About the song
“Lola” by The Kinks is a captivating and timeless rock song that stands out as one of the band’s most iconic hits. Released in 1970, the song was written by Ray Davies, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of The Kinks. It appears on their album “Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One,” a concept album that delves into the complexities of the music industry and personal identity.
The song “Lola” tells a memorable and somewhat provocative story of a young man’s encounter with a charismatic and mysterious individual named Lola in a club. The twist in the narrative comes when the protagonist realizes that Lola is not what she initially seems, leading to the famous lines, “Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls / It’s a mixed-up, muddled-up, shook-up world, except for Lola.” The lyrics reflect a humorous yet poignant exploration of gender and identity, topics that were quite daring for the time.
“Lola” quickly became a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its catchy melody, driven by a distinctive guitar riff and Ray Davies’ expressive vocals, made it an instant classic. The song’s innovative approach and engaging storytelling set it apart from many other hits of the era.
The release of “Lola” also marked a significant moment for The Kinks, reaffirming their relevance in the changing musical landscape of the early 1970s. The band, which had enjoyed success in the 1960s with hits like “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night,” showcased their ability to evolve and tackle more complex themes with this track.
Over the years, “Lola” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple in rock music playlists. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its catchy tune and clever lyrics but also in its ability to address social issues with wit and sensitivity. The song has sparked conversations about gender and identity, making it a culturally significant piece that transcends its initial release period.
For fans of The Kinks and rock music enthusiasts, “Lola” is more than just a hit song; it is a reflection of the band’s artistic versatility and their knack for blending humor with thought-provoking themes. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of The Kinks or discovering their music for the first time, “Lola” offers a delightful and insightful listening experience that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
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Lyrics
I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where you drink champagne and it tastes just 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
Lola smiled and 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