Lola

The Kinks

About Lola

"Lola" is a song written by Ray Davies and performed by English rock band the Kinks on their album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One. The song details a romantic encounter between a young man and a possible transvestite, whom he meets in a club in Soho, London. In the song, the narrator describes his confusion towards Lola, who "walked like a woman but talked like a man". Although Ray Davies claims that the incident was inspired by a true encounter experienced by the band's manager, alternative explanations for the song have been given by drummer Mick Avory. The song was released in the United Kingdom on 12 June 1970, while in the United States it was released on 28 June 1970. Commercially, the single reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Due to its controversial subject matter and use of the brand name Coca-Cola, the single received backlash and even bans in Britain and Australia. The single version (mono) used the words "cherry cola" while the album version (stereo) uses the name "Coca-Cola". The track has since become one of The Kinks' most iconic and popular songs, later being ranked number 422 on "Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" as well as number 473 on the "NME's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time" list. Since its release, "Lola" has appeared on multiple compilation and live albums. In 1980, a live version of the song from the album One for the Road was released as a single in the US and some European countries, becoming a minor hit. In the Netherlands it became #1, just as in 1970 with the studio version. Other versions include live renditions from 1972's Everybody's in Show-Biz and 1996's To the Bone. The "Lola" character also made an appearance in the lyrics of the band's 1981 song, "Destroyer". 


Year:
1972
4:05
3,977 
#11

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I met her in a club down in North Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry cola
C-O-L-A cola

She walked up to me and she asked me to dance
I asked 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 walk like a woman and talk 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
And 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
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 left home just a week before
And I've never ever kissed a woman before
But Lola smiled and took me by the hand
And 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, lo lo lo lo Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola...

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups of the era. Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues, British music hall, folk and country. Ray Davies (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Dave Davies (lead guitar, vocals) remained members throughout the group's 32-year run. Original members Pete Quaife (bass guitar, vocals) and Mick Avory (drums and percussion) were replaced by John Dalton in 1969 and Bob Henrit in 1984, respectively. Dalton was in turn replaced by Jim Rodford in 1978. Keyboardist Nicky Hopkins accomp… more »

8 fans

Written by: Raymond Douglas Davies

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Title and Artist
"Lola" is a song written by Ray Davies and performed by The Kinks, a British band known for their influence on the rock genre.
Release Date
The song was released in June 1970 in the United Kingdom and a month later, in July in the United States.
Chart Success
"Lola" became a major hit for The Kinks, it reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart and #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Controversial Subject Matter
The song's lyrics describe a romantic encounter between a young man and a person named Lola, who is later revealed to be a trans woman. This was quite controversial for the time and challenged traditional gender norms.
Ban and Remaster
Some radio stations banned "Lola" not for its subject matter regarding gender identity, but due to the song's mention of the brand Coca-Cola. The specific lyric was later changed to "cherry cola" for the BBC, allowing it to be played on their stations.
Album Inclusion
The track "Lola" was part of "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One" album that was released in 1970.
Live Performances
"Lola" became a staple of The Kinks' live performances and was included in virtually all of their concert tours.
Influence and Recognition
"Lola" is considered one of The Kinks' signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists in various genres. It is also often recognized for bringing attention to trans issues long before mainstream acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lyrics Origin
Ray Davies has stated in interviews that the song's lyrics were inspired by the band's manager's encounter with a trans woman in Paris.
Re-Recording
In 1979, The Kinks re-recorded "Lola" for their album "One for the Road". This version of the song also became a hit in both the UK and the United States.
Cultural Impact
The term "Lola" has since been used in popular culture in several references to trans women, largely due to the significant impact of this song.
Honors
In 2021, "Lola" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, signifying its lasting influence and importance in the music industry.
Music Video
The official music video for "Lola", released in 1970, has amassed over 20 million views on YouTube (as of 2022).
Versatility
"Lola" has been released in both electric and acoustic versions, showcasing the group's versatility.

Discuss the Lola Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Lola Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/1557444/The+Kinks/Lola>.

    Missing lyrics by The Kinks?

    Know any other songs by The Kinks? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Lola

    37.8M
    201.7K     0

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #9


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which Pixies song appeared in the movie Fight Club?
    A Where is my mind
    B Here comes your man
    C Monkey gone to heaven
    D Debaser

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss The Kinks's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    The Kinks tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Lola

    »
    • The Old Man and the Gun