Moby Sparks Debate Over The Kinks’ “Lola” – Claims of Transphobia Draw Backlash

American electronic musician Moby has ignited a controversy by labeling The Kinks’ 1970 hit “Lola” as “gross and transphobic.” The criticism, voiced during an appearance on The Guardian’s “Honest Playlist” series, has drawn a swift and pointed response from Kinks guitarist Dave Davies.

Moby’s Criticism

In the “Honest Playlist” segment, Moby stated, “‘Lola’ by the Kinks came up on a Spotify playlist, and I thought the lyrics were gross and transphobic. I like their early music, but I was really taken aback at how unevolved the lyrics are.”¹

Dave Davies Responds

Davies vehemently defended the song and his brother, Ray Davies, who penned the lyrics. Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Davies expressed his frustration, stating, “I am highly insulted that Moby would accuse my brother of being ‘unevolved’ or transphobic in any way.”² He further questioned Moby’s motives, asking, “Why is Moby being so rude about this simple song? We’re not trans phobic. Why does he have to have a go at us?”³

Historical Context and Interpretation of “Lola”

“Lola,” released as the lead single from the album Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, tells the story of a man’s encounter with an individual he believes to be a woman, only to discover they are possibly a trans woman or a drag queen. ⁴ The song’s ambiguity regarding Lola’s gender identity has been a subject of debate for decades.

Ray Davies himself acknowledged the open-ended nature of the lyrics, stating in a 1970 interview with Record Mirror, “It really doesn’t matter what sex Lola is. I think she’s all right.”⁴

Support for “Lola” from the Transgender Community

Davies also shared a letter from Jayne County, a pioneering transgender punk artist, who praised the song’s impact. County wrote that “Lola” “broke the ice” and “brought a used to be, hush, hush subject to the forefront,” adding that it “made it sound perfectly natural to be singing a song about a ‘girl’ named Lola.”¹ County also noted the song influenced her own songwriting, referencing “Lola” in her song “Wonder Woman.”¹

Initial Controversy and BBC Ban

Upon its release, “Lola” faced controversy, not for its lyrical content, but for a mention of “Coca-Cola.” The BBC banned the song due to its policy against product placement, prompting Davies to change the lyric to “cherry cola” for British radio broadcasts.⁴

The debate surrounding Moby’s comments highlights the evolving cultural landscape and ongoing discussions about representation and sensitivity in music.