The Kinks, an influential rock band formed in England in 1964, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for their innovative approach and unique sound, they have inspired countless musicians and continue to be celebrated for their contribution to rock music.
One of their most iconic and enduring songs is “Lola,” a track that stands out for its catchy melody, intriguing lyrics, and the controversies it sparked.
“Lola” was released as a single in June 1970 and quickly became a massive hit. The song was featured on the album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One,” which explored themes of the music industry’s power dynamics.
Upon its release, “Lola” not only climbed the charts, reaching number 2 in the UK and number 9 in the US but also sparked conversations due to its narrative content.
This introduction aims to delve into the meaning behind the lyrics of “Lola,” exploring its creation, impact, and the discussions it continues to inspire.
Background of “Lola”
“Lola” is a song written by Ray Davies and performed by the English rock band, The Kinks. It was featured on their 1970 album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One”.
The song tells the story of a man who meets a woman named Lola in a club, who turns out to be a transgender woman or possibly a cross-dresser. This twist made the song quite controversial for its time.
The inspiration behind “Lola” has a somewhat light-hearted origin. Ray Davies, the song’s writer, initially created the catchy two-syllable chorus as a nursery rhyme for his baby daughter. However, as the song evolved, it took on a more progressive narrative, making it one of the first popular songs to openly discuss a transgender subject.
An interesting anecdote related to the making of “Lola” is that Ray Davies had to make a remarkable 6,000-mile trip just to re-record one line in the song. The original lyrics mentioned a brand name soft drink, which led to concerns about potential trademark issues.
To avoid this, Davies flew from the United States to England to change the lyric to “cherry cola,” ensuring the song could be played on the radio.
“Lola” is more than just a humorous tale of gender confusion. It’s part of a concept album that discusses the power dynamics within the music industry. Despite the controversy it stirred upon its release, “Lola” became a hit and remains one of The Kinks’ most iconic songs.
Line-by-line Analysis of Lyrics
“Lola” is a narrative song, and its lyrics tell a story that unfolds in a series of verses. Here’s a breakdown of the lyrics:
Verse 1: “I met her in a club down in old Soho / Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola” Here, the protagonist meets Lola for the first time in a club in Soho, a district in London known for its vibrant nightlife. The mention of champagne tasting like Coca-Cola could be a metaphor for things not being as they seem.
Chorus: “L-O-L-A Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola” The chorus is catchy and simple, repeating Lola’s name, which adds an air of mystery and intrigue around the character.
Verse 2: “Well I’m not the world’s most physical guy / But when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine” In this verse, the protagonist expresses surprise at Lola’s physical strength, again hinting at the twist to come.
Verse 3: “Well I’m not dumb but I can’t understand / Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man” This is where the protagonist starts to realize that Lola might not be the woman he initially thought she was. This line was quite controversial at the time, as it openly discussed gender fluidity, a topic not commonly addressed in popular music in the 1970s.
Verse 4: “Well we drank champagne and danced all night / Under electric candlelight / She picked me up and sat me on her knee / And said, dear boy, won’t you come home with me?” The protagonist continues to describe their night together, with Lola taking on traditionally masculine roles, like picking him up and inviting him home.
Verse 5: “Well I’m not the world’s most passionate guy / But when I looked in her eyes, well I almost fell for my Lola” Despite his confusion, the protagonist finds himself attracted to Lola. This verse speaks to the complexity of human sexuality and attraction.
Verse 6: “I pushed her away / I walked to the door / I fell to the floor / I got down on my knees / Then I looked at her, and she at me” The protagonist struggles with his feelings for Lola, but the connection between them is undeniable. This could be seen as a commentary on societal norms and the pressure to conform.
Overall, “Lola” is a song that challenges traditional gender roles and explores themes of identity and attraction. Its bold lyrics and catchy tune helped it become a classic, despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy it stirred.
Controversies and Interpretations
“Lola” sparked considerable controversy upon its release due to its subject matter. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is attracted to a person named Lola, who turns out to be a transgender woman or possibly a cross-dresser.
In the early 1970s, such themes were not commonly addressed in popular music, making “Lola” a groundbreaking and somewhat controversial song for its time.
Some interpreted the song as a humorous tale of mistaken identity, while others saw it as a progressive exploration of gender fluidity and sexual attraction. The differing interpretations and debates around the song’s lyrics have only added to its appeal and longevity.
The song also faced controversy due to a line mentioning a specific brand of soft drink. This led to concerns about potential trademark issues, prompting Ray Davies to fly across the Atlantic to re-record the line with the generic term “cherry cola” instead.
Despite the controversies, or perhaps because of them, “Lola” has endured as one of The Kinks’ most popular and influential songs. It challenged societal norms at the time of its release and continues to do so today, inspiring discussions about identity, sexuality, and acceptance. The song’s ability to provoke such conversations is a testament to its power and relevance, contributing significantly to its legacy.
Impact and Legacy of “Lola”
“Lola” was well received by critics and audiences alike, despite its controversial subject matter. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on the British singles chart and breaking into the Top 10 in the United States [^1^]. It also reached No. 1 in five other countries[^1^].
However, “Lola” and the album it was featured on, “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One,” initially went unnoticed in the UK and failed to chart[^2^]. Over time though, both the song and the album have been recognized for their innovation and cultural impact.
The song was banned by the BBC over the use of a single word – the brand name of a soft drink. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, “Lola” became one of The Kinks’ most iconic songs, helping to solidify their place in rock history.
“Lola” is often praised for its sympathetic and non-judgmental portrayal of a transgender woman, which was quite progressive for its time. This has helped the song remain relevant and impactful, even decades after its initial release.
The song’s success had a significant impact on The Kinks’ career. It not only boosted their popularity but also established them as a band willing to push boundaries and tackle unconventional topics. Ray Davies, the song’s writer, has spoken about “Lola” in many interviews, reflecting on its legacy and the role it played in The Kinks’ career.
Lola” has also been covered by numerous artists over the years and referenced in various forms of media, further cementing its status as a classic rock anthem.
Sources: [^1^]: New York Times [^2^]: Wikipedia
Conclusion
“Lola” by The Kinks is a unique song that pushed the boundaries of popular music when it was released in 1970. Its lyrics tell the story of a man who meets and becomes attracted to Lola, a character who is revealed to be a transgender woman or possibly a cross-dresser. This subject matter was not commonly addressed in popular music at the time, making “Lola” both groundbreaking and controversial.
The song sparked considerable debate, with different interpretations ranging from viewing it as a humorous tale of mistaken identity to a progressive exploration of gender fluidity and sexual attraction. Despite (or perhaps because of) the controversies, the song quickly climbed the charts and became one of The Kinks’ most popular songs, helping to solidify their place in rock history.
Over the years, “Lola” has been praised for its sympathetic and non-judgmental portrayal of a transgender woman, which remains relevant even today. It’s also been covered by numerous artists and referenced in various forms of media, contributing to its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
In conclusion, “Lola” is more than just a catchy rock anthem. It’s a song that challenged societal norms, sparked important conversations, and continues to resonate with audiences today. Its bold lyrics, catchy tune, and progressive themes have helped it stand the test of time, making it a significant part of The Kinks’ legacy and an important milestone in the history of popular music.
FAQs
1. Q: What is the song “Lola” by The Kinks about?
A: The song “Lola” tells the story of a man who becomes attracted to Lola, a person who is revealed to be a transgender woman or possibly a cross-dresser. This was a groundbreaking and somewhat controversial theme in the early 1970s.
2. Q: Why was “Lola” considered controversial when it was released?
A: “Lola” was controversial because it openly addressed themes of gender fluidity and sexual attraction that were not commonly explored in popular music at the time. Additionally, the song faced controversy due to a line mentioning a specific brand of soft drink, leading to concerns about potential trademark issues.
3. Q: How have interpretations of “Lola” contributed to its legacy?
A: The differing interpretations and debates around the song’s lyrics have added to its appeal and longevity. Some see it as a humorous tale of mistaken identity, while others view it as a progressive exploration of gender fluidity and sexual attraction. These discussions have helped the song remain relevant and impactful over the years.
4. Q: Has “Lola” been covered by other artists?
A: Yes, “Lola” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further contributing to its status as a classic rock anthem.
5. Q: How did “Lola” impact The Kinks’ career?
A: The success of “Lola” boosted The Kinks’ popularity and established them as a band willing to push boundaries and tackle unconventional topics. The song has played a significant role in their career and continues to be one of their most iconic songs.
