“Lola” by The Kinks, released in 1970 on the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, tells the story of a romantic encounter in a Soho nightclub. The songโs meaning revolves around attraction, identity, and surprise as the main character meets Lola, whose gender identity isn’t immediately clear. The lyrics play with themes of sexuality and confusion, making it one of rock’s most talked-about songs.
This article breaks down the lyrics to uncover their deeper meaning. While interpretations may vary, we’ll explore the song’s themes of unexpected love, self-discovery, and the societal attitudes of its time.
“Lola” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: A Mysterious Encounter
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
The story begins in a lively nightclub in Soho, a well-known London district famous for its diverse nightlife.
The mention of champagne tasting like Coca-Cola suggests that things aren’t always what they seem.
It could symbolize something that appears luxurious or sophisticated but turns out to be familiar, or different from expectations.
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
Lola makes the first move, flipping traditional roles of courtship.
The phrase “dark brown voice” is the first hint that Lola might not fit into the typical expectations of femininity.
Spelling out her name makes her presence feel larger than life, emphasizing that she is unforgettable.
Chorus 1: Attraction and Uncertainty
Well, I’m not the world’s most physical guy
But when she squeezed me tight, she nearly broke my spine
Oh, my Lola
This suggests that Lola is physically strong, something that surprises him.
Heโs drawn to her, but her unexpected strength challenges his ideas of what a woman should be like.
Well, I’m not dumb, but I can’t understand
Why she walks like a woman and talks like a man
Oh, my Lola
Now heโs confused. Lolaโs appearance and voice donโt match what he expects.
This moment captures the clash between attraction and preconceived notions of gender.
Post-Chorus: A Bold Invitation
Well, we drank champagne and danced all night
Under electric candlelight
Their connection continues through the night.
The phrase “electric candlelight” gives us a clearer picture of the room. It also adds a surreal, almost dreamlike quality to the scene, reinforcing the idea that heโs in unfamiliar territory.
She picked me up and sat me on her knee
She said, “Little boy, won’t you come home with me?”
Lolaโs dominance is undeniable.
She physically lifts him and calls him โlittle boy,โ reversing traditional gender dynamics.
This part suggests both an invitation and a challenge. He must decide whether to embrace the experience or retreat.
Chorus 2: A Growing Fascination
Well, I’m not the world’s most passionate guy
But when I looked in her eyes, well, I almost fell for my Lola
Despite his confusion, he feels an undeniable emotional pull toward Lola.
The word โalmostโ suggests that something is holding him back, perhaps societal norms, personal hesitation, or simple shock.
Bridge: Shock, Resistance, and Realization
I pushed her away
I walked to the door
His instinct is to resist.
He tries to leave, distancing himself from the situation.
I fell to the floor
I got down on my knees
Instead of making a clean exit, he stumbles, both physically and emotionally.
This moment represents his internal struggle. Heโs overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next.
Well, I looked at her, and she at me
This is the turning point. Thereโs a silent understanding between them.
Whatever doubts he had, he now has to face them directly.
Verse 2: Embracing the Unexpected
Well, that’s the way that I want it to stay
And I always want it to be that way for my Lola
After all his hesitation, he chooses to stay with Lola.
Thereโs a sense of acceptance, even affection, in this decision.
Girls will be boys and boys will be girls
It’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world
Except for Lola
This line is one of the most famous in the song.
It acknowledges that gender roles arenโt as fixed as society might think.
However, Lola stands apart from the confusion. She knows exactly who she is.
Chorus 3: A Coming-of-Age Moment
Well, I’d left home just a week before
And I’d never, ever kissed a woman before
He is young and inexperienced.
His night with Lola is not just about romance but about stepping into unfamiliar territory and confronting his own feelings.
Lola smiled and took me by the hand
She said, “Little boy, gonna make you a man”
Lola leads the way, guiding him into adulthood.
The phrase “gonna make you a man” suggests a transformative experience, whether that means a first sexual encounter or a broader lesson about life and identity.
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
This line raises a question. Does he mean Lola is also a man, or does he mean Lola is also glad that he is a man?
Given the context of the song and earlier hints, it is likely that Lola is a man or possibly a transgender woman.
Either way, there is no rejection. He comes to terms with the experience, acknowledging who he is while leaving Lola’s identity open to interpretation.
“Lola” Song Meaning: Identity, Attraction, and Society
At its core, “Lola” is about an unexpected romantic experience that challenges traditional ideas of gender and attraction.
The lyrics suggest a journey from confusion to acceptance, where the main character learns that love and identity aren’t always black and white.
The song is also about changing social norms of the time. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, discussions about gender and sexuality were becoming more mainstream.
“Lola” plays with these ideas in a way that was groundbreaking yet playful, making it a song that still sparks conversation today.
Songs Like “Lola”
If you enjoy “Lola,” here are some other songs that explore identity, gender, and unexpected love stories:
1. “Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed
“Walk on the Wild Side” tells the stories of real-life transgender individuals connected to Andy Warholโs Factory scene. With its smooth bassline and candid lyrics, it embraces themes of self-expression and breaking societal norms.
2. “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie
With its famous line, “You’ve got your mother in a whirl, ’cause she’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl,” this glam rock anthem challenges gender expectations. “Rebel Rebel” is a celebration of androgyny, rebellion, and self-identity.
3. “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” by Aerosmith
Inspired by an encounter with Mรถtley Crรผeโs Vince Neil, “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” plays with themes of mistaken identity and attraction. Itโs a rock-driven take on realizing someone isn’t what they first seemed, but still being drawn to them.
4. “Sweet Transvestite” by Tim Curry (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show)
“Sweet Transvestite” is a theatrical classic that introduces the flamboyant and charismatic Dr. Frank-N-Furter. With humor and confidence, it flips expectations about gender and attraction in a way thatโs both playful and provocative.
Conclusion: A Bold and Playful Look at Identity
“Lola” remains one of The Kinks’ most talked-about songs, blending humor, romance, and social commentary. It tells the story of a life-changing encounter that forces someone to question their assumptions about gender and attraction.
The songโs meaning has sparked debate for decades, but its message is clear: identity and love donโt always follow the rules.
You can listen to “What Was I Made For?” on Spotify and Amazon.
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