Lola by The Kinks: Story, meaning, and lasting Legacy

Rockapedia

If you were flipping through a well-worn vinyl stack in 1970, chances are you’d stumble across something a little cheeky, a little controversial, and totally unforgettable: Lola by The Kinks. It’s the kind of track that makes you grin, raises an eyebrow, and sticks in your head for days.

The Arrival of Lola (1970)

Released in June 1970 on the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, Lola landed at a time when rock music was pushing boundaries, but this one nudged them a bit further than most. The publics reaction was a of intrigue, shock, and admiration. Some listeners were drawn in by the catchy, almost pub-singalong vibe. Others were caught off guard by its subject matter. Radio stations even briefly banned it - not for its themes, but because it mentioned Coca-Cola (seriously). Ray Davies had to re-record that lyric as cherry cola just to get airplay.

What Inspired Ray Davies?

The story behind Lola is as colorful as the song itself. Davies reportedly drew inspiration from a real-life encounter involving the band’s manager, who danced all night with someone he believed was a woman, only to later discover otherwise.

Davies himself has said the song reflects curiosity rather than judgment. At a time when conversations about gender identity and fluidity were far from mainstream, Lola dared to tell a story that didn’t fit neatly into social norms.

Lyrics & Meaning: More Than Meets the Ear

On the surface, Lola is a simple narrative: a young man meets a captivating figure in a Soho club. But as the story unfolds, things become...less straightforward. Lines like Well I’m not dumb but I can’t understand / Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man brought ambiguity right into the living room radio.

The genius of Lola is that it never turns cruel or mocking. Instead, it leans into confusion, attraction, and acceptance. By the end, the narrator shrugs off expectations and embraces the moment. It’s not about labels, it’s about experience.

Chart Success

Despite (or maybe because of) its provocative angle, Lola was a massive hit reaching #2 in the U.K, and #9 in the U.S. For The Kinks, it marked a major comeback after a quieter period in the late ‘60s, especially in the U.S. market.

Legacy: Why Lola Still Matters

Lola didn’t just climb charts, it carved out cultural space. Long before mainstream music openly explored gender identity, this track slipped the conversation into pop culture with a wink and a riff. It’s been covered, referenced, and celebrated across decades, influencing artists who value storytelling with an edge.

Today, it stands as one of The Kinks’ most iconic songs, and arguably one of the boldest mainstream hits of its era.

Final Spin

Lola is proof that a great song can challenge norms while still being ridiculously catchy. It’s part rock anthem, part social commentary, and all charm.

And honestly? Fifty-plus years later, it still sounds like it’s in on a secret the rest of the world is just catching up to.