Moby Sparks Debate Over The Kinks’ ‘Lola’ – Is the Classic Hit Transphobic?

Moby has ignited a controversy by labeling The Kinks’ 1970 hit “Lola” as “gross and transphobic,” prompting a swift rebuke from Kinks guitarist Dave Davies and a defense of the song’s legacy from transgender punk icon Jayne County. The debate centers on the song’s lyrics and its portrayal of a complex encounter with a transgender woman.

Moby’s Criticism and the Song’s Context

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Moby identified “Lola” as a song he can no longer listen to, citing its lyrics as “gross and transphobic” and “unevolved.” The song, penned by Ray Davies, recounts a man’s ambiguous encounter with Lola at a Soho bar, leading to a realization that she is a transgender woman. The lyrics, including the lines “Girls will be boys and boys will be girls,” have drawn scrutiny in contemporary discussions about gender identity.

Yet, Ray Davies has previously explained the song’s inspiration stemmed from interactions with drag queens. He stated in a 50-year retrospective that he “did a bit of research with drag queens” and admired “anyone who can get up and be what they desire to be.”

Dave Davies Defends His Brother’s Work

Dave Davies, brother and bandmate of Ray, swiftly responded to Moby’s criticism via X (formerly Twitter). He expressed being “highly insulted” by the accusation that Ray Davies is “unevolved” or transphobic. Davies shared a statement from Jayne County, a pioneering transgender punk artist, to bolster his defense.

Jayne County’s Perspective: ‘Lola’ as a Groundbreaking Song

Jayne County’s statement praised “Lola” as a song that “breaks down barriers and brings a used to be, hush, hush subject to the forefront.” County recalled being “thrilled and amazed” when she first heard the song, recognizing its depiction of a transgender person at a time when such representation was rare. She described the song as one that “broke the ice” and made it “perfectly natural to be singing a song about a ‘girl’ named Lola.”

The Legacy of ‘Lola’ and Ongoing Debate

Released in 1970, “Lola” reached number one in the UK and the Top 10 in the US. While initially controversial, with some radio stations censoring portions of the song, it has since been recognized by many as an early and significant representation of transgender themes in popular music. The current debate highlights the evolving understanding of gender identity and the ongoing re-evaluation of cultural works through a modern lens.