I’ve always thought Dave Davies deserved more credit than he usually gets. Ray Davies was a songwriting genius, but Dave’s guitar playing helped define The Kinks just as much. That raw, distorted sound changed rock music forever. On top of that, Dave could write songs that stood on their own, and this song is one of the best examples. It’s melodic, heartfelt, and has that unmistakable Kinks sound. If you’ve only heard Dave through his guitar work, this is a great place to discover the songwriter.
When most people think of The Kinks, they naturally think of Ray Davies. He wrote most of the band’s classic songs and became one of rock’s greatest storytellers. But without Dave Davies, The Kinks wouldn’t have sounded like The Kinks. His slashing guitar on You Really Got Me helped invent hard rock, and his playing gave Ray’s songs an edge that few bands could match. Every now and then, Dave stepped into the spotlight himself, and this one proved he had plenty to say as a songwriter.
Released in 1967 as Dave’s second solo single, it arrived during one of the most creative periods in The Kinks’ career. Ray was writing songs that painted pictures of English life, while Dave leaned toward a more personal, emotional style. This was written by Dave himself and produced by Shel Talmy, the song features the familiar Kinks lineup. Although credited as a solo record, it feels like a close cousin to the band’s recordings from that era.
The song tells the story of someone looking back on a relationship with a mix of regret and hope. Dave’s vocals have a vulnerability that suits the lyrics perfectly, while his ringing guitar work reminds you that he was far more than just the band’s lead guitarist. The melody has that unmistakable late-1960s British feel, balancing catchy hooks with just enough melancholy to make it linger after the song ends.
This wasn’t a major hit everywhere, but it performed well in parts of Europe and has become one of Dave Davies’ signature solo recordings. Looking back, it’s easy to hear that he wasn’t simply Ray’s younger brother. He was an important creative force in The Kinks, both as a guitarist and as a songwriter. Songs like this show another side of his talent and remind us that sometimes the second voice in a great band has a story worth hearing too.
Susannah’s Still Alive
Old Susannah’s bedraggled
But she still wears a lanyard ’round her neck
She’s got a picture on the table
Of a man who’s young and able
Oh, Susannah’s gonna cry
Oh, Susannah’s still alive
Whiskey or a gin, that’s alright
There’s nothing in her bed at night
She sleeps with the covers down
Hoping somebody jumps in
Doesn’t matter what she does
She knows that she can’t win
Oh, Susannah’s still alive
She’s got a dog with one eye
That always cries when he gets some sleep
She’s waiting for a soldier to come home
But you cry and never die
Oh, Susannah’s gonna cry
Oh, Susannah’s still alive
Whiskey or a gin, that’s alright
There’s nothing in her bed at night
She sleeps with the covers down
Hoping somebody gets in
Doesn’t matter what she does
She knows that she can’t win
Oh, Susannah’s still alive
Oh, Susannah’s gonna cry
Oh, Susannah’s still alive
Oh, Susannah’s still alive
