The Kinks

The Contenders

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The Contenders Lyrics

Hush little mammy dont you cry
Ive got to see what its like on the world outside
Got to get out of this life somehow
Got to be free, got to be free now

I dont want to be a constructor of highways
A sweeper of sidewalks, Ive got to do it my way
Im too ill-equipped for a mathematician
A shrewd politician, a maker of decisions

Were not the greatest when when were separated
But when were together I think were going to make it
I dont want to be like a fascist dictator
A saint or a sinner, I want to be a winner

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monicatx On Jun 10, 2007

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monicatx

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2007-06-10 04:52:40

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Cover art for The Contenders lyrics by Kinks, The

by switcheroo

9y ago

A terrific introduction to one of the greatest albums of all times.

This sets the stage for story of the fake band (let's call them The Contenders), from their rise and triumph in the music industry, to their disillusionment.

One note -- while most consider this album to be merely a satirical look at the music industry from top to bottom, I think it's a story. It starts with a statement of intention (I don't want to be a constructor of highways/a sweeper of sidewalks, I gotta do it my way), followed by an acknowledgement of The Contenders' talent (We're not the greatest when we're separated/but when we're together I think we're gonna make it).

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