| "Oklahoma U.S.A." | |
|---|---|
| Song byThe Kinks | |
| from the albumMuswell 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 | Ray Davies |
| Producer | Ray Davies |
Oklahoma U.S.A. is a song written byRay Davies and performed byBritish rock bandthe Kinks on their 1971LPMuswell Hillbillies.[1]
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 asOklahoma! ("But in her dreams she is far away/ In Oklahoma U.S.A./ WithShirley Jones andGordon MacRae").[2][3] As the song progresses and she goes on with life she continues to dream of Oklahoma andHollywood ("She walks to work but she's still in a daze/ She'sRita Hayworth orDoris Day/ AndErrol 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]
The piece differs from the other songs onMuswell 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 anacoustic guitar,accordion, andkeyboards (piano/organ).
Indie rock groupYo La Tengo covered it on their1990 albumFakebook.[4] Country artist Lauren Adams covered it on her albumSecret Heart,[5] andLeigh Harris recorded a version on the albumHouse of Secrets.[6]