About the song
“Lola” by The Kinks is one of the band’s most iconic songs, known for its catchy melody and bold, narrative lyrics. Released in 1970, the song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Ray Davies. It appeared on their album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One,” which was a critical and commercial success.
The song tells the story of a young man’s encounter with a person named Lola in a club in Soho, London. The twist in the narrative reveals that Lola is actually a man, exploring themes of gender identity and fluidity with a mix of humor and empathy. The line “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” captures the song’s playful yet profound approach to these themes.
“Lola” marked a significant point in The Kinks’ career. It was a major hit, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song’s success helped revitalize the band’s commercial fortunes, establishing them as enduring figures in the rock music landscape.
The track’s instrumentation is another highlight, featuring Davies’ distinctive vocals and guitar work, along with his brother Dave Davies on lead guitar. The song’s intro, with its memorable acoustic guitar riff, instantly grabs the listener’s attention. The blend of rock and folk influences, combined with the band’s knack for storytelling, makes “Lola” a standout track in their discography.
“Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One” is an album that satirizes the music industry and reflects the band’s struggles and triumphs within it. “Lola,” as one of the album’s lead singles, encapsulates the spirit of rebellion and wit that characterizes much of The Kinks’ work.
Over the years, “Lola” has been covered by various artists and remains a staple in The Kinks’ live performances. Its lasting appeal lies in its infectious melody, clever lyrics, and the boldness with which it tackles social issues. The song continues to resonate with audiences, old and new, for its timeless charm and the progressive message it subtly conveys.
In summary, “Lola” by The Kinks is a classic song that combines engaging storytelling with musical brilliance. It not only solidified The Kinks’ place in rock history but also opened up conversations about identity and acceptance, all wrapped in a tune that remains as delightful and relevant today as it was in 1970.
Video
Lyrics
I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola
C-O-L-A, Cola
She walked up to me and she asked me to dance
I asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said, “Lola”
L-O-L-A, Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Well, I’m not the world’s most physical guy
But when she squeezed me tight, she nearly broke my spine
Oh, my Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Well, I’m not dumb, but I can’t understand
Why she walks like a woman and talks like a man
Oh, my Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Well, we drank champagne and danced all night
Under electric candlelight
She picked me up and sat me on her knee
She said, “Little boy, won’t you come home with me?”
Well, I’m not the world’s most passionate guy
But when I looked in her eyes, well, I almost fell for my Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
I pushed her away
I walked to the door
I fell to the floor
I got down on my knees
Well, I looked at her, and she at me
Well, that’s the way that I want it to stay
And I always want it to be that way for my Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Girls will be boys and boys will be girls
It’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world
Except for Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Well, I’d left home just a week before
And I’d never, ever kissed a woman before
Lola smiled and took me by the hand
She said, “Little boy, gonna make you a man”
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
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
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Lola