The key to the song is that the world is mixed up and muddled up...except for Lola. She is happy and comfortable in her own skin, while everyone else isn't.
@ok9908 Жыл бұрын
That's a beautiful way of putting it and it's true. Homophobic people often turn out to be closeted.
@stefannils2032 Жыл бұрын
@ok9908 yeah and sad strange that' Mandela and Desmond tutu were pro gay and homosexulity tights ate included in the constitution god bless Mandela and Desmond tutu anc suid afrika/South Africa, piss off Uganda Kenya and Nigeria laziest people on the face of the and stop coming to the UK if you're country so great stay there' remember our country our rules Nigerian nurses laziest pile.of crap on the planet
@thecityman19109 ай бұрын
@@ok9908 Never quite understood that accusation. Are people who are scared or or don't like terrorists secretly harboring terrorism tendencies? Are people who are scared of heights secretly harboring a desire to climb ladders? Oh well. Fun song for sure, and believe it or not I'm in no way anti gay or trans and want everyone to live their life as they want. Just never been convinced that people who are against certain lifestyles or have fears secretly want to be part of them or live them. Why can't they just not like and agree with those lifestyles instead of, as you say, secretly be part of them.
@TheHopperUK9 ай бұрын
I think it's a genuinely sweet song. He thinks about storming out, and changes his mind, and realises he doesn't care and he loves her anyway.
@gotham23us Жыл бұрын
“It’s a mixed up muddled up shook up world EXCEPT FOR LOLA”. Lola is strong and confident!
@theopinionatedhippie470 Жыл бұрын
That last lyric- “I’m glad I’m a man….and so is Lola” just adds to the overall power of the song. And so is Lola what? Glad or a man? Brilliantly written. We all know what Davies is talking about, but he never actually says it. One of many genius efforts by one of the 20th centuries best songwriters. Waterloo Sunset for the win, if you are looking for another Kinks’ masterpiece.
@NunyaDammeBiznis Жыл бұрын
I think people assume the man instead of glad. I can also see it both ways.
@theopinionatedhippie470 Жыл бұрын
@@NunyaDammeBiznis I agree but I love how, considering the times, Davies makes sure he has Plausible Deniability….
@coachhannah2403 Жыл бұрын
Yes! Someone else GOT the line! The whole set of lyrics is deliciously ambiguous!
@B3LALUGOSISD3AD08 Жыл бұрын
I always read it as lola is glad to be a man, I think, because I've always thought of lola as a drag queen who causes the singer to question his sexuality but idk that's just my interpretation
@coachhannah2403 Жыл бұрын
@@B3LALUGOSISD3AD08 - Deliciously ambiguous, as befits the times (air play was critical). Plausible deniability!
@ShannonR1969 Жыл бұрын
This is based on a true story. The Kinks and their manager went to a nightclub in Paris, and their manager spent the night dancing and making out with this one girl. When they all stumbled out of the club at dawn, everyone saw that the manager's girl had a five o-clock shadow!
@joelliebler5690 Жыл бұрын
😂
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
There is nothing in the actual story about "making out".
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
@Cannabis Dreams Nope. Ray Davies spent the night dancing in a club. The person he was dancing with, he discovered when they left the club at dawn, was a man in drag. Nothing in the song is about anyone making fun of anyone. I was an adult when it was a hit; as one who was 15 when "The Beatles" hit the US, and who had as long been into "The Kinks," I recognize/d that the song is an inferior "novelty" which became a hit because there is a segment of record buyers who snap up "novelty" records. It really isn't that important a record when compared to Ray Davies' important work.
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
@Cannabis Dreams No one was making fun of anyone. It was a simple fact pattern: Ray Davies, himself, was at a club, and danced the night with an attractive female. When they left the club together he realized that the attractive woman was a man in drag. That is all there is to the facts and the song. Period. No one is making fun of anyone. You need to learn to distinguish between awareness of bare fact, and how those get blown into fantasies by marijuana intoxication, else you'll falsely believe the fantasy is actual fact.
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
@Cannabis Dreams One more time: I was 15 when "The Beatles" hit the US, and was a fan from then of "The Kinks" (and others). It is the HISTORY, jackass, that in Shakespear's day (and also in China) that all parts in stage plays, including the female, were played by MEN. Therefore the PUBLIC phenomenon of cross-dressing was not new when "Lola" was written and released. AND, during the 1950s-60s, IN THE UK, cross-dressing in comedy was common. The song "Lola" was a hit because there is a faction of record buyers that buys anything they perceive as "weird". Ray Davies himself SAID that the song originated from his personal experience: he was in a club dancing all evening with an attractive woman. But when they left the club together he saw that the woman had a beard. The song was entirely and only about his personal experience. Period. Full stop. There is no mention of anyone else in Ray's circle being present. No mention of anyone making fun of anyone. Period. Full stop.
@sfbayareagirl Жыл бұрын
I love the respectful way they treated the topic. They weren’t homophobic or disgusted by the thought of meeting a trans person and falling for her. I just love this song. And cheers to you for your , as always, great analysis of lyrics.
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
It wouldn't have been a hit if it weren't "weird" to the listening audience. It isn't "respectful"; it is disturbed and shocked to discover that he was enjoying being with an attractive female that turned out to be a man in drag.
@SamSullyV Жыл бұрын
@jnagarya519 I disagree. The lyrics are purposefully designed to be ambiguous. Most people listening to it had no clue what it was about. It's certainly way too generous to say the Kinks are like some kind of 1970s LGBT ally but it is also inaccurate to say the point is supposed to be mocking. To me it seems intentionally transgressive. There certainly isn't anything saying the character in the song regretted the experience. Again I don't agree with either side. It isn't respectful or mocking. It's just a thing that happened and seemed pretty enjoyable for the singer. Make of that what you will
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
@@SamSullyV Ray Davies was often a social satirist. That's the context in which this minor lyric was written. An incident happened and he "reported" it. Whether he "enjoyed" it more than the momentary surprise or shock isn't known or even relevant. If you look at his fuller writing -- his focus on affirming nostalgia and conservative values, you'll see he is conservative, not "transgressive". That he enjoys from time to time poking convention in the eye does not mean he's "transgressive" -- which is a narrow view of the arts, which are, across the board, a criticism of imperfect reality. It was a novel experience; there are many novel experiences; art is, in that sense, like "news": dog bites man is the norm, not "news"; man bites dog is not the norm, therefore is "news". That which is not the norm stands out from the background of normalcy. He wasn't pro- or con- about the novel experience; he was simply reporting it. And it was a hit -- whereas more significant and substantive "Kinks" were not -- see "Dead End Street" -- because it was a novelty -- there is an audience for that. Many who bought it probably never bought any other "Kinks" recordings. There is much made of the lyric because current "values" are being applied to it -- "values" which had nothing to do with the times in which it was written. More is made of it than it deserves. Davies wrote about the distinctive -- the distinctive gets attention; those who like the "freaky" make a big deal out of that which, in context, isn't of much merit. To claim it is DELIBERATELY ambiguous can't be known; it is "ambiguous" because underwritten. He encapsulated a one-time incident and then moved on -- listen to the ENTIRE LP on which it was included: what is its theme -- what is the "Moneygoround"? Where does the song "Get Back in Line" originate? There's an old blues song which has the lines -- "If you're white. you're alright. "If you're brown, stick around. "If you're Black, get back." And what is "Denmark Street" about? Isn't that London's "song publishers row"? "Lola" is a throwaway.
@Trickishard Жыл бұрын
Travestite* not trans
@sfbayareagirl Жыл бұрын
@@Trickishard First, the word is “transvestite,” and second, that’s an obsolete, outdated and often now considered derogatory. Trans or trans person is fine as far as I know. I hear it and have seen it used many times. Last time I heard “transvestite” was in 1978 at Rocky Horror.
@michaelkeefe8494 Жыл бұрын
The delightful ambiguity of "I'm glad I'm a man and so is Lola". First class writing.
@TheoZoffrok Жыл бұрын
I'd never twigged that ambiguity before!
@Saxeh Жыл бұрын
Agreed - I think it's one of the most brilliantly written lines in songwriting history.
@jamesalexander5623 Жыл бұрын
This "Ambiguity" is a New Concept. I'm 71 and we knew what he meant ....
@michaelkeefe8494 Жыл бұрын
@@jamesalexander5623 Of course we did. But the "ambiguity" is how they got away with it. They could not have written "Lola's a dude too."
@jamesalexander5623 Жыл бұрын
@@TheoZoffrok There isn't any. It's a New idea!
@stephanieo2509 Жыл бұрын
Harmonies always seem to be great when brothers sing. Ray and Dave's voices just blend so well.
@guichogf5636 Жыл бұрын
Just goes to show that our generation was always more accepting of people than the current day narrative allows.
@jeffjones6221 Жыл бұрын
I don't know wtf you're talking about.
@waynemarvin5661 Жыл бұрын
It's amazing how people can read their own agenda into songs where, in truth, it isn't there.
@ziggymarlowe5654 Жыл бұрын
I agree guicho gf, seems everyone just did their own thing, no judgement, except maybe by the squares.
@jeffjones6221 Жыл бұрын
@Ziggy Marlowe I'm 61 and I don't care how anyone chooses to live. I draw the line at expecting me to play along with your delusion.
@sallybannister6224 Жыл бұрын
Well, it's not rocket science Jeff, You must know we did have transsexuals , lesbians , homosexuals and straight guys who were happily married but were transvestites they just liked wearing female clothes and wearing make up....drag artists Its nothing new . Ever heard of Quentin Crisp. ?No bullying on social media and trolling... Today's generation just sometimes can't get their heads round their parents and grandparents partying as hard as they do.. seeing and experiencing stuff that they think is all new . We had the best music growing up. Just brilliant.. metal. , glam rock !! Hard rock, funk, punk , , west coast, east coast just real musicians and raw talent . ..so to comment wtf is someone on about is just disresptful.
@tonydelapa1911 Жыл бұрын
Loved your discussion of this classic song, Syeed. Lou Reed had a similar hit everyone sang without giving it much more thought than “Lola.” Reed’s was called “Take A Walk On The Wild Side.” Similar story, similar time, great music and hook.
@sjames1955 Жыл бұрын
Lou Reed knew all the people in Wild Side and Ray Davies knew Candy Darling.
@ChristyAbbey Жыл бұрын
@@sjames1955 Candy Darling was likely who it was about, though there are conflicting stories as to whether he or the drummer dated her.
@davescurry69 Жыл бұрын
The Kinks are a band that will constantly surprise you the deeper you delve into their magnificent catalogue.
@ronbock8291 Жыл бұрын
I’m hard pressed to think of a more defiantly British band than the Kinks. From Waterloo Sunset, to The Village Green Preservation Society, all the way to the 80s tracks like Come Dancing, over and over they celebrated the minutiae of British people and British life. Hell they did an entire Rock opera called Arthur, not about King Arthur, but an ordinary bloke named Arthur. they also wrote hands down the greatest anti-war song ever, the under-appreciated masterpiece Some Mother’s Son, which I play every Remembrance Day without fail. God Save The Kinks.
@sjames1955 Жыл бұрын
I always cry when I listen to Some Mother's Son. All dead soldiers look the same. Omg
@fayesouthall6604 Жыл бұрын
Yeah ! Forgot about Come Dancing. I didn’t like it at the time, I was a teen at the time. Much better now!
@jerkwater407 Жыл бұрын
Maybe Stone Roses? Then again Love Spreads is 80s Lola
@michaelkeefe8494 Жыл бұрын
Tull could be pretty darn British at times as well.
@jnagarya519 Жыл бұрын
It wasn't defiance. When "Lola" was written and released it was an era during which "anything goes" -- including, especially, confusion -- was the "norm".
@damonhines8187 Жыл бұрын
As sharp, witty and sophistiqué as it got in 1970. Ray turns the world on its head a couple of times in a couple of minutes and brother Dave is howling ethereally alongside him in addition to bringing those beautifully sculpted guitar lines in his impassioned way just to drive home the licentiousness, looseness and overall loveliness of the sitch, b*%@$.
@bobguitarlearner8007 Жыл бұрын
The idea of bi-sexuality and trans people was pretty rampant really around that time. Bowie among others certainly addressed these topics. Mick Jagger was wearing makeup, etc.
@flatebo1 Жыл бұрын
Yeah, this song was *not* "ahead of its time" as the thumbnail suggests. Modern youth seem to think that all of the past was one long, depressing nightmare of bigotry, repression and intolerance. Modern activists certainly want to portray themselves as the very first people in human history to be openminded and accepting of the eccentricities of others. But actual history isn't the cartoonish dystopia they seem to think it is.
@bobguitarlearner8007 Жыл бұрын
@@flatebo1 generally agree. the sixties had a lot of what might be referred to as "modern" themes . Unfortunately history is not a hot topic in today's society.
@carollittle1059 Жыл бұрын
Tat was during the "glam rock" days.
@stevencarr40028 ай бұрын
Yes, Bowie and Jagger and the Sweet etc liked to wear makeup and female clothing, as part of the act.
@randallpetersen9164 Жыл бұрын
As an old guy, I watch a lot of classic music reaction videos on KZbin. I love many reactors, but yours are easily the sharpest and most insightful of the bunch. Kudos to you! (And to Lola!)
@sjames1955 Жыл бұрын
Ray Davies is widely recognized as one of rock's greatest songwriters and was absolutely revolutionary. The Kinks are like the rock star's rock stars they are so highly regarded. You Really Got Me changed the course of modern music. Kinks style guitar riffs are everywhere and the number of other major artists who have covered their songs is astounding.
@jeffmartin1026 Жыл бұрын
I saw The Kinks repeatedly over the years and this song was always a showstopper. Ray would tease the crowd with the opening acoustic riffs, listen to the response and say "No, you're not ready yet" several times thru the show. By time they would play it the audience was already super hyped for it. Being in a crowd of thousands of people and singing along to the song and the out chorus was just such a huge pile of fun! Celluloid Heros is a classic by them, Apeman is a cheery look at rampant pollution and nuclear annihilation, but for out and out fun R&R give a listen to Ducks On The Wall.
@TheRealGigatess Жыл бұрын
This might be one of the first commercially successful LGBTQ+ songs. A VERY progressive track for 1970 about accepting attention/love in whatever shape or form it presents itself.
@jeffjones6221 Жыл бұрын
Sorry its far from accepting.
@truther4life Жыл бұрын
@@jeffjones6221 FACTS!!
@waynemarvin5661 Жыл бұрын
You think this song is accepting? Listen to it again.
@joealberti7762 Жыл бұрын
Wayne - Why do you think this song is not accepting?
@jeffjones6221 Жыл бұрын
@@joealberti7762 you actually know the lyrics? It's not condemning, but it's certainly not accepting.
@heliotropezzz333 Жыл бұрын
There's a great musical based on the Kinks' story. It's called 'Sunny Afternoon'. It's great fun and at the end, it's like being at a Kinks concert.
@carollittle1059 Жыл бұрын
Loved that song!
@jons.105 Жыл бұрын
One of their best songs "Celluloid Heroes" refers to all the movie stars of the 1930s. Great track. They also backed up Joan Jett on her '90s remake.
@toddism Жыл бұрын
Saw them in 81 and i had never heard that. I left the venue singing it.
@jons.105 Жыл бұрын
@@toddism that's fantastic!
@alabhaois Жыл бұрын
Love Celluloid Heroes-gives me goosebumps every time 😁👍👍
@jons.105 Жыл бұрын
@@alabhaois Me as well. Hey, have you heard Joan Jett's version? She imitates Ray Davies' cadence, it's so clever.
@toddism Жыл бұрын
@@jons.105 I have now. Very good.
@br.martindallyosb1147 Жыл бұрын
It still amazes me that this received as much airplay as it did when it was first released. You're right, it is such a genuinely sweet story and a delightful song, more relevant than ever. I would describe Lola as a drag queen rather than as transgender, mainly for the line "I'm glad I'm a man, and so is Lola". Besides, "Lola" has often been used as a drag name. Great song, by a great band.
@izzonj Жыл бұрын
It was cleverly written enough that it went right over the heads of the people who would want to stop it from playing on the air
@lynnhoffmann247 Жыл бұрын
@@izzonj 👍🏼
@coachhannah2403 Жыл бұрын
But what IS Lola? Is she 'a man?' Or, is she "glad?"
@br.martindallyosb1147 Жыл бұрын
@@coachhannah2403😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@MrParkerman6 Жыл бұрын
@Coach Hannah .both, dumbass. Lola is glad HE is a man, Yu dumbass.
@anthonyblavos8713 Жыл бұрын
They had a song called Apeman after Lola, I liked it.
@artbagley1406 Жыл бұрын
No cocaine involved, just commercially renowned Coca-Cola. The lead singer was called back from touring to the Kinks' London studio to re-record Coca-Cola changed to CHERRY COLA. I believe the story in the song was based on a true experience that one of the Kinks band members had or else it was a friend of a Kinks bandmember. Nothing is new under the sun, eh Syed?! Particularly entertaining in today's world of more acceptance of alternate life styles. Lola probably not a Trans-sexual, but perhaps bi; it also starts to sound like the singer is bi as well? EXCELLENT ANALYSIS, SIR!
@sammybeck7794 Жыл бұрын
I have a younger sister who, when this song came out, hated it with a purple passion. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why. Maybe because her name is Lola
@racing2cat Жыл бұрын
Once you hear this song, it is freakin' impossible to get that "Lola, lo lo lo lo Lola" our of your head......forever! Very perceptive reaction. 🙂❤
@paulkingartwerks7981 Жыл бұрын
Story goes this is based on some truth regarding Ray Davie's road manager running into to this personally when he was drunk at a bar.
@kevincoleman2092 Жыл бұрын
Kinks are full of great witty and emotional lyrics. After '66 they expand so much poetically. Waterloo Sunset is a must listen, up there with A Day in the Life and God Only Knows of God-tier 60's songs. Other ones with great lyrics are Do You Remember Walter?, Picture Book, Sunny Afternoon, Top of the Pops. So many hits, you can't go wrong.
@barryphillips6845 Жыл бұрын
Usually played at the end of Kinks concerts for it anthemic qualities. I am so glad I was blown away by "You really got me " as a kid and stuck with them ever since. Ray Davies's lyrics have cheered me through good times and bad times. GOD SAVE THE KINKS!
@MrDaiseymay Жыл бұрын
None better
@reilly33425 ай бұрын
In the UK they used to put artificial sweetener into drinks to bring more young people out to the bars. The champagne was said to taste like off brand Coca Cola
@PeterBuwen Жыл бұрын
I grew up in Germany. Here, of course, we also heard all the big songs that came from the US and UK. But we didn't understand them - it was in English and we only spoke German. And so it happened that when we were 16 we cried along on the street in front of our favorite bar "Lola" without knowing what it was about.😂
@MrDaiseymay Жыл бұрын
The awakening eh?
@JodyLynzzz Жыл бұрын
I still love to sing along with this song. Fun what?!!!
@ItsakindamagicКүн бұрын
I was in high school when this came out. We loved it. Yes we knew what the story was about, we didn't care. We sang along, danced and enjoyed. How everybody got so uptight I'll never know.
@willraresheid34 Жыл бұрын
Loved this! The Kinks rabbit hole is deep. Ray Davies writing is up there with the best of them. As someone mentions below, 'Arthur' is a gem of an album. Check 'Brainwashed' from said record. 'Some Mother's Son' is one of the most poignant antiwar sentiments ever.
@denysmace3874 Жыл бұрын
Apart from the comments on "her", I love the reference to the old Soho clip joints, selling "champagne" which was really something like ginger beer or cola.
@nicolagianaroli2024 Жыл бұрын
A reminder for the young generation. In 1970 homosexuality was a criminal offense in a lot of countries, western countries included
@cutthr0atjake Жыл бұрын
Have you tried Lou Reeds Walk On The Wild Side from 2 years after Lola? It details several of the major characters from Andy Warhols Factory scene in the late 60s. Like Lola, it also received huge mainstream radio attention.
@chitownlee Жыл бұрын
Sunday Afternoon and Waterloo Sunset, which is the quintessential English song.
@eduardoalegriarampante639 Жыл бұрын
There's so much about this track that is wonderfull...The switch up, the voices, the way it sounds, so dirty, and the storytelling so sweet and so funny
@robinadams5 ай бұрын
"Coca-cola": Don't think it's a cocaine reference, just that this type of club sells cheap drinks as champagne.
@jumblechaos9035 Жыл бұрын
This track shows off everything that makes The Kinks so great - witty, satirical lyrics, interesting arrangements and song structure plus killer hooks to keep you coming back.
@winstonsmith3690 Жыл бұрын
A true classic. It always makes me think of the film "The Crying Game".
@williamballmaier2355 Жыл бұрын
Very great review! Yes, I heard this when I was 11. I've always been a lyrics person. I'm 55 yrs. old right now and it does (as you point out) it was way ahead of it's time when dealing with sexuality. But is just a love song first and foremost.
@Proud.American58 Жыл бұрын
Also check out their songs “Celluloid Heroes”, “Destroyer” and “Father Christmas”
@DawnSuttonfabfour Жыл бұрын
The Kinks were a superb band. All Beatles aside (they are their own genre so don't get mixed with everyone else IMHO) my favourite 60s song is Waterloo Sunset. Also they do a fabulous song called Superman which is also awesome live. One last mention is Rock and Roll Fantasy which no one has even mentioned. You won't be disappointed Syed.
@alabhaois Жыл бұрын
They’re my favorite group-I’ve seen them five times and loved every minute. 🎸🎸🎸
@stevenclarke5606 Жыл бұрын
This must be an original recording, because when it was released they had to change the lyrics, from Coca-cola to cherry cola because it was a trade mark
@Zubareffstream111 Жыл бұрын
This is the American release, product placement is allowed over there. I could be wrong, but It might even be that they recorded the 'Coco-Cola version first, and then had to rerecord it with Cherry-Cola for the BBC. 🤔
@suehollar2578 Жыл бұрын
I love it how you give the music I grew up with so much respect! Keep up the good work!
@reneemaciag3084 Жыл бұрын
The great thing about listening to this as a teenager is that some of our mothers really loved this song, missing out on the lines "I'm glad I'm a man/ and so is Lola" (I don't know, maybe some of them got it--never broached the subject.) We would snicker at my friend's mom who would enthusiastically sing along with the chorus. Now, all that said, the 70s were pretty tough times for LGBT people, but the Hippie/Free Love culture beginning in the 60s was pretty much "anything goes."
@Ziggy_Moonglow Жыл бұрын
"70s were pretty tough times for LGBT people" - That's why David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Liberace, Freddie Mercury, The Village People, Joan Jett and many others were so unsuccessful, right? Try again.
@ChristyAbbey Жыл бұрын
My mom knew what it was about. I first heard it in 1977 at age 12, and I got it (but I was also closeted trans, so...). And don't tell the TERFS, but a lesbian 70s band covered it and *they* knew what it was about.
@Radagast- Жыл бұрын
Bear in mind that homosexuality was legalised in the UK in 1967, just 3 years before this was released, so attitudes would still have been pretty conservative, as you suggest.
@SophiaPangloss5 ай бұрын
The mistake many people make is to think that this song is ahead of its time. It's not, it's just proof that transvestites have been around for years and that people have always found them funny. This was a huge hit in 1970 because people knew exactly what it is about, we were not stupid. Lola is not transgendet or transsexual, Lola is a transvestite man, that's the point of the song, if she was a woman it wouldn't have been written, or sung or still entertaining people 50 years later.
@stephanieo2509 Жыл бұрын
Also, I think you'd love "Apeman"--great lyrics in that one too.
@clairegillies7919 Жыл бұрын
First time I've seen the lyrics😂for this great track - Sunday morning coffee and looking into lyrics and other songs from the Kinks - fantastic sound! Thanks for showcasing and to the person who suggested this.
@jaypaster8244 Жыл бұрын
The name of the band is The Kinks, expect anything.
@margaretknight8690 Жыл бұрын
Always enjoy your perceptive, intelligent reactions and your interest in the whole story of modern era music - best on KZbin. Today, you’ve reminded me how great The Kinks were! I’d love you to react to some Steely Dan - brilliant lyrics and superb musicianship. Black Cow, Josie, Peg would be great places to start.
@tobiasmccallum96976 ай бұрын
I always heard the last line as "but IN BED I'm a man, and so is Lola" I guess we hear what we want to hear haha
@toddism Жыл бұрын
This band is fantastic. Try celluloid heroes. Epic song. Also try some Fountains of Wayne. Adam (the main writer) tried to write like the Kinks. Real names. Real places. Ricky and Ruben is a perfect example. Also Adam wrote That Thing You Do. Nearly perfect song.
@martinsummers7347 Жыл бұрын
Often pass house in North London where Davis family grew up; always sing a Kinks number when pass there! Lola, a great song/great story!!
@jaccilowe3842 Жыл бұрын
Arguably their biggest UK hit and a great one to sing along with the jukebox back in the day!
@forfar1956 Жыл бұрын
Great reaction. Back in the seventies I listened understood and went a-ha and enjoyed and accepted it. I'm really surprised how many reactors on youtube are shocked as well as surprised by the song
@777petew Жыл бұрын
The public single had to say Cherry Cola instead of Coca Cola. The lead singer had to fly back from the States to sing Cherry to replace Coca. Then fly back again.
@joannparker1977 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant songwriting. And I love the song. I wonder how many caught this back in the day?
@trespasserswill7052 Жыл бұрын
This 14 year old got it right away. I don't recall anyone missing the point. All in fun.
@robertheinrichvonseyfenste267 Жыл бұрын
when this song was released in 1970, it was banned in the USA, the country with the biggest porn industrie (now an then) in the world... talking about hypocracy...
@nudnick9 ай бұрын
It wasn't banned in the USA. It was banned by BBC radio for use of Coca Cola because they didn't allow overt mention of a product so it was changed to cherry cola instead.
@emcsquared8681 Жыл бұрын
Ape Man and Sunny afternoon are two other kink songs that are very cool and have great writing.
@cmloz4054 Жыл бұрын
The Coca-cola reference at the start is about Soho 'clip joints' where customers are lured in by the small fee to chat with some sexy young woman (or, in this case, TS) but are then encouraged to buy a 'champagne' for the lady which turns out to be a small coke or similar for which they are charged an exorbitant amount. Any attempt to challenge the bill will see the exit blocked by a large menacing staff member. It's a con that just about everyone knows and avoids, but there's clearly no limit to the supply of naive guys who fall for it.
@karlnelson42185 күн бұрын
Super smart analysis; very rare in reaction videos. Well done sir.
@barbaradee5191 Жыл бұрын
I never understood how anyone can be ahead of their time if what they have done is in their time Is someone who makes a real great apple pie by adding an additional spice ahead of their time? No, they just doing something great in their time
@kevinjones4559 Жыл бұрын
Original drummer Mick Avory still touring in a Kinks tribute band 'Kastoff Kinks' . They are out and about this spring. We'll worth seeing.
@Tincad4 Жыл бұрын
Another cracking reaction, it's great to see the community built up in the comments having such a great effect on the channel. Can't wait till the next reaction!
@monica11760 Жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed your reaction to this very funny song! You picked up on it very quick!
@jamesdignanmusic2765 Жыл бұрын
Cleverly written song. The lyrics can be read two ways (so as to avoid censorship), though it's pretty obvious what is going on. A real boundary-pushing song. I'd recommend their beautiful songs "Waterloo Sunset" and "Days".
@barbaragroh8514 Жыл бұрын
1977 Anaheim Stadium, my boyfriend Brian McKenzie and I skipped our way to the front of the stage while the Kinks performed Lola. One of the best memories of my life.
@nidh110910 ай бұрын
I've sung along to that blooming song and loved it for 50 years. Even when I went to see Ray Davies live and I still didn't get it? Not until on internet reactions and yes "I'm glad I'm a man and so's Lola", just spells it out once you know.
@antonballard2212 Жыл бұрын
This such an amazing song and way ahead of its time- great job again 👏 you are great 👍👏
@markmurphy558 Жыл бұрын
Ray Davies was the coolest of the British Invaders, very witty and smart in his songwriting. He was a regular of mine at a Jazz Club in NYC in the early 00s. Loved to jam with the legendary Les Paul on Monday Nights .
@gilledwards9302 Жыл бұрын
Hey! I was around in the 70s too! Trans people have always been around. If only the whole of society nowadays could learn from the Kinks.
@BassMessiah100 Жыл бұрын
Ever since I was born I had a oldies station playing 0-24. Loved that song since the start, and realizing the meaning at the ripe age of 10.
@keithfarrelly3869 Жыл бұрын
Thank you, 53yrs so you can tell us, what Ray has been telling the world... hats off to you. God save the Kinks
@stevedahlberg8680 Жыл бұрын
Spot-on. I mean just as a song it's so catchy and it feels kind of like early Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart and so forth and I can't tell you how many people like me growing up sing-along with the song especially the car is having no idea what it meant. At all. That's how far ahead of its time it was and that's how amazing The Kinks were
@daniellastuart3145 Жыл бұрын
great reaction also look at a London group called the Small Faces around the same time as the Kinks
@vladtheinhaler8940 Жыл бұрын
This song is a classic, I remember hearing it as a kid. I never knew what the song was about until about a year ago.
@robertlisternicholls Жыл бұрын
I remember this when it came out. It shocked a few people at the time but it's brilliant. Good review by the way.
@stevewebster973 Жыл бұрын
Waterloo Sunset was a beautiful Kinks song out of that period
@phillipharrison7283 Жыл бұрын
Back in 1970 the older folks couldn't see the joke as it was frowned upon to talk about such things. I always got the lyric coca cola to mean it was his first night out as an adult and had only drank soft drinks prior to the night. Also Coca Cola had this song banned from airplay - Ray had to change the lyric and re-record with 'cherry cola'. Glad you caught the humour Syed🤭
@paulqueripel3493 Жыл бұрын
Coca Cola didn't have the song banned, the BBC banned it because of their no advertising policy. The original version was released in the USA.
@phillipharrison7283 Жыл бұрын
@@paulqueripel3493 Of coarse
@cameronmccaskell5024 Жыл бұрын
Waterloo Sunset next - you won't be disappointed
@peterfranklin17597 ай бұрын
If I recollect correctly, this song was based on an experience Ray Davies had in a club in France, where he was propositioned by a man dressed as a woman (to give that an old explanation). There's clues all the way thorough in the lyrics but he spills the beans at the end. That was a pretty early recording of this song. Ray Davies had apparently gone to the USA after recording it. However there was product placement in there "cocoa Cola" and he had to come back and change that to "cherry cola" which is what you'll normally hear now. Fantastic song.
@margaritakmp Жыл бұрын
Perhaps my favourite Kinks song is Shangri-La. Has some really interesting things to say about working/middle class lifestyles and is just a banger of a tune besides
@rreichar1 Жыл бұрын
Great reaction! I’ve always like “Destroyer” and “(Wish I could fly like) Superman”.
@alanmacification Жыл бұрын
The original lyric was changed when released to " Cherry Cola " from " Coca Cola " as the BBC wouldn't allow product placement, ergo no UK airplay.
@patdonnelly9392 Жыл бұрын
Great reaction! Yes, way ahead of it's time...and very fun!🙂
@klauswyatt1050 Жыл бұрын
I love The Kinks, i grew up with them. One if the most underrated , but best lyrical, and musical bands of all time. please play more. Try: "Rock and Roll Fantasy", "Full Moon" " Misfits" and too many others to mention. Love your show!
@cheryla7480 Жыл бұрын
It is a true story……the Kinks manager was out clubbing and went to a place and spotted a stunning “ lady “. They spent the evening at the club in each others company and it wasn’t until later that he realized “ Lola “ was a man! One of my all time favourite songs. Weird Al Yankovic did a parody of it , called “ Yoda”.
@janicez2630 Жыл бұрын
Great reaction, great song. You would really like Lou Reed Walk on The Wild Side.
@andrewguttry6886 Жыл бұрын
A fine respectful analysis of a brilliant song.
@davidbrock2450 Жыл бұрын
Great song, right up there with Lou Reed's "Take a walk on the side" Anything from the 70's Broadway Musical "Rocky Horror picture show", but I would go with "I'm a sweet transvestite" song by the great Tim Cuury on stage and in the movie that also starred Susan Surranden as "Janet". Then pick any song from the musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" (NYC Musical and movie). Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) has covered a number of the songs in live awards shows.
@barbbaldwin9451 Жыл бұрын
I was fortunate enough to see them in concert. Great song
@deselby9240 Жыл бұрын
whats even more amazing is that it was a hit.
@QPRTokyoАй бұрын
When this came out everyone got it. The only change made was to change Coca Cola to Cherry Cola as the BBC had no advertising. I remember nobody I knew thought it was surprising. You got to understand late 60’ early 70’s in the UK to most people this was not shocking. It was cool.
@joshbrown8299 Жыл бұрын
Lou Reed "Walk on the Wild Side"
@Zubareffstream111 Жыл бұрын
The Who's 'I'm a Boy' is also a good exploration of sexuality and social conditioning.
@jukeboxdave6026 Жыл бұрын
Hi my friend great reaction to a great band a young gentleman taking KZbin by storm is ren -hi ren this video has had 3 million views in 2 weeks and it is pure genius worth a look many thanks love and respect from the UK 👍👍👍👍👍👍🌟😀😀 amazing channel 👍
@TheColdrush229 ай бұрын
I love this song so much. You get it!!! You get it!!! You get it!!! You get it!!! SUBBED!!
@BalbazaktheGreat Жыл бұрын
Best part of Lola reactions is that little spark of recognition that happens toward the beginning of the song - "hey, wait a minute..."
@auriellenazro2516 Жыл бұрын
I was a teacher (now retired) and played this and many other old songs in my Chemistry Class in HS during labs. Lol the town I taught in was and is a Far-Right town! And thankfully I never got in trouble.