When The Kinks released “Lola” in 1970, they brought something fresh and provocative to the rock landscape. The song’s infectious melody and cleverly subversive lyrics marked it as an instant classic, but what truly set it apart was its willingness to tackle unconventional themes around gender and identity. With its catchy, singable chorus and Ray Davies’ clever storytelling, “Lola” stood out in an era of rock that was increasingly willing to challenge social norms.

The Concept and Inspiration

Ray Davies found the inspiration for “Lola” in a real-life encounter that one of The Kinks’ managers had in a London club. According to Davies, the manager was charmed by a woman on the dance floor, only to realize later that his dance partner was, in fact, a man. This moment sparked the storyline for “Lola,” a tale of attraction, identity, and ambiguity that Davies would shape into one of the band’s most memorable songs.

The lyrics of “Lola” follow the perspective of a young man who meets a glamorous woman in a club, only to discover that she may not fit conventional gender expectations. Davies navigates this unexpected twist with a mix of humor, empathy, and subtle critique, capturing the confusion and fascination of an encounter that defies norms. Lines like “I’m not dumb, but I can’t understand / Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man” reflect both the narrator’s surprise and his growing acceptance, a theme that was groundbreaking in popular music at the time.

In 1970, the social and cultural landscape was shifting, with gender identity and sexual freedom beginning to be discussed more openly in some circles. Yet, mainstream music rarely addressed these topics head-on, especially in a way that embraced rather than ridiculed ambiguity. “Lola” touched on these evolving ideas, inviting listeners to see beyond labels and consider the fluidity of attraction and identity. In doing so, the song captured the spirit of a generation beginning to question rigid social norms, setting “Lola” apart as both a product of its time and a forward-thinking anthem that still resonates today.

Lyric Content and Controversy

The lyrics of “Lola” are woven with subtle references to fluid sexuality and nonconformity, painting a narrative that was both progressive and boundary-pushing for its time. In telling the story of a young man’s encounter with the titular Lola, Ray Davies crafted a song that delves into themes of attraction that transcend traditional gender norms.

Phrases like “I’m glad I’m a man, and so is Lola” hint at a playful ambiguity, while lines such as “she walked like a woman and talked like a man” directly address the surprising revelation that Lola might not be who she appears to be. By blending humor with empathy, Davies created a story that invites listeners to confront—and perhaps accept—an attraction that defies societal expectations.

Controversy

Upon its release, “Lola” was met with a range of reactions. While some listeners embraced its openness and fresh take on gender and sexuality, others were more critical, viewing it as controversial or even subversive. The song sparked conversations in both the press and among fans, many of whom weren’t used to hearing such themes in a mainstream rock song. This progressive message made “Lola” both a groundbreaking hit and a lightning rod for debate, with its lyrics straddling the line between social commentary and catchy rock storytelling.

Adding to the controversy, the BBC temporarily banned “Lola” from its airwaves—not for its themes, but due to a trademarked mention of “Coca-Cola” in the line “where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola.” To meet broadcast standards, Davies was forced to re-record the line, changing “Coca-Cola” to the more generic “cherry cola.” Despite these challenges, the song continued to gain popularity, cementing its place as a bold and enduring classic. The blend of daring lyrical content and unexpected censorship only amplified the mystique of “Lola,” ensuring that it would be a song remembered for both its music and its message.

Recording Process and Musical Composition

“Lola” was recorded in 1970 at Morgan Studios in Willesden, London, a space known for its vibrant rock recordings during that era. Ray Davies, always meticulous about sound, took a hands-on approach to ensure the song captured both the grit and catchiness he envisioned. The production process involved a series of carefully crafted overdubs to bring out the song’s layered sound, and Davies famously re-recorded some parts himself to achieve the right feel.

Musically, “Lola” opens with an unmistakable acoustic guitar riff—a descending chord progression that sets a playful, almost folky tone before the full band kicks in. This riff is the song’s heartbeat, anchoring the track and instantly recognizable from the first few strums. The chord progression is simple yet effective, moving from G to C and D in a way that feels both grounded and catchy. Over this foundation, Dave Davies’ electric guitar adds a subtle but essential layer of energy, giving the song its rock edge while keeping the overall vibe light and approachable.

A key production choice was the song’s prominent bassline, which drives the melody forward and gives it a slightly funky groove. The bass guitar, played by John Dalton, has a bouncy, melodic quality that complements Ray Davies’ vocals perfectly. Additionally, the use of a resonant piano in the chorus adds a hint of drama, lifting the melody at just the right moments to make the chorus pop. Ray’s vocal delivery—alternating between conversational and emphatic—adds to the narrative’s intimacy, drawing listeners into the story as if he’s recounting it firsthand.

Challenges

However, the recording was not without its challenges. In addition to the infamous Coca-Cola lyric change, Ray Davies reportedly had to fly back from a U.S. tour to London just to re-record that one line, a logistical hurdle that added pressure to the production. Despite these difficulties, the band’s commitment to getting the details right paid off, resulting in a song that’s both sonically and thematically rich. The combination of folk-like acoustic elements, rock grooves, and clever production choices created a sound that was distinctly The Kinks and cemented “Lola” as one of their most iconic tracks.

Legacy of “Lola” in The Kinks’ Catalog

“Lola” stands as a defining moment in The Kinks’ legacy, marking a turning point that both revitalized the band’s career and expanded their musical direction. Released at a time when the band was grappling with shifting public tastes and industry pressures, the song became a surprise hit, restoring The Kinks to the charts and solidifying their reputation as innovative storytellers. “Lola” demonstrated that The Kinks could blend provocative themes with mainstream appeal, a balance that would inform their future work as they leaned into more narrative-driven and socially aware songwriting.

In the context of their discography, “Lola” occupies a singular space. It captures both the band’s playful irreverence and their ability to confront social taboos, showcasing a sophistication in songwriting that would influence albums to come, including Muswell Hillbillies and Everybody’s in Show-Biz. The song’s blend of catchy, pop-friendly elements with bold, nuanced storytelling was instrumental in redefining The Kinks’ identity, allowing them to transcend the “British Invasion” label and assert themselves as pioneers in conceptual and thematic rock music.

Beyond The Kinks’ own catalog, “Lola” has left an indelible mark on rock music at large. Its open approach to themes of gender and identity was groundbreaking and has since inspired countless artists to explore complex narratives in their work. Bands like Blur and Oasis, who’ve cited The Kinks as a major influence, have adopted a similar willingness to address social themes with wit and originality. Artists as diverse as David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Morrissey have also drawn from The Kinks’ model of using rock music as a medium for storytelling that challenges norms.