THE KINKS - TILL THE END OF THE DAY / WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD TIMES GONE

Released: November 19, 1965

Charted:  UK: #8  US: #50 

"Till the End of the Day" by the Kinks, written by Ray Davies, was released as a single in 1965 and later included on their album *The Kink Kontroversy*. It features a prominent power chord structure typical of the band's early hits and enjoyed commercial success, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart and number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

During the mid-1960s, The Kinks experienced a rapid rise to fame starting with their hit "You Really Got Me." Notwithstanding their success, the band faced immense pressure from constant touring, recording demands, and promotional activities that strained their cohesion. Ray Davies was also contending with personal challenges—he was newly married and became a father to his daughter Louisa in May 1965. The responsibilities of fatherhood exacerbated his stress, leading to a period of depression. 

Regardless of this turmoil, Davies returned to work and wrote "Till the End of the Day," a seemingly upbeat song intended to project a façade of well-being. Davies later revealed that the song masked his true emotional state, reflecting the tension between his personal life and the demands of maintaining a successful music career. Ray Davies reflected on the meaning behind "Till the End of the Day," describing it as a song about freedom and escape from confinement or oppression. 

"Where Have All the Good Times Gone" was initially written by Ray Davies for the Kinks' fifth studio album. Originally released as the B-side of their single "Till the End of the Day," it later gained prominence after David Bowie covered it for his album “Pin-Ups”. 

"Where Have All the Good Times Gone" was inspired by the nostalgic memories of singing around the piano with his family. Davies aimed to create a song that his father or relatives could relate to, reflecting on the good times they often reminisced about before or during the war. He described the song as having the characteristic hard edge of The Kinks, combined with a reflective and poignant lyric that captures both nostalgia and introspection.

During this time The Kinks were facing significant inner-band tensions, highlighted by incidents like an infamous onstage fight at The Capitol Theatre in Cardiff, Wales. Ray Davies insulted drummer Mick Avory, who responded by striking Davies with a hi-hat, resulting in Davies needing stitches and the band briefly being banned from touring America. These conflicts and their fallout contributed to a tumultuous atmosphere within the band. The album title itself, "The Kink Kontroversy," humorously acknowledges the band's reputation for controversy and tumult, partly due to such incidents.