The Kinks’ ‘Lola’—The 1970 Anthem That Challenged Conventions and Redefined Rock
When The Kinks released Lola in June 1970, they delivered not just another hit but one of the most talked-about songs of the decade. With its infectious melody, playful lyrics, and provocative subject matter, Lola was unlike anything else on the charts at the time. It became one of the band’s biggest successes, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. More importantly, it cemented The Kinks as one of the most fearless and innovative bands of their era, willing to tackle taboo subjects while still crafting an undeniably catchy rock song.
The Kinks had already built a reputation as one of Britain’s most intelligent and idiosyncratic bands. Led by the brilliant but unpredictable Ray Davies, alongside his fiery younger brother Dave Davies, the band had evolved from their early days of raw, riff-driven rock into a group known for their witty social commentary and inventive storytelling. By 1970, they were veterans of the British Invasion, but their career had faced challenges, including a ban from performing in the United States that lasted from 1965 to 1969. Lola marked their triumphant return to the American charts and reestablished them as major players in the rock world.
The story behind Lola is one of rock’s most legendary songwriting inspirations. According to Ray Davies, the lyrics were based on a real-life encounter involving the band’s manager, who unwittingly found himself in the company of a transgender woman at a nightclub. Davies, known for his sharp observational songwriting, took this moment and crafted a narrative filled with humor, ambiguity, and surprising tenderness. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who meets Lola in a Soho club, slowly realizing that things are not quite as they first seemed. Instead of delivering the tale with judgment or shock, the song maintains a sense of admiration, making Lola one of the earliest mainstream rock songs to explore themes of gender fluidity.
Recording Lola was not without its challenges. Produced by Ray Davies himself, the song was recorded at Morgan Studios in London. The track’s distinctive sound came in part from a National Steel resonator guitar, which gave it a rich, percussive tone. The most famous anecdote from the recording process involves the song’s lyrics—originally, Lola contained a reference to “Coca-Cola,” but due to BBC regulations against brand-name advertising, Davies was forced to fly from New York to London at the last minute to re-record the line as “cherry cola” before the song could be aired on British radio.
Upon its release, Lola was both a commercial and critical success. Fans embraced the song’s infectious chorus and unforgettable riff, while critics praised The Kinks’ ability to combine clever storytelling with mainstream appeal. Some radio stations initially hesitated to play the track due to its subject matter, but it ultimately became a smash hit, proving that rock audiences were more open to boundary-pushing themes than some had assumed.
Beyond its chart performance, Lola had a profound cultural impact. At a time when discussions around gender and sexuality were still largely confined to underground circles, the song brought these themes into the mainstream with humor and charm. It was a milestone in rock’s evolving relationship with gender identity, paving the way for future artists to explore similar topics more openly.
For The Kinks, Lola marked a turning point in their career. After struggling commercially in the late 1960s, the song’s success reinvigorated their popularity and helped them regain their footing, particularly in the U.S. The accompanying album, Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, continued this creative resurgence, offering sharp critiques of the music industry while solidifying The Kinks as one of the most literate and satirical bands in rock.
The song’s influence extended well beyond The Kinks themselves. It became an enduring anthem for individuality and self-acceptance, resonating with generations of listeners. In later decades, artists from David Bowie to Lou Reed would explore similar themes, but Lola remains one of the first major rock hits to do so with such a playful, nonjudgmental approach.
Over the years, Lola has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song. It has also appeared in countless films, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its lasting presence in popular culture. Whether performed acoustically, in a full rock arrangement, or even as a tongue-in-cheek lounge number, the song’s core appeal remains intact.
At the time of its release, Lola coincided with shifting attitudes in both rock music and society at large. The 1970s would see the rise of glam rock, punk, and disco—genres that embraced androgyny and gender nonconformity more openly. In many ways, The Kinks were ahead of their time, offering a song that blended old-school rock with progressive themes long before they became mainstream.
Decades later, Lola remains one of The Kinks’ most celebrated songs. It continues to receive heavy radio play and is a staple of classic rock playlists. The song’s humor, melody, and daring subject matter have helped it endure, making it one of the band’s most instantly recognizable tracks.
Looking back, Lola stands as a testament to The Kinks’ ability to push boundaries while still delivering unforgettable music. Few songs manage to be both provocative and universally loved, but Lola accomplished just that. It remains a shining example of how rock and roll, at its best, challenges norms, tells great stories, and delivers melodies that last a lifetime.
