The Kinks stand as titans of the British Invasion, rivaling even The Beatles in their cultural impact throughout the 1960s and 70s. Famed for anthems such as “You Really Got Me,” “Sunny Afternoon,” and “All Day and All of the Night,” this quartet, fronted by the brothers Ray and Dave Davies alongside Pete Quaife and Mick Avory, carved a unique niche by weaving their distinct English identity into their music. This embrace of their heritage, combined with a spirit of musical exploration, set them apart in an era where Americanizing one’s sound was often perceived as crucial for success in the United States. The Kinks’ innovative approach resonated deeply, influencing generations of musicians from The Clash and Blondie to Van Halen and beyond.
Yet, amidst their celebrated discography, one song often rises to the top in discussions and analyses: “Lola.” This track, released in 1970, is not only considered a cornerstone of folk-rock but is also particularly noteworthy for its groundbreaking narrative centered around a transwoman or drag queen. Let’s delve into the story woven within the Song Lyrics Lola By The Kinks and uncover the layers of meaning embedded in this iconic song.
Unveiling the Meaning Behind “Lola”s Lyrics
“Lola” has rightfully earned its place as a pioneering and commercially successful song exploring LGBTQ+ themes. Released at a time when such topics were rarely discussed openly in mainstream music, the song lyrics lola by the kinks tell the tale of a man’s unexpected encounter in the vibrant nightlife of Soho. The narrative unfolds as he describes meeting Lola in a club, initially captivated by her charm and allure. However, as the night progresses, the narrator experiences a moment of revelation regarding Lola’s gender identity.
The lyrics poignantly capture this unfolding realization:
I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like coca cola…
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
What truly distinguishes “Lola” is its overriding tone of acceptance and even celebration. Despite the narrator’s initial bewilderment—expressed in the line Well, I’m not dumb but I can’t understand/ Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man—the song ultimately champions love and connection in all its forms. The song lyrics lola by the kinks transcend mere storytelling; they advocate for embracing experiences and relationships that defy conventional norms.
The Enigmatic Figure of Lola: Inspiration and Interpretation
The question of Lola’s real-life inspiration has fueled much speculation since the song’s release. Ray Davies, The Kinks’ lead singer and songwriter, is credited with penning “Lola,” and various anecdotes have emerged regarding the muse behind this character. One widely circulated story attributes Lola’s genesis to an experience of The Kinks’ manager, Robert Wace. Reportedly, Wace had a Parisian encounter where he was charmed by a woman he met in a club, only to later discover she had facial hair.
Davies himself recounted this story in a New York Times interview, stating, “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, true to the song’s spirit, this revelation was met not with shock or negativity but rather as a curious and perhaps even humorous aspect of the encounter.
Adding another layer to Lola’s identity, Davies also mentioned researching drag queens during the songwriting process. “When I write songs, I put myself in the part,” he explained. “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.” This exploration suggests that Lola is not based on one single individual but rather a composite figure, embodying aspects of drag culture and gender fluidity that Davies encountered and sought to understand.
The song lyrics lola by the kinks deliberately maintain an ambiguity around Lola’s precise identity—whether she is a transwoman, a drag queen, or simply a gender-nonconforming individual. This ambiguity is arguably intentional, broadening the song’s appeal and allowing listeners to interpret Lola in ways that resonate with their own understanding of gender and identity. As Davies himself concluded, “I admire anyone who can get up and be what they want to be.” Ultimately, “Lola” celebrates self-expression and the freedom to exist authentically, regardless of societal expectations.
Controversy Beyond Gender: The “Coca-Cola” Incident
Beyond its progressive themes of gender and sexuality, “Lola” also stirred controversy for a seemingly unrelated reason: a product placement mention. Upon its 1970 release, BBC Radio famously banned “Lola” due to the original lyric referencing “Coca-Cola.” This ban stemmed from the BBC’s strict policy against product placement in broadcasting. To circumvent the ban and ensure airplay on British radio, Davies cleverly altered the lyric to “cherry cola.”
This seemingly minor lyrical change underscores the lengths to which Davies and The Kinks were willing to go to ensure their music reached a wide audience. It also highlights the subtle rebelliousness inherent in “Lola.” Even as the song lyrics lola by the kinks pushed boundaries in their exploration of gender identity, the band also playfully challenged broadcasting norms and commercial sensitivities.
In conclusion, “Lola” by The Kinks remains a landmark song for its musical innovation and its lyrical bravery. The song lyrics lola by the kinks not only tell a compelling story but also offer a message of acceptance, understanding, and the celebration of individuality. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to be both a catchy rock song and a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
