The Kinks’ ‘Come Dancing’ – The 1983 Nostalgic Hit That Revived Their Career and Captured a Bygone Era
By the early 1980s, The Kinks had already cemented their status as one of the most influential rock bands in history. Known for their sharp storytelling and uniquely British perspective, they had spent the previous two decades crafting some of the most memorable and socially observant songs in rock music. But in 1983, when Come Dancing was released, it became an unexpected late-career hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. More than just a commercial success, the song served as a touching tribute to a bygone era and brought The Kinks back into the mainstream after years of being seen as cult icons rather than hitmakers.
The Kinks were formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in the early 1960s, led by Ray Davies and his younger brother Dave Davies. While their early years were defined by rough-edged rock and roll hits like You Really Got Me and All Day and All of the Night, they quickly evolved into one of the most literate and observational bands of their time. Ray Davies, in particular, developed a reputation as a songwriter who could turn everyday life into something poetic, finding beauty in the mundane and nostalgia in the ordinary. This ability was on full display in Come Dancing, a song that blended sentimental storytelling with an irresistible, danceable beat.
The inspiration for Come Dancing was deeply personal to Ray Davies. The song was written as a tribute to his older sister Rene, who had passed away at the young age of 31 due to a heart attack while out dancing. Rene had bought Ray his first guitar as a gift, an act of kindness that ultimately changed the trajectory of his life. The lyrics reflect this deep personal connection, telling the story of young men and women gathering at dance halls in post-war Britain, a time when social dancing was one of the most popular forms of entertainment. The title phrase, Come dancing, was something Rene often said to Ray in his youth, making the song a direct homage to her memory.
Despite its sentimental origins, Come Dancing was an upbeat, almost whimsical track that stood in contrast to much of The Kinks’ past work. The song featured a lively, big-band-inspired arrangement, complete with horn sections, a bouncing piano line, and a playful rhythm reminiscent of 1950s rock and roll. Produced by Ray Davies himself, the track captured the nostalgic energy of the dance halls while still feeling fresh and contemporary for 1983 audiences. Unlike the band’s earlier, grittier recordings, Come Dancing had a polished production that fit seamlessly into the sound of the decade.
When Come Dancing was first released, it was met with mixed expectations. Some longtime fans were skeptical of the band’s embrace of a more pop-oriented sound, but radio programmers and casual listeners latched onto the song almost immediately. In the United States, where The Kinks had struggled to maintain mainstream success since the early 1970s, Come Dancing became a surprise top-ten hit, marking their highest-charting song since Tired of Waiting for You nearly two decades earlier. It also became one of their most played songs on MTV, as the accompanying music video—a charming, narrative-driven clip set in a vintage dance hall—was in heavy rotation.
Beyond its chart success, Come Dancing had a profound cultural impact. It resonated deeply with listeners who had lived through the era it described, bringing back memories of dance halls and simpler times before television and rock concerts became the primary forms of entertainment. But even younger listeners, unfamiliar with that world, were drawn to the song’s universal theme of nostalgia—the idea that every generation has its own golden era, one that inevitably fades into memory.
For The Kinks, the success of Come Dancing rejuvenated their career. It introduced them to a new audience that had largely missed their earlier hits and proved that they were still capable of writing songs that could connect with the masses. The track’s popularity also helped their album, State of Confusion, perform well commercially, leading to a resurgence in interest in their back catalog. While many of their peers from the 1960s struggled to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the 1980s, The Kinks managed to evolve without losing their identity.
The song’s influence extended beyond The Kinks’ career, inspiring later artists who sought to capture the same kind of nostalgic storytelling. British bands like Blur and Pulp, known for their ability to blend past and present in their music, owe some of their lyrical approach to Ray Davies’ ability to craft deeply personal yet widely relatable narratives. Even outside of rock, Come Dancing became a favorite among fans of pop and easy listening, proving that great songwriting could transcend genre boundaries.
Over the years, Come Dancing has remained one of The Kinks’ most beloved songs, frequently appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its message of longing for the past has made it a timeless classic, one that still resonates with listeners decades after its release. Cover versions of the song have been recorded by various artists, though none have matched the magic of The Kinks’ original, which remains the definitive version.
When looking back at the song’s release, it also stands as a testament to the power of personal storytelling in music. While many rock songs from the era focused on rebellion or love, Come Dancing was unique in its ability to capture something more fleeting—the passage of time, the loss of tradition, and the bittersweet realization that things can never be as they once were. This theme, universal and deeply human, is what has allowed the song to endure for so long.
In the years following Come Dancing, The Kinks would continue to release music and tour, but the song remains one of their last major commercial hits. It proved that, even after two decades in the industry, they could still write songs that captured the public’s imagination. It also solidified Ray Davies’ legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, capable of turning personal memories into songs that spoke to millions.
Today, Come Dancing continues to be a staple of The Kinks’ catalog, frequently played on classic rock radio and featured in retrospectives of their career. Whether listeners relate to its direct depiction of the dance hall days or simply appreciate its nostalgic tone, it remains a powerful reminder that music is one of the most enduring ways we keep our memories alive. In the end, the song is more than just a hit—it is a heartfelt tribute to the past, to family, and to the simple joys that shape our lives, even if only for a moment.
