Oklahoma U.S.A. is a song written by Ray Davies and performed by British rock band The Kinks on their 1971 LP Muswell Hillbillies.[1]

"Oklahoma U.S.A."
Song by The Kinks
from the album Muswell Hillbillies
Released24 Nov, 1971 (US LP), 26 Nov, 1971 (UK LP)
RecordedAug–Sep 1971 at Morgan Studios, Willesden, London
Length2:38
LabelRCA Victor
Songwriter(s)Ray Davies
Producer(s)Ray Davies

Synopsis

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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 as Oklahoma! ("But in her dreams she is far away/ In Oklahoma U.S.A./ With Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae").[2][3] As the song progresses and she goes on with life she continues to dream of Oklahoma and Hollywood ("She walks to work but she's still in a daze/ She's Rita Hayworth or Doris Day/ And Errol 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]

Instrumentation

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The piece differs from the other songs on Muswell 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 an acoustic guitar, accordion, and keyboards (piano/organ).

Cover versions

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Indie rock group Yo La Tengo covered it on their 1990 album Fakebook.[4] Country artist Lauren Adams covered it on her album Secret Heart,[5] and Leigh Harris recorded a version on the album House of Secrets.[6]

References

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General

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In-Line Citations

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  1. ^ Muswell Hillbillies on Rolling Stone
  2. ^ a b Paper On Muswell Hillbillies
  3. ^ a b Lyrics
  4. ^ Amazon.com listing for Fakebook
  5. ^ Info on "Secret Heart"
  6. ^ Listing For House of Secrets."