Released 22 November 1968 Genre Folk rock, calypso Writer(s) Ray Davies | Recorded Spring 1968 Length 2:13 | |
Label Pye (UK),
Reprise (US),
Sanctuary (2004 Reissue) | ||
"Monica" is a song by English rock band The Kinks, appearing on their 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. The song was written by the band's main songwriter, Ray Davies.
Contents
Lyrics and music
In the lyrics of "Monica", the singer praises his love Monica, the village prostitute. He says that he "shall die" without Monica, and that "people may try, but they can't buy Monica, [his] love." Ray Davies said of the song, "I like the way I did 'Monica.' I didn't actually say she was a prostitute .... if you say somebody is a prostitute or a hooker you're restricted."
"Monica" has a calypso style, one that had previously appeared in songs such as "I'm on an Island" from The Kink Kontroversy and their 1970s singles "Apeman" and "Supersonic Rocket Ship".
BBC versions
"Monica" was recorded for the BBC twice (on July 1 and July 9 of 1968), despite its suggestive lyrics. "It's about a prostitute and the BBC has played it," Ray Davies said to Melody Maker around the time of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. The key differences between the studio version and these performances is a non-fadeout ending and a bass fluff by Pete Quaife. The second performance was released on the album BBC Sessions 1964-1977.
Release and reception
From the beginning, Ray Davies was insistent in adding "Monica" to The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, as the song appeared in both the 12-track and 15-track versions of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society as well as the intended but scrapped U.S. album Four More Respected Gentlemen. It was not released as a single.