Preservation (song)
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| "Preservation" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by The Kinks | ||||
| B-side | "Salvation Road" (US) | |||
| Released | 1974 (US) | |||
| Recorded | 1973–1974 | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Length | 3:37 | |||
| Label | RCA PB-10121 | |||
| Songwriter | Ray Davies | |||
| Producer | Ray Davies | |||
| The Kinks singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Preservation" is a non-album single written by Ray Davies and performed by the Kinks in 1974. Although it was related to the two Preservation albums lyrically, it did not appear on either album until it was added to the CD reissue of Preservation Act 1.
The lyrics of "Preservation" basically sum up the plot of the two Preservation albums. It describes how "once upon a time in a faraway land, lived a villain called Flash, he was such a wicked man", who "terrorized the people ... broke arms and crushed hands ... ruled with a fist and ... purchased all the land". However, under Flash, the "people were scared" and "they didn't know where to turn." They soon realized that Flash only did what he did for money and "for his own preservation". Now, because Flash broke his promise, "he's got to pay for his crimes and his lies and his evil ways." Unfortunately, the problems for the people will continue, as "it's gonna get rough" in the "story of self preservation".
Musically, the track opens with a guitar riff. "Preservation" also features Ray Davies on vocals, and the track has a rock style. Female backing vocalist appear at the very end of the track.
