Lola

Meet "Lola," The Kinks' iconic and groundbreaking 1970 rock hit! Penned by Ray Davies, this unforgettable story-song captivated audiences with its catchy folk-rock melody and controversial subject matter. It remains one of the band's most famous and enduringly popular tracks worldwide.

Released as a major international single in 1970 and featured on the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, "Lola" marked a significant success for The Kinks. Its blend of acoustic folk-rock verses and a driving pop-rock chorus showcased Ray Davies' brilliant narrative songwriting and the band's unique sound.

Driven by its memorable acoustic guitar riff and singalong chorus, "Lola" pushed lyrical boundaries for rock music in 1970. This clever mix of pop accessibility and nuanced folk-rock storytelling cemented its place as a classic rock staple and a defining moment in The Kinks' legendary career.

SONG MEANING: The song tells the story of a young man's confusing but intriguing encounter with Lola, a person he meets in a club who presents as female but is biologically male (transgender or drag queen). It explores themes of attraction, gender ambiguity ("walk like a woman and talk like a man"), and naive discovery, handled with warmth and observational wit.