The Kinks – Celluloid Heroes

About the song

Released on November 24, 1972, as part of The Kinks’ album Everybody’s in Show-Biz, “Celluloid Heroes” is a poignant and reflective song that explores the glamour and tragedy of Hollywood. Written by Ray Davies, the song is one of the band’s most deeply emotional and introspective compositions, painting a vivid picture of the lives of film stars and the dreams they inspire.

A Song About Hollywood’s Illusions and Realities

At its heart, “Celluloid Heroes” is about the mythology of movie stars, the fleeting nature of fame, and the contrast between screen legends and the reality of their personal struggles. The lyrics take the listener on a journey down Hollywood Boulevard, where stars are immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The song references iconic actors like Greta Garbo, Bela Lugosi, Rudolph Valentino, and Marilyn Monroe, acknowledging both their legendary status and their human vulnerabilities.

The melancholic tone of the song suggests that while Hollywood builds people into icons, it often forgets the pain and sacrifices behind the glamour. Davies expresses sympathy for these stars, recognizing that beneath the bright lights and larger-than-life personas, they were real people with real struggles. Lines like:

“If you covered him with garbage, George Sanders would still have style…”

highlight the idea that true charisma and artistry persist, even in the face of adversity.

Musical Composition – A Lush and Poignant Ballad

Musically, “Celluloid Heroes” is a beautifully arranged ballad, with a mix of folk, rock, and orchestral elements that enhance its cinematic feel. The song features a gentle but expressive vocal performance by Ray Davies, capturing both the awe and sorrow in his reflections on Hollywood.

The instrumentation is rich yet restrained, with melodic acoustic guitar lines, subtle piano accents, and a slow, waltz-like rhythm that gives the song a dreamlike quality. As the song progresses, the arrangement swells, mirroring the grandeur of Hollywood itself while maintaining a sense of wistful nostalgia.

Cultural and Emotional Impact

Though not as commercially massive as some of The Kinks’ earlier hits like “You Really Got Me” or “Lola”, “Celluloid Heroes” has remained one of their most cherished and critically acclaimed songs. Its themes of fame, illusion, and human fragility have resonated across generations, making it a timeless reflection on the entertainment industry.

The song holds particular significance for anyone who has ever dreamed of stardom or admired the magic of cinema. It serves as a reminder that while Hollywood legends may seem untouchable, they are ultimately just as human as the rest of us.

Conclusion – A Timeless Ode to the Magic and Melancholy of Fame

“Celluloid Heroes” is more than just a song about Hollywood—it’s a meditation on the nature of dreams, celebrity, and the passage of time. With its evocative lyrics, rich instrumentation, and heartfelt delivery, it remains one of The Kinks’ most moving and enduring works. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or simply appreciate songs with depth and meaning, this track is a masterpiece that continues to resonate decades after its release.

Video

Lyrics

Everybody’s a dreamer
And everybody’s a star
And everybody’s in movies
It doesn’t matter who you are

There are stars in every city
In every house and on every street
And if you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Their names are written in concrete

Don’t step on Greta Garbo
As you walk down the boulevard
She looks so weak and fragile
That’s why she tried to be so hard

But they turned her into a princess
And they sat her on a throne
But she turned her back on stardom
Because she wanted to be alone

You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognise, some that you’ve hardly even heard of
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain

Rudolph Valentino
Looks very much alive
And he looks up ladies’ dresses
As they sadly pass him by

Avoid stepping on Bela Lugosi
‘Cause he’s liable to turn and bite
But stand close by Bette Davis
Because hers was such a lonely life

If you covered him with garbage
George Sanders would still have style
And if you stamped on Mickey Rooney
He would still turn ’round and smile

But please, don’t tread on dearest Marilyn
‘Cause she’s not very tough
She should have been made of iron or steel
But she was only made of flesh and blood

You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognise, some that you’ve hardly even heard of
Oh, people who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain

Everybody’s a dreamer
Everybody’s a star
And everybody’s in show-biz
It doesn’t matter who you are

And those who are successful
Be always on your guard
Success walks hand in hand with failure
Along Hollywood Boulevard

I wish my life was a non-stop Hollywood movie show
A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes
‘Cause celluloid heroes never feel any pain
And celluloid heroes never really die

You can see all the stars as you walk along Hollywood Boulevard
Some that you recognise, some that you’ve hardly even heard of
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
Some who succeeded and some who suffered in vain

La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

Oh, celluloid heroes never feel any pain
Oh, celluloid heroes never really die

I wish my life was a non-stop Hollywood movie show
A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes
Because celluloid heroes never feel any pain
And celluloid heroes never really die