Lola - The Kinks - 1970
Introduction
Lola is a song by the British rock band The Kinks. Written by Ray Davies, the song was released in 1970 and became one of the band's most famous hits. It tells the story of a young man's encounter with a person named Lola in a club, revealing themes of gender identity and sexual orientation. This song is considered a classic and has been widely covered and referenced in popular culture.
Background
The Kinks formed in 1963 and became one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s. They are known for their distinctive sound and Ray Davies' storytelling lyrics. "Lola" was a part of their album "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One," which critiqued the music industry.
Lyrics and Themes
The song's lyrics describe an encounter with a woman named Lola, who the protagonist later realizes is a man. This twist highlighted issues of gender and identity in a time when such topics were rarely addressed in popular music. The chorus, "L-O-L-A, Lola," is one of the most memorable parts of the song.
Impact and Legacy
"Lola" was both a commercial success and a cultural milestone. It reached the top of the charts in several countries and remains a staple in rock music history. The song has been praised for its bold storytelling and has influenced many artists since its release.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Lola" released? (1970) (!1969) (!1971) (!1972)
Which album features "Lola"? (Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One) (!Something Else by The Kinks) (!Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)) (!The Kink Kontroversy)
What is a central theme of the song "Lola"? (Gender identity) (!War) (!Economics) (!Environmental issues)
Who wrote "Lola"? (Ray Davies) (!Dave Davies) (!Pete Quaife) (!Mick Avory)
In which club does the protagonist meet Lola? (A club in Soho) (!A club in Liverpool) (!A club in Manchester) (!A club in Birmingham)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
When was The Kinks formed? (1963) (!1960) (!1965) (!1968)
Who is the lead vocalist of The Kinks? (Ray Davies) (!Dave Davies) (!Mick Avory) (!Pete Quaife)
Which genre is The Kinks primarily associated with? (Rock) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Classical)
Which member of The Kinks is known for their distinctive guitar style? (Dave Davies) (!Ray Davies) (!Pete Quaife) (!Mick Avory)
What is a notable feature of The Kinks' music? (Storytelling lyrics) (!Heavy use of synthesizers) (!Long instrumental solos) (!Orchestral arrangements)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
How does the protagonist describe Lola's physical appearance? (Tall and dark and she had long hair) (!Short and blond with curly hair) (!Average height with red hair) (!Tall and blond with blue eyes)
What does the protagonist drink with Lola in the song? (Champagne) (!Whiskey) (!Beer) (!Vodka)
What does the protagonist realize about Lola at the end of the song? (That Lola is a man) (!That Lola is a famous singer) (!That Lola is a thief) (!That Lola is his cousin)
What is the reaction of the protagonist when he realizes Lola's gender? (He accepts it and continues dancing) (!He leaves the club immediately) (!He confronts Lola angrily) (!He laughs it off and tells his friends)
What is repeated in the chorus of the song? (L-O-L-A, Lola) (!D-O-R-A, Dora) (!C-I-N-D-Y, Cindy) (!M-A-R-Y, Mary)
Memory
| Ray Davies | Lead vocalist |
| 1970 | Release year of "Lola" |
| The Kinks | Band name |
| Gender identity | Central theme |
| Soho | Club location |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a drawing: Draw a scene from the song "Lola" based on the lyrics.
- Write a short story: Write a story inspired by the themes of "Lola."
- Make a playlist: Create a playlist of songs that deal with gender identity and self-discovery.
Standard
- Research the history: Research the history of The Kinks and present it in a slideshow.
- Analyze the lyrics: Write an analysis of the lyrics of "Lola," focusing on its themes and messages.
- Cover the song: Perform your own cover of "Lola" and record it.
Difficult
- Interview project: Conduct interviews with people about their experiences with gender identity and compile them into a video or article.
- Documentary: Create a mini-documentary about the impact of "Lola" on popular culture.
- Musical analysis: Write a detailed musical analysis of "Lola," examining its structure, instruments, and production techniques.
- Societal impact study: Investigate and present how "Lola" influenced discussions about gender and identity in the 1970s compared to today.
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Oral Exam
- Song analysis: Discuss how "Lola" uses musical and lyrical elements to address themes of identity and acceptance.
- Cultural impact: Explain the cultural significance of "Lola" in the context of the 1970s.
- Band history: Describe the evolution of The Kinks' music and how "Lola" fits into their discography.
- Personal reflection: Reflect on what the song "Lola" means to you personally and how it relates to contemporary issues of gender identity.
- Comparative analysis: Compare "Lola" to another song that addresses gender identity. Discuss similarities and differences in their approach and impact.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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