Lola, a song by The Kinks dating back to 1970, has unexpectedly become a topic of debate. The controversy ignited when American musician Moby described the track as “crude and transphobic,” prompting a quick reaction from the band’s guitarist, Dave Davies.
🗣️ Criticism in The Guardian
The issue arose from Moby’s interview with The Guardian, where he shared his “honest playlist,” featuring songs he considers difficult to appreciate today.
Lola was among the tracks criticized for its lyrics, which he deemed outdated and problematic:
“Crude and transphobic”
Moby pointed out the persistence of bygone attitudes in classic rock lyrics, suggesting that some no longer align with modern cultural values.
🎶 A Song Discussing Gender Ambivalence
Upon its release, Lola depicted a story involving a man’s encounter with a person of ambiguous gender identity, using playful ambiguity:
- “She walked like a woman”
- “And talked like a man”
Far from a mere stereotype, the song broached complex subjects such as:
- identity confusion
- challenging traditional masculinity
- gender fluidity
A particularly notable line:
“Girls will be boys and boys will be girls”
This line can be seen as an early recognition of gender fluidity, predating widespread discourse on the topic.
⚡ Dave Davies’ Strong Rebuttal
Dave Davies quickly addressed the allegations on X (formerly known as Twitter):
“We are not transphobic.”
Davies, nearly 80, was profoundly offended by the accusations against his brother Ray Davies’ song writing. He highlighted several points:
- his acceptance of same-sex relationships
- the band’s involvement with the queer community of the 70s
- their connection to the avant-garde drag troupe, the Cockettes
🌈 Jayne County’s Unanticipated Endorsement
In the midst of the dispute, trans punk icon Jayne County lent her voice in support of the track:
“Lola broke the ice… It made a taboo subject seem natural.”
She asserted that the song played a crucial role in enhancing LGBTQ+ visibility during a time when such issues were seldom discussed openly.
🤔 A Product of Its Time or Ahead of It?
This debate raises a deeper question:
👉 Can we judge a 70s work by the criteria of 2026?
Opinions diverge:
- A contemporary critique → some lyrics may appear insensitive now
- A historical viewpoint → the song was groundbreaking for its time
Ultimately, “Lola” stands as a complex cultural artifact:
imperfect by modern standards, yet a trailblazing interpretation of gender themes.
🔥 A Revealing Debate
The Moby and Dave Davies exchange extends beyond a mere song discussion.
It underscores:
- the shifting cultural sensibilities
- the reassessment of past creative works
- the clash between historical context and contemporary perspectives
👉 While not flawless, “Lola” remains a vital milestone in queer representation in music.
This conversation about Lola contributes to a larger narrative about LGBTQIA+ representation in music—a topic thoroughly explored in our section on queer musical culture.
