About the song Lola – The Kinks
“Lola” is an iconic song by the English rock band The Kinks, written by frontman Ray Davies for their 1970 album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One”. The song delves into the tale of a romantic encounter between a young man and a mysterious woman, Lola, whom he meets in a club in Soho, London. The song’s lyrics and themes have garnered significant attention and discussion, making it a landmark piece in the realm of gender identity and expression.
Unveiling the Lyrics and Their Interpretation
The song opens with the narrator describing his captivating encounter with Lola, a woman he met in a bustling club. He is instantly captivated by her alluring presence, describing her as “beautiful,” “glamorous,” and “exotic.” However, as the night progresses, the narrator’s perception of Lola begins to shift. He notices subtle clues that hint at her true identity, including a faint beard and a deep, masculine voice.
The narrator’s initial attraction to Lola is juxtaposed with his growing confusion and intrigue. He grapples with the question of her identity, wondering whether she is a man or a woman. Unable to find a definitive answer, he confronts Lola directly, asking her, “Are you a boy or a girl?”
Lola’s response, “I’m just a girl who’s trying to have some fun,” leaves the narrator with even more questions than before. Her enigmatic answer adds to the song’s allure, leaving the listener to ponder the depths of Lola’s character and the true nature of their encounter.
As the song concludes, the narrator remains uncertain about Lola’s true identity. However, he has come to accept her for who she is, no longer swayed by the ambiguity surrounding her. He has embraced the mystery and complexity of Lola’s persona, recognizing her individuality and the unique essence she brings to their interaction.
Themes and Significance
“Lola” stands as a groundbreaking song that challenged societal norms and preconceptions regarding gender identity. Released in 1970, a time when transgender and cross-dressing individuals faced marginalization and misunderstanding, “Lola” dared to bring these issues to the forefront of popular culture.
The song’s significance lies in its ability to humanize and normalize the experiences of individuals whose gender identities may not conform to societal expectations. It encourages empathy and understanding, challenging listeners to question their own assumptions and biases.
Additional Notes
- The song was initially titled “Coca-Cola” but underwent a last-minute name change to “Lola” before its release.
- “Lola” achieved commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song’s popularity has led to numerous covers by renowned artists, including David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Marianne Faithfull.
- “Lola” made a memorable appearance in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman,” adding to its enduring legacy.
“Lola” by The Kinks continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, transcending the boundaries of time and genre. Its captivating melody, insightful lyrics, and exploration of gender identity have cemented its place as a timeless classic and a significant contribution to the world of music.
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Lola – The Kinks Lyrics
I met her in a club down in old SohoWhere you drink champagne and it tastes just like coca colaC-O-L-A, ColaShe walked up to me and she asked me to danceI asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said LolaL-O-L-A, LolaLa-la-la-la LolaWell, I’m not the world’s most physical guyBut when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spineOh my LolaLa-la-la-la LolaWell, I’m not dumb but I can’t understandWhy she walked like a woman but talked like a manOh my LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaWell, we drank champagne and danced all nightUnder electric candlelightShe picked me up and sat me on her kneeAnd said “Dear boy, won’t you come home with me?”Well, I’m not the world’s most passionate guyBut when I looked in her eyes, well I almost fell for my LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaI pushed her awayI walked to the doorI fell to the floorI got down on my kneesThen I looked at her and she at meWell, that’s the way that I want it to stayAnd I always want it to be that way for my LolaLa-la-la-la LolaGirls will be boys and boys will be girlsIt’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world, except for LolaLa-la-la-la LolaWell, I left home just a week beforeAnd I’d never ever kissed a woman beforeBut Lola smiled and took me by the handAnd said “Dear boy, I’m gonna make you a man”Well, I’m not the world’s most masculine manBut I know what I am and I’m glad I’m a manAnd so is LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola