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Gay used to mean Happy, and it was used alot in the 60s. it was only used by the Gay community further down the line.. i live near Rutland and the Brewery was probably Ruddles, who used to a good pint of Ruddles County bitter. Rutland is the smallest County in England. just a few notes to add to your great Video.
@chokkan7
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
It's so weird to watch someone 30 years my junior describe a song this old as though he'd discovered it himself. While I first heard the Jam's version of it, the homoerotic aspect was apparent on the first listen. One of the things that most impressed about Ray Davies was that he could write a song about literally anything.
@michaelmitchell8218
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Think the jam version is better.
@markb3786
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Fantastic story! Thanks!
@motorcyclelad
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Thank you Andy Fistmsker! I also really love the Kinks and assumed it was some famous guy at the time😄
Finally googled “who David watts” and found your great video.
@144Creek
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Love the Kinks, my favorite band of all time.
@alos4025
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
God save The Kinks!
@jaymesjmathias9390
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Kinks to the bone is the best ensemble of lives mixed into a storybook of sorts. Gender bender? Dunno about that, just know this 2 disc album is a must! Start to finish makes you feel like it's one perfect show, maybe it is?
@kenny832
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
The American musicians unions sabotaged the Kinks attempt to play in America in the 60's as they didn't like the "British Invasion" because they considered Rock & Roll to be American & didn't like the British being so successful. This was a blessing as on his return to England Ray Davies shunned Americanism & wrote his best music.
@user-vu6wy1so6o
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Great track and well ahead of it's time in terms of sound and delivery. The Jam's powerful and soulful version 14yrs later showed how 'punky' the original was.
@InsolenceVroometa-5757
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
he is my next door neighbor.
@anthonymcneil1542
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
I remember reading that Dave said some of his friends thought Ray was singing "I wish I could be like David was" referring to him, and Dave corrected them, saying that Ray would never have been so complimentary towards him
@markb.4977
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
I'm not sure modern folks have an equivalent. I know rhe whole "mods vs. rocker" thing didn't influence my musical choices back rhen. I thought it was probably a class war issue in Britain.
@markr1574
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
youi're my david watts lol
@brianfergus839
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Life stinks… I like the Kinks
@nicolagianaroli2024
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
I guess that the fact that the Kinks were forced to remain confined in good old England despite their phenomenal talent gave them an unusual perspective in looking at the fast pacing changes occurring in 60s and 70s
@MrJeepsters
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Ray Davis a raconté que David Watt était un professeur qui
faisait "du grain" à son frère.
@jduff59
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
The Kinks were never "Mod".
@jeff196330
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
God Save the Kinks!!!
@lannydante9390
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
I am a fan since 1964…20 new kinks songs coming soon
@AdonisMediaProductions
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Funny timing, was listening to this song earlier today, I always felt like their might a homoerotic undertone in this one. David Watts spurs the image of some Rock Hudson type character.
@LorenStClair-w5t
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
"Low" I have you at number one
@Chris-z1k7x
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
So, the evidence that this song is homoerotic is… none.
@raydavies72
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
KINKS are the GREATEST
@geraldtanderson9044
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
The Kinks are deep. I bought the Kink Kronikles Album around 1974 and thought I had a pretty good selection of most of their material. Not even close! I just recently put together a CD of "B" sides. Even die hard Kinks fans haven't heard some of those songs. It would take a life time of listening to understand all of Ray Davies genius writing. My current favorite song by them is "Lazy Old Sun". Psych gem.
@John-cr2tn
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Ray was the best at telling a complete story in three verses
@TimBee100
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Lola was not transgendered. He was a gay transvestite.
@bruceterrell9287
December 27, 2025 at 11:38 pm
"Mod Band"????
Comments are closed.