Shangri-La (The Kinks song)

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“Shangri-La”
Single by The Kinks from the album Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
B-side	"This Man He Weeps Tonight" (R. Davies)
Released	12 September 1969 (UK)
Format	7" vinyl
Recorded	May-June 1969 at Pye Studios (No. 2), London
Label	Pye 7N 17812 (UK)
Writer(s)	Ray Davies
Producer	Ray Davies
The Kinks singles chronology
"Drivin'" (1969) "Shangri-La" (1969) "The Virgin Soldier March" (1969)

"Shangri-La" is a song written by Ray Davies of The Kinks. The song appeared on the 1969 concept album, Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire).

The song describes a man named Arthur, the title character from the album. Arthur lives in a house which is called, somewhat sarcastically, a Shangri-La. In the beginning of the song, the Shangri-La appears to be a true paradise but, as the song continues, it becomes clear that Arthur's house is as much of a prison as it is a haven.

The song itself is eclectic in musical sounds. It begins quietly, with Ray singing quietly over the finger-picking of an acoustic guitar. After one verse, the tension builds as brass instruments subtly add to the soundscape. Then, the finger picking becomes faster, and harpsichord as well as drums come into play, as Ray's brother Dave joins in on harmony vocals. Then the climactic and eponymous chorus comes, charging from F to A, recalling the Spector-like wall of sound productions of the earlier decade, but with the thick and heavy tones of their contemporaries. After another verse/chorus, the fast-paced rock 'middle-eight' arrives, sandwiched between the beginning and end soft rock verses. Dave Davies claimed this is his favorite song by his brother Ray.

The song is featured in a UK advert about reducing your carbon footprint.