The Kinks, a cornerstone of the British Invasion alongside The Beatles, carved their unique space in music history during the vibrant ’60s and ’70s. Famed for their distinctly British sound and experimental approach, they gifted the world iconic tracks like “You Really Got Me,” “Sunny Afternoon,” and “All Day and All of the Night.” However, amidst their impressive catalog, one song stands out for its groundbreaking narrative and lasting impact: “Lola.” Often hailed as a folk-rock masterpiece, “Lola” is celebrated for its bold and, at the time, surprising portrayal of a romantic encounter with a transwoman or drag queen. Let’s delve into the story behind “Lola Lola Song Lyrics” and uncover the layers of meaning within this timeless song.
Unpacking the Meaning Behind “Lola Lola Song Lyrics”
Released in 1970, “Lola” swiftly became recognized as a pioneering mainstream song addressing LGBTQ+ themes. The lyrics narrate a memorable night experienced by a man who meets Lola in a Soho club. As the story unfolds, the listener, along with the narrator, comes to understand that Lola is not who they initially seem.
The lyrics themselves are both playful and revealing:
I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like coca cola…
This sets a scene of initial allure and perhaps a slightly deceptive glamour. The famous “coca cola” line itself hints at a substitution, a surface appearance that might not be entirely what it seems. As the song progresses, the narrator’s evolving understanding of Lola’s identity is revealed with a remarkable sense of acceptance:
Well, I’m not the world’s most masculine man
But I know what I am and I’m glad I’m a man
And so is Lola
This lyric is key to understanding the song’s progressive message. Despite initial confusion – Well, I’m not dumb but I can’t understand/ Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man – the overwhelming sentiment in “Lola lola song lyrics” is one of embracing love and experience in whatever form it presents itself. The song champions acceptance and challenges societal norms surrounding gender and sexuality, making it remarkably ahead of its time.
The Real-Life Inspiration for Lola
Who was the real Lola? Ray Davies, The Kinks’ lead singer and songwriter, is credited with penning “Lola.” The inspiration behind the character has been the subject of much speculation. One widely circulated story suggests Lola was inspired by an encounter experienced by The Kinks’ manager, Robert Wace. The tale goes that Wace, during a night out in Paris, was captivated by a beautiful woman, only to later realize she had facial hair.
Ray Davies himself recounted this anecdote in a New York Times interview, explaining, “One of our crew at the time met this beautiful blonde and he took her back to the hotel. In the morning, he saw the stubble growing on her chin. So, he got a surprise!”
However, the reaction to this revelation in the story, much like in the song, was not of shock or rejection, but rather a source of amusement and a further celebration of life’s unexpected twists. Davies emphasized this broader perspective, reflecting on the era’s more fluid attitudes towards gender expression. “We used to dress up and have parties at home,” Davies shared. “Men dressed as women. My dad, who is the most macho man you could imagine, used to put on a wig occasionally and dance around and make a fool of himself, which I encouraged. It’s part of the musical hall culture we have over here. It’s more accepted in London.”
Davies also indicated that he undertook research into drag queen culture while writing “Lola lola song lyrics,” demonstrating a conscious effort to authentically represent and understand the experiences he was depicting. “When I write songs, I put myself in the part,” he stated. “In ‘Sunny Afternoon’ I wanted to know who this broken-down aristocrat was, and I became him. In Lola’s journey, I did a bit of research with drag queens.” He concluded with an affirming statement: “I admire anyone who can get up and be what they want to be.”
Ultimately, the specific identity of Lola – whether a transwoman, a drag queen, or someone else entirely – is left open to interpretation. What remains central is the song’s message of acceptance and celebrating individual expression. “Lola” is about embracing people for who they are and enjoying the moment, regardless of societal expectations.
The “Coca-Cola” Controversy
Beyond its groundbreaking themes of gender identity, “Lola” also sparked controversy for a seemingly less contentious reason: a mention of “Coca-Cola” in the original lyrics. In 1970, BBC Radio famously banned “Lola” due to the lyric “where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola.” This was deemed a violation of the BBC’s policy against product placement.
Responding to the ban, Davies cleverly altered the lyric to “cherry cola” for British radio broadcasts. This quick adaptation ensured the song’s airplay while maintaining its essence. The incident underscores the song’s impact and the lengths taken to ensure its reach, proving that even lyrical changes were a small price to pay for Lola’s story to be heard.
In conclusion, “Lola” by The Kinks transcends being just a catchy tune. Examining “lola lola song lyrics” reveals a song that is both a narrative of personal discovery and a powerful statement about acceptance and identity. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless message of embracing individuality and finding joy in unexpected connections, making it a vital and relevant song even today.
