About the song
Lola: A Timeless Rock ‘n’ Roll Anthem
Released in 1970 as part of the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, “Lola” quickly became one of The Kinks’ most iconic and enduring hits. Penned by the band’s frontman, Ray Davies, the song is a timeless rock ‘n’ roll anthem that explores themes of identity, conformity, and societal pressures.
The song’s narrative revolves around a chance encounter with someone who doesn’t quite fit into the traditional gender binary. The protagonist, initially taken aback, ultimately accepts and embraces this individual, challenging the rigid societal expectations of the time. “Lola” was a groundbreaking track for its exploration of gender fluidity and its willingness to tackle such a sensitive topic in a pop song.
Musically, “Lola” is a perfect blend of catchy melodies and powerful guitar riffs. The song’s driving rhythm and energetic performance make it an instant crowd-pleaser. The saxophone solo in the middle of the song adds a touch of sophistication and further cements its place in rock music history.
“Lola” was a commercial success for The Kinks, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s popularity helped to revitalize the band’s career and solidified their status as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and 1970s.
Over the years, “Lola” has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be a staple of classic rock radio stations. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its relatable lyrics, memorable melodies, and timeless message of acceptance and tolerance.
In conclusion, “Lola” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences for generations. The song’s exploration of gender identity and its catchy, energetic sound have ensured its place in the rock ‘n’ roll pantheon. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Kinks or simply appreciate great music, “Lola” is a must-listen.
Video
Lyrics
I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes 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
But Lola smiled, 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