I’m Not Like Everybody Else - Kinks Original Lyrics MIA
"...everyone is expecting us to do wonderful things and we mess it all up, usually.” Ray Davies, The Kinks, 1960s
(Logo - Kinks website)
I’m Not Like Everybody Else
“This is a song that was on the B-side but I like it very much. It sums up everything that we’re about – the Kinks – because everyone is expecting us to do wonderful things and we mess it all up, usually.” Ray Davies
Kinks Original Lyrics MIA
The Kinks released I’m Not Like Everybody Else on June 3, 1966. I discovered it for the first time in October 2024 when I fossicked through Kinks songs that I had never heard before. When I spotted I’m Not Like Everybody Else, I fell in love with it before even hearing it. A pertinent song for our times… again.
After listening to this magnificent song, I immediately searched for the lyrics so I could share them with the music clip on Fakebook. To my horror, my favourite standout lyrics were missing in action on most of the predominant music lyrics websites.
I’m not sure if this is a case of Internet Copycat Syndrome or Internet Sanitisation/Censorship Syndrome. If it is the latter, please be reminded of the following copyright protections:
Changing song lyrics without permission is not legally permissible and may result in copyright infringement. It is essential to obtain direct permission from the song owner and comply with licensing requirements to avoid legal issues. (Brave AI summary).
Notable Lyric Changes
Some lyric websites include this additional verse which is not sung in the song:
If you all want me to settle down
Slow up and stop all my running round
Do everything like you want me to
There’s one thing that I will say to you
I’m not like everybody else, I’m not like everybody else
Kinks - I'm Not Like Everybody Else
Awesome 777’s channel has the correct original written lyrics in description.
Original Recorded Lyrics - I'm Not Like Everybody Else
I won't take all that they hand me down
And make out a smile, though I wear a frown
And I'm not gonna take it all lying down
'Cos once I get started I go to town
'Cos I'm not like everybody else
Oh no... I'm not like everybody else
I'm not like everybody else, no
I'm not like everybody else
And I don't want to live my life like everybody else
And I don't want to be destroyed like everybody else
And I don't wanna get a job, like everybody else
'Cos I'm not like everybody else
I'm not like everybody else
(Let’s hear you sing it, what are you?)
I’m not like everybody else
You see...
Darling, you know that I love you true
And I’ll do anything that you want me to
I'll even
Confess all my sins like you want me to
But there's one thing that I can't do for you
'Cos I'm not like everybody else
(What did I say ?)
I'm not like everybody else
(How did I say it ?)
I'm not like everybody else
(One more time)
I'm not like everybody else
Like everybody else
And I don't want to live my life like everybody else
And I won't wanna be destroyed like everybody else
And I don't wanna get a job, like everybody else
'Cos I'm not like everybody else
(What did I say?)
I'm not like everybody else
Like everybody else
Everybody else
Everybody else
Like everybody else
Everybody... Everybody else...
Newly Remastered Reissues of Sleepwalker & Misfits
(Via Kinks BMG October 2024 newsletter)
Sleepwalker (1977) and Misfits (1978) represent pivotal moments in The Kinks' evolution, marking their shift from theatrical concept albums to a refined, rock-oriented sound.
Sleepwalker rejuvenated the band's career, blending their unique, masterful songwriting with a radio-friendly style that re-established the bands presence in the US and for a new generation. The follow-up, Misfits, delved into deeper themes of alienation and identity, showcasing introspective lyricism amidst the band's adaptation to the changing music scene of the late ‘70s.
Both albums have been fully remastered from original ¼” production and master tapes, for a new era!
Featuring the timeless singles Sleepwalker, Juke Box Music, Life Goes On, Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy, Misfits and Live Life.
Available on 180g LP, CD and digital formats.
Streaming Services Link: https://thekinks.lnk.to/playlistEM
Kinks Mailing List Link: https://thekinks.info/biographies/the-band/
(Source: thekinks.info)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Kinks Induction, 1990
‘Wickedly satirical, wryly observant and fiercely independent, The Kinks ran counter even to the counterculture.
While other major Sixties bands were on drug-fueled psychedelic jam sessions, The Kinks kept their focus close to home. They dissected England with witty, literate lyrics set to pop-rock that gained them a cult following that only grows.’
Rockhall.com
Thanks to the Kinks for thinking of us here in Australia aka Experiment Island. Some international journalists describe both Australia and New Zealand as ‘testing grounds for oppression’. Not on our watch. Mwah.
Released May 2023
Until next time.
(Ha ha!)
Dave Davies - Mr. Reporter
(Written by Ray Davies)