“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
The first time I heard “Lola” by The Kinks, I was captivated by its infectious melody and the daring story it told. It was a track that my parents often played, recounting the boldness of the 1970s rock scene. The song, with its catchy riff and unique narrative, left an indelible mark on me, showcasing the power of music to challenge social norms and tell compelling stories.
About The Composition
- Title: Lola
- Composer: Ray Davies
- Premiere Date: 12 June 1970
- Album/Opus/Collection: Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One
- Genre: Rock
Background
“Lola” was written by Ray Davies, frontman of The Kinks, and was released as a single in June 1970. It features on their album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One.” The song was inspired by an incident involving the band’s manager and explores themes of gender identity and social norms. At its release, “Lola” was both a commercial hit and a topic of controversy due to its bold lyrics. Despite, or perhaps because of, its provocative nature, the song quickly became a staple in The Kinks’ catalog and a beloved classic.
Musical Style
Musically, “Lola” is built around a memorable acoustic guitar riff that sets the stage for the song’s narrative. The track incorporates elements typical of rock music, including electric guitar, bass, and drums, creating a robust and engaging sound. Ray Davies’ vocal performance is both distinctive and expressive, bringing the story to life with a touch of humor and empathy. The song’s simple yet effective structure, combined with its dynamic arrangement, makes it both catchy and memorable.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Lola” are what truly set it apart. The song tells the story of a young man who meets Lola in a club and, despite initial confusion, finds himself attracted to her. The line “I’m not dumb but I can’t understand why she walked like a woman but talked like a man” encapsulates the song’s exploration of gender identity. The narrative is delivered with a mix of humor and sincerity, making it a poignant yet accessible commentary on social perceptions of gender.
Performance History
“Lola” has enjoyed a long performance history, becoming a mainstay in The Kinks’ live shows. It has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song. Notable performances often highlight the song’s energetic and engaging nature, ensuring its continued popularity with audiences around the world.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of “Lola” extends far beyond its initial release. It has appeared in various films, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring that its catchy riff and compelling story remain familiar to new audiences. The song’s candid exploration of gender themes was groundbreaking at the time and continues to influence discussions about gender identity and representation in music and media.
Legacy
“Lola” stands as a powerful example of The Kinks’ influence on rock music and their willingness to push boundaries. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of musical craftsmanship and daring storytelling. The song remains relevant today, continuing to resonate with listeners and inspire artists who seek to address complex social issues through their music.
Conclusion
“Lola” by The Kinks is more than just a rock song; it’s a piece of cultural history that continues to captivate and inspire. Its catchy tune and bold narrative make it a standout track that deserves to be heard and appreciated. I recommend listening to the original recording to fully experience the magic of “Lola” and understand why it has remained a beloved classic for decades.
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
Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lola
Lola