How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

Initially called “Liverpool Sunset”, but changed to Waterloo Sunset after the Beatles released Penny Lane, their Liverpool stomping ground.

A very personal song by Ray Davies; per his brother Dave – “it was like an extract from a diary nobody was allowed to read”.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did The Kinks say about "Waterloo Sunset"?
Genius Answer

Ray and Dave Davies recall the song’s evolution –

We started ad-libbing vocal parts around the chorus (Dave).
Until [the song] became like a pebble which had been rounded off by the sea … perfectly smooth. I was embarrassed by how personal [the lyrics] were.It was like an extract from a diary nobody was allowed to read (Ray).

Comments