Oklahoma U.S.A.
Oklahoma U.S.A. is a song written by Ray Davies and performed by British rock band The Kinks on their 1971 LP Muswell Hillbillies.[1]
| "Oklahoma U.S.A." | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Kinks | |
| from the album Muswell Hillbillies | |
| Released | 24 Nov, 1971 (US LP), 26 Nov, 1971 (UK LP) |
| Recorded | Aug-Sep 1971 at Morgan Studios, Willesden, London |
| Length | 2:38 |
| Label | RCA Victor |
| Songwriter(s) | Ray Davies |
| Producer(s) | Ray Davies |
Synopsis
The lyrics describe a young woman who leads a monotonous working class life, and imagines in her dreams she is in various Hollywood films, such as Oklahoma! ("But in her dreams she is far away/ In Oklahoma U.S.A./ With Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae").[2][3] As the song progresses and she goes on with life she continues to dream of Oklahoma and Hollywood ("She walks to work but she's still in a daze/ She's Rita Hayworth or Doris Day/ And Errol Flynn's gonna take her away/ To Oklahoma U.S.A."). The song opens and closes with the lyrics "All life we work, but work is a bore./ If life's for livin', then what's livin' for?"[2][3]
Instrumentation
The piece differs from the other songs on Muswell Hillbillies in the fact that it features a much quieter sound and overall feel. Mick Avory's drums are absent, and the only instruments used are an acoustic guitar, accordion, and keyboards (piano/organ).
Cover versions
Indie rock group Yo La Tengo covered it on their 1990 album Fakebook.[4] Country artist Lauren Adams covered it on her album Secret Heart,[5] and Leigh Harris recorded a version on the album House of Secrets.[6]
References
General
In-Line Citations
- Muswell Hillbillies on Rolling Stone
- Paper On Muswell Hillbillies
- Lyrics
- Amazon.com listing for Fakebook
- Info on "Secret Heart"
- Listing For House of Secrets."