1967 Rock Hit Was Released 59 Years Ago Today

The Kinks' acclaimed song, "Waterloo Sunset," turned 59 on May 5, 2026. American Songwriter reported that the hit, featured on the band's album, Something Else, had the release date of May 5, 1967.

According to the publication, the song, written by the band's singer and guitarist Ray Davies, was originally titled "Liverpool Sunset." However, the Beatles' February 1967 hit, "Penny Lane," which also depicts an area in Liverpool, made him change the tune's title.

"Originally, I was going to call it 'Liverpool Sunset.' But the Beatles came up with 'Penny Lane,' and so that was the end of that. It happens quite a lot with my numbers. I work on a theme only to find, as it nears completion, someone else has come up with exactly the same melodic or lyrical idea," said Davies while speaking to NME, as reported by American Songwriter.

Ray Davies Discussed Recording 'Waterloo Sunset'

During a different interview about the 1967 hit song, Davies said he felt comfortable with changing the title of the tune to "Waterloo Sunset" because he's "from London" and "had a few memories of Waterloo," located in Central London, specifically near the river.

In addition, he said that recording the song with his bandmates, including his brother, Dave Davies, now 79, was relatively easy.

"It was all very simple," said the British musician in the interview.

Davies also complimented his brother's guitar skills on the track.

"It's one of the most structured guitar parts my brother, Dave, has ever done on a record. Really great arrangement," said the 81-year-old.

He then said that he believed the band "sounded brilliant" on the song.

"I'm very proud of the Kinks' recording," said Davies.

Ray Davies Spoke About the 'Detached' Lyrics of 'Waterloo Sunset' in 1968

In a 1968 interview, Davies noted that the narrator of "Waterloo Sunset" is a detached observer of the people outside his window. He explained, however, that the detachment is purposeful as the narrator is actually appreciating his surroundings, making him connected.

"It's so detached, it's welded together to everything else, it's detached for a purpose," said Davies during the 1968 interview.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 3:44 PM.