The Kinks

Lola

Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)

"Lola" is a classic song by British rock band The Kinks, written by Ray Davies and released in June 1970 as the lead single from their album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One. The song is renowned for its catchy melody, distinctive riff, and its then-controversial, now-celebrated narrative about a romantic encounter in a Soho club123.

Musical Style and Composition

• Genre: Pop rock, folk rock
• Length: Approx. 4:03
• Instrumentation: Features a memorable acoustic guitar riff, resonator guitar, and piano
• Songwriters: Ray Davies
• Production: Ray Davies
• Distinctive Features:
  • The song begins with a striking acoustic guitar intro, layered for a resonant, growling sound
  • Alternates between raucous and gentle vocal deliveries, matching the story’s humor and ambiguity

Lyrics and Themes

• The lyrics recount a young man’s night out in London’s Soho, where he meets Lola, a glamorous and confident figure who "walked like a woman but talked like a man."
• The narrative explores themes of gender identity, sexual ambiguity, and acceptance, delivered with wit and empathy.
• The chorus—"L-O-L-A, Lola"—is among the most recognizable in rock history.
• The song’s story was inspired by real-life events involving the band and their manager, as well as Ray Davies’s own experiences.

"Girls will be boys and boys will be girls / It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world, except for Lola"

Release and Reception

• Release Date: June 12, 1970 (UK)
• Album: Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One
• Chart Performance:
  • #2 on the UK Singles Chart
  • #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100
  • #1 in Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Netherlands
• Critical Acclaim:
  • Widely praised for its storytelling and musical innovation
  • Ranked #386 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" (2021)
  • Noted as a "blatant gay-rock ballad" and celebrated for its subversive, accepting message

Cultural Impact

• "Lola" became one of The Kinks’ most popular and enduring songs, featured in numerous compilations and live albums.
• The BBC initially required the lyric "Coca-Cola" to be changed to "cherry cola" for radio play due to advertising rules—a fact that has become part of the song’s lore.
• The character of Lola reappears in later Kinks songs, notably "Destroyer" (1981).
• The song has been covered, referenced, and parodied widely, including by "Weird Al" Yankovic ("Yoda").

Track Information

Legacy

"Lola" is celebrated for its bold subject matter, infectious melody, and narrative wit. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and a touchstone in discussions of gender and pop culture, exemplifying The Kinks’ ability to blend humor, empathy, and musical craft into a timeless anthem13.