You Really Got Me

Experience the explosive arrival of Van Halen with their iconic 1978 hard rock cover of "You Really Got Me"! Their debut single, this supercharged take on The Kinks' classic hit redefined rock guitar. Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary playing announced a new guitar hero to the world.

Released as the lead single from Van Halen's groundbreaking self-titled 1978 debut album, their version of "You Really Got Me" became a major hit. Infusing the original 60s garage rock tune with heavy guitars, dive bombs, virtuosic solos, and David Lee Roth's swagger, they created a hard rock benchmark.

Driven by Eddie Van Halen's legendary "brown sound" guitar tone and a powerful rhythm section, Van Halen's 1978 cover remains a definitive hard rock statement. Its raw energy and groundbreaking guitar work perfectly introduced the band's revolutionary sound and lasting impact on rock music.

SONG MEANING: Originally by The Kinks, the lyrics express an overwhelming, almost disorienting infatuation with someone. The singer declares how intensely captivated they are ("Girl, you really got me goin' / You got me so I don't know what I'm doin'"), emphasizing the powerful, all-consuming effect the person has on them.