Song Spotlight

Lola by The Kinks – A 1970s Rock Classic | Best of Music Radio

today2025-03-21 10 5

Background
share close
Spread the love

🎶 The Story Behind the Song Lola by The Kinks

 

Lola by The Kinks Mono Cherry Cola - Song Artwork
Lola by The Kinks Mono Cherry Cola Single Version BPM 152 Key E Major Best of Music Rock

“Lola” by The Kinks is a timeless track that has captivated audiences since its release in 1970. The song narrates an encounter between a young man and a person named Lola, leading to themes of ambiguity and self-discovery. Its catchy melody combined with provocative storytelling has cemented “Lola” as a significant piece in rock history.

Just played on Best of Music Radio, “Lola” continues to engage listeners with its unique narrative and musical brilliance. Whether you’re revisiting it or experiencing it anew, this song remains a compelling listen.

📅 How This Hit Came to Be

• Release Date:

“Lola” was released as a single on June 12, 1970, and later featured on the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One.

• Context:

Ray Davies, the lead vocalist and songwriter for The Kinks, drew inspiration from an incident involving the band’s manager, Robert Wace. Wace reportedly spent an evening dancing with a woman, only to realize later that she was a man. This experience led Davies to craft a song that explores themes of gender identity and societal norms, challenging listeners’ perceptions and sparking conversations about acceptance and understanding.

🎬 Soundtrack & Live Performances

• Soundtrack:

While “Lola” was not initially composed for a specific film or television soundtrack, its enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various media over the years, underscoring its cultural significance.

• “Unplugged” Performance:

The Kinks have delivered notable live performances of “Lola,” including an acoustic rendition on their 1996 live album To the Bone. These performances highlight the song’s versatility and enduring appeal.

• Guitar lesson on “Lola”

Lola” by The Kinks is primarily in the key of E major, though it incorporates chords from the E Mixolydian mode, such as the D major chord. hooktheory.com

This blending of major and Mixolydian elements contributes to the song’s distinctive sound.

For a comprehensive guitar lesson on “Lola,” you might find this tutorial helpful:

📈 Chart Success & Awards

• Success:

“Lola” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped charts in other countries, including South Africa, where it reached No. 1.

• Grammy Awards & Accolades:

While “Lola” did not receive a Grammy nomination, it has garnered critical acclaim over the years. The song was ranked No. 386 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, reflecting its lasting impact on the music industry.

📖 A Deeper Look into Its Legacy

• Lola by The Kinks Lyrics:

I met her in a club down in old SohoWhere you drink champagne and it tastes just like coca colaC-O-L-A, Cola
She walked up to me and she asked me to danceI asked her her name and in a dark brown voice she said LolaL-O-L-A, LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
Well, I’m not the world’s most physical guyBut when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spineOh my LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
Well, I’m not dumb but I can’t understandWhy she walked like a woman but talked like a manOh my LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
Well, we drank champagne and danced all nightUnder electric candlelightShe picked me up and sat me on her kneeAnd said “Dear boy, won’t you come home with me?”
Well, I’m not the world’s most passionate guyBut when I looked in her eyes, well I almost fell for my LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
I pushed her awayI walked to the doorI fell to the floorI got down on my kneesThen I looked at her and she at me
Well, that’s the way that I want it to stayAnd I always want it to be that way for my LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
Girls will be boys and boys will be girlsIt’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world, except for LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
Well, I left home just a week beforeAnd I’d never ever kissed a woman beforeBut Lola smiled and took me by the handAnd said “Dear boy, I’m gonna make you a man”
Well, I’m not the world’s most masculine manBut I know what I am and I’m glad I’m a manAnd so is LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
LolaLa-la-la-la LolaLa-la-la-la Lola
Songwriters: Raymond Douglas Davies
Lola lyrics © Davray Music Ltd.

• Behind the Lyrics:

The lyrics of “Lola” tell the story of a young man’s encounter with a person named Lola in a club in Soho. As the night unfolds, the narrator grapples with Lola’s ambiguous identity, leading to a revelation about societal norms and personal acceptance. Lines like “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” highlight the song’s exploration of gender identity and self-discovery.

• Cultural Influence:

“Lola” is recognized as one of the first commercially successful songs to address themes of gender fluidity and identity. Its release in 1970 challenged conventional norms and opened discussions about sexuality and acceptance in mainstream music. The song’s progressive narrative has been lauded for its empathetic portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, contributing to its status as a groundbreaking track in rock history.

• Fan Reception & Legacy:

Over five decades since its release, “Lola” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its bold narrative and catchy melody have ensured its place as a classic, influencing countless artists and remaining a staple in discussions about songs that challenged societal norms. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to The Kinks’ innovative approach to songwriting and their willingness to tackle complex themes.


Hashtags

#Lola by #TheKinks with #BPM152 written in #EMajor released in #1970s (#1970s) #Rock
#BestOfMusicRadio (#wwwDotBestOfMusicRadioDotCom) #BOMR_Rock #BOMR #BOMR_BPM_152 #BOMR_EMajor #BOMR_1970s #BOMR_Song_Spotlight #BOMR_Song_Spotlight_TheKinks
#BOMR_LyricMeaning #BOMR_LyricMeaning_Lola #BOMR_TheKinks_Lyrics #BOMR_TheKinks_Lyrics_Lola
#FrenchieG #FrenchieGrignon (#Mauritius) #FrenchiesMusic


🔗 Additional Resources on Lola by The Kinks:


Call to Action:

Join the discussion about “Lola” and other classic hits on our Best of Music Radio Facebook Group. Tune in to Best of Music Radio to enjoy more timeless tracks that have shaped the music landscape.


Written by: Best Of Music Radio (Admin)

Rate it

Post comments (0)

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *