About the song
“Art Lover” is one of the standout tracks from The Kinks, a band that has long been celebrated for their sharp commentary on British society, often blending wit and satire into their music. Released in 1979, this song is part of the band’s album “Low Budget”, a record that marked a shift towards a more polished, mainstream sound, while still retaining the band’s characteristic social observations.
At its core, “Art Lover” is a song about the complexities of human desire, obsession, and the blurred lines between admiration and possession. Written by Ray Davies, the frontman and principal songwriter for The Kinks, it explores themes of objectification and voyeurism through the lens of a man who is infatuated with a woman whose image he has idealized through art. He becomes so obsessed with the concept of her, detached from her true self, that he creates an almost unhealthy fixation on her representation. The lyrics, with their careful blending of irony and sincerity, reveal a profound commentary on how individuals often engage with art, beauty, and the people they admire in ways that can be far removed from reality.
The song’s mood is driven by a mix of melancholy and wry humor, typical of Ray Davies‘s songwriting style. The melody is catchy, yet the subject matter invites deeper reflection on the nature of art and human relationships. Davies’ use of character-driven storytelling here showcases his remarkable ability to transform everyday situations into something much more thought-provoking. The lyrics present a cautionary tale about the dangers of reducing people to mere objects of admiration, a theme that resonates deeply even today.
Released during a time when The Kinks were experiencing a revival in popularity, “Art Lover” was met with a mix of critical acclaim and intrigue. While not one of the band’s biggest commercial hits, the track still stands out as a brilliant example of Ray Davies‘s sharp lyrical wit and his ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion and societal norms. “Art Lover” also reflects the changing landscape of the late ’70s, a time when there was growing disillusionment with both the political climate and the superficial aspects of modern culture.
In terms of social impact, “Art Lover” was ahead of its time in its critique of how media, art, and even pop culture objectify individuals, often distorting the truth. The song speaks to a broader cultural conversation about the complexities of love, lust, and admiration in the modern age—issues that are as relevant now as they were in the late 1970s. Its satirical edge makes it a standout track for those who appreciate not only the musicality of The Kinks but also the band’s profound cultural commentary.
Ultimately, “Art Lover” is a fascinating exploration of the tensions between reality and illusion, desire and respect. It remains a key track for understanding The Kinks’ unique ability to weave together personal narratives with sharp social insights, wrapped in melodies that are as catchy as they are thought-provoking.
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Lyrics
Sunday afternoon there’s something specialIt’s just like another worldJogging in the park is my excuseTo look at all the little girlsI’m not a flasher in a rain coat,I’m not a dirty old man,I’m not gonna snatch you from your mother,I’m an art loverCome to daddy,Ah, come to daddy,Come to daddyPretty little legs, I want to draw them,Like a Degas ballerinaPure white skin, like porcelain,She’s a work of art and I should knowI’m an art loverCome to daddy,And I’ll give you some spanglesLittle girl don’t notice meWatching as she innocently playsShe can’t see me staring at herBecause I’m always wearing shadesShe feeds the ducks, looks at the flowersI follow her around for hours and hoursI’d take her home, but that could never be,She’s just a substituteFor what’s been taken from meAh, come to daddy, come onSunday afternoon can’t last forever,Wish I could take you homeSo, come on, give us a smileBefore you vanish out of viewI’ve learned to appreciate youThe way art lovers do,And I only want to look at you