Moby criticizes The Kinks' "Lola," accusing it of transphobic lyrics

By attacking "Lola," one of the Kinks' most famous songs, Moby has reignited an old debate surrounding the track, which was released in the early 1970s. In an interview with The Guardian, the musician listed the song among those he can no longer listen to, deeming its lyrics "brutal and transphobic." This attack immediately provoked a response from Davies' camp and reignited discussions about the true meaning of this British rock classic.

A contemporary interpretation that is causing controversy

Moby's complaint stems from the way the song recounts the encounter between its narrator and Lola, a character whose identity is gradually revealed. At first glance, some lines may seem dated today, particularly because they convey the surprise of a heterosexual man unfamiliar with this type of situation. But reducing the song to this single reaction means missing what makes it so unique.

Because the lyrics don't depict outright rejection or moral condemnation. Rather, they portray a sense of unease, attraction, hesitation, and then a form of acceptance. The entire appeal of "Lola" lies in this ambiguity: Ray Davies writes from the perspective of a man of his time, unsettled yet clearly fascinated. The song plays on this tension to the very end, which undoubtedly explains its enduring impact on pop culture.

The Davies defense and the legacy of the song

Following Moby's comments to the Guardian, Dave Davies defended his brother, pointing out that the song was based on a true story and had also been significant for trans artists. He specifically quoted Jayne County, a major figure in the punk and trans scene, who saw "Lola" as an important song because it helped bring visibility, in the public sphere, to a character who had previously been largely ignored or caricatured.

This is precisely what makes the song so important in rock history. Long before these issues were discussed as they are today, Lola introduced a subject still very rarely addressed directly into a popular hit. The song isn't just about trans identity: it also explores the bewilderment of masculine norms, the fluidity of desire, and the unease that arises from encountering something that defies conventional categorization. Judged by today's standards, the song may be open to debate. But placed in its historical context, it emerges primarily as a bold track, far more complex than the sweeping accusation leveled by Moby.