Destroyer

The song Destroyer by The Kinks, from their 1981 album Give the People What They Want, is a fascinating blend of nostalgia and social commentary, laced with the band’s signature wit. The track reintroduces the character Lola from their 1970 hit Lola, but this time, the narrator is consumed by paranoia, feeling watched by “hidden cameras everywhere” and battling inner demons described as a “red under my bed” and a “little yellow man in my head.” The song’s riff is a deliberate nod to their 1964 classic All Day and All of the Night, a move Ray Davies used to reconnect with American audiences who were rediscovering the band’s early work after a U.S. touring ban from 1965 to 1969 limited their stateside success. In a 2016 interview with Q Magazine, Ray Davies shared that Lola was inspired by a real encounter in a Paris club where he danced with a woman, only to notice her stubble in the daylight, a story that adds a layer of authenticity to the character’s return in Destroyer. Fans on platforms like Reddit have noted the song’s bittersweet edge, with some interpreting it as a reflection of Ray Davies’ struggles with bipolar disorder, which he has openly discussed, suggesting the lyrics capture the chaos of his mood swings. Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s production history. Initially recorded during sessions for the 1979 album Low Budget, Destroyer was shelved because the band couldn’t achieve a satisfactory mix, only to be revived for Give the People What They Want. Drummer Mick Avory’s “trashier fills” and “bigger drum sound,” as noted by Modern Drummer’s Patrick Berkery, gave the track a heavier, almost proto-metal edge, with Record World even calling it “perhaps the first heavy metal rap song.” The song’s media critique, reflecting Ray Davies’ frustration with sensationalist American TV shows like That’s Incredible, resonated with listeners, and its performance on Saturday Night Live on October 10, 1981, helped cement its place as a fan favorite. Fans on Songfacts have pointed out the playful color symbolism in the lyrics—“true blue” for loyalty, “red” for communism, “yellow” for cowardice—though Davies himself never confirmed these interpretations, leaving room for playful speculation. The Kinks began in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1963, formed by brothers Ray and Dave Davies, alongside bassist Pete Quaife. Initially called The Ravens, the group played a mix of R&B and rock, honing their raw sound in local pubs. A demo tape caught the ear of producer Shel Talmy, leading to a contract with Pye Records in 1964. After recruiting drummer Mick Avory and renaming themselves The Kinks, they struck gold with their third single, You Really Got Me, written by Ray in their parents’ front room and powered by Dave’s aggressive guitar riffs. The song topped the UK charts and cracked the U.S. Top 10, laying the groundwork for their influence on garage rock, punk, and heavy metal. Ray’s sharp, observational songwriting, blending social satire with British music hall theatricality, set them apart, while their early hits like All Day and All of the Night and Tired of Waiting for You showcased their knack for catchy, rebellious energy. Despite a mid-’60s U.S. touring ban due to a musicians’ union dispute, they remained prolific, evolving through concept albums and later stadium rock, with Give the People What They Want marking a high point in their American resurgence. Fans can connect with The Kinks through their official website, though the band, which disbanded in 1996, maintains a low-key online presence. Their official Facebook page shares occasional updates, often tied to reissues or Ray Davies’ solo work, while their Instagram account posts nostalgic photos and album anniversaries. On X, the band’s account is active, engaging with fans and sharing news about archival releases. For deeper fan interaction, KindaKinks.net, an unofficial site run by Dave Emlen, offers a treasure trove of news, discography, and lyrics, while the Kinks Fan Club on Facebook fosters a vibrant community of “Zoo Freaks” swapping stories and memorabilia. These platforms keep the spirit of The Kinks alive, celebrating their enduring legacy as one of rock’s most influential acts.