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5 Shocking Secrets Behind The Kinks' 'Lola' Lyrics: Censorship, Controversy, And The True Meaning

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Few songs in rock history carry as much intrigue and controversy as The Kinks' 1970 smash hit, "Lola." As of December 21, 2025, the track remains a cultural touchstone, celebrated not only for its catchy, distinctive guitar riff and humorous narrative but also for its groundbreaking, yet subtly delivered, exploration of gender identity and sexual discovery.

The brilliance of "Lola" lies in its lyrical ambiguity, chronicling a young, provincial man's confusing yet intoxicating encounter with a person he meets in a Soho nightclub. This deceptively simple narrative was so potent that it sparked a dual controversy—one over product placement and another over its progressive subject matter—cementing its status as a timeless piece of musical storytelling that continues to be analyzed by fans and critics alike.

The Architect of Ambiguity: Ray Davies' Biography and Profile

The song's profound impact stems from the unique perspective of its writer, Ray Davies, the principal creative force behind The Kinks. His ability to craft observational, satirical, and deeply human narratives about English life is what distinguishes the band's work, and "Lola" is arguably his most famous character study. To fully appreciate the lyrics, one must first understand the man who wrote them.

  • Full Name: Sir Raymond Douglas Davies
  • Born: June 21, 1944
  • Birthplace: Muswell Hill, London, England
  • Role in The Kinks: Lead Vocalist, Rhythm Guitarist, Primary Songwriter
  • Brother: Dave Davies (The Kinks' Lead Guitarist)
  • Musical Style: Known for his witty, observational lyrics and theatrical rock style, pioneering the 'concept album' format in rock.
  • Honors: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1990) and the UK Music Hall of Fame (2005); Knighted in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to the arts.
  • Inspiration for Lola: Various sources, including a real-life encounter involving The Kinks' manager and a cross-dresser, and the vibrant, often illicit, nightlife of Old Soho.

Secret #1: The Dual Censorship and The 'Coca-Cola' Controversy

One of the most enduring pieces of trivia surrounding "Lola" is the bizarre reason behind its only major lyrical change. Unlike other controversial songs of the era, the censorship was not due to the song's risqué subject matter, but rather a simple commercial reference.

The BBC's Ban on Product Placement

The original studio recording of "Lola" included the lyric, "Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like Coca-Cola." At the time, BBC Radio had a strict policy prohibiting the use of brand names in song lyrics, viewing it as a form of free advertising.

Because the band was on tour in the United States when the ban was issued, Ray Davies had to take an emergency flight back to London's Morgan Studios specifically to re-record those two words. He famously changed the line to: "Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry cola."

This logistical effort highlights the importance of the song to the band's career at the time, as it was their first major hit after a long period of struggle, particularly in the US. Both the "Coca-Cola" and "cherry cola" versions exist, with the latter being the more commonly heard radio edit, though the original version is often featured on modern reissues of the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One.

Secret #2: The True Story That Inspired the Lyrics

The ambiguity of "Lola" was intentional, but the inspiration for the character and the setting was rooted in real-life events experienced by those close to the band.

The Manager's Soho Encounter

Ray Davies has often cited a story involving The Kinks' manager, Robert Wace, as the primary catalyst for the song. Wace was allegedly out dancing in Paris when he encountered a person he believed to be a woman, only to discover later that they were a cross-dresser.

Davies took this anecdote and transplanted the setting to the burgeoning, bohemian, and sometimes seedy nightlife of Old Soho, London, a place the band was intimately familiar with. The lyrics perfectly capture the narrator's confusion and fascination:

  • "Well, I'm not dumb but I can't understand / Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man."
  • "I know what I am and I'm glad I'm a man / And so is Lola."

The song’s subtle narrative—the narrator’s initial attraction, his sudden realization, and his ultimate acceptance ("I’m glad I’m a man, and so is Lola")—was an incredibly progressive statement for 1970, subtly celebrating LGBTQ+ themes without being overtly political.

Secret #3: The Song's Role in a Concept Album

"Lola" was the lead single from The Kinks' eighth studio album, *Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One*, released in 1970. While the single stands alone as a classic, its context within the album reveals a deeper layer of meaning.

A Satire of the Music Industry

The album itself is a concept piece, serving as a satirical appraisal of the music business that had often mistreated and misled The Kinks. The "Powerman" in the title represents the powerful, exploitative figures in the industry—the managers, accountants, and record labels.

In this context, "Lola" acts as a break from the cynicism, a moment of personal discovery and genuine human connection outside the corrupting influence of the 'Moneygoround.' The lyrics, therefore, represent a search for authenticity in a world of artifice, mirroring the band's own struggle for creative control and honest expression. The album's commercial success, driven by "Lola," ironically gave them the power they were singing about fighting against.

Secret #4: The Kinks' Sound and Recording Details

Beyond the lyrics, the song's unique sound played a crucial role in its success. The track was recorded at Morgan Studios in Willesden, London, in May 1970.

The Iconic Guitar Tone

The signature sound of "Lola" is its distinctive, slightly distorted acoustic guitar riff. This was achieved by blending the sound of a Martin D-28 acoustic guitar with a Telecaster electric guitar, creating a rich, full-bodied tone that was both raw and polished. This sound was a conscious effort by Ray Davies and his brother, lead guitarist Dave Davies, to create something unique that stood out on the radio. The song's production marked a return to The Kinks' classic, yet evolving, sound after a period of more theatrical, less commercially successful albums.

Secret #5: The Song’s Lasting Impact on LGBTQ+ Themes in Music

Decades after its release, the most profound secret of "Lola" is its quiet, yet powerful, legacy as a queer anthem and a pioneering work in pop culture.

Paving the Way for Others

In a recent interview context, Ray Davies mentioned hearing that "Lola" encouraged other songwriters to explore similar topics. The song was released two years before David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust era and four years before Lou Reed’s "Walk on the Wild Side," which also dealt with themes of gender non-conformity and trans identity.

By presenting Lola's character with humor, warmth, and ultimately, acceptance from the narrator, The Kinks normalized a topic that was still considered taboo in mainstream rock music. The song's success proved that audiences were ready for more complex, nuanced, and inclusive narratives, solidifying "Lola" not just as a great rock song, but as a subtle, yet significant, piece of social history.

5 Shocking Secrets Behind The Kinks' 'Lola' Lyrics: Censorship, Controversy, and the True Meaning
lola the kinks lyrics
lola the kinks lyrics

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