A new controversy has erupted around one of classic rock’s most iconic songs, as Moby took aim at The Kinks’ 1970 hit “Lola,” calling its lyrics “transphobic” and “unevolved.”
The remarks, made during a recent interview, quickly sparked backlash — and didn’t sit well with Dave Davies, who responded publicly to defend both the song and his brother, songwriter Ray Davies.
Moby’s comments centered on the lyrical content of “Lola,” a song that tells the story of a young man’s encounter with a gender-nonconforming figure in a London club.
While the track has long been praised as bold and ahead of its time, Moby argued that, viewed through a modern lens, its language felt outdated and problematic. He suggested the song didn’t reflect contemporary understanding of gender identity, describing it as “unevolved.”
The statement reignited debate around how older songs are interpreted today — especially those dealing with themes that were rarely addressed in mainstream music at the time.
Dave Davies Responds — Forcefully
Dave Davies wasted no time responding. In a strongly worded post, he pushed back against the accusation, making it clear he found the criticism both inaccurate and offensive.
He wrote that he was “highly insulted” by the suggestion that his brother — or the band — could be described as transphobic in any way.
To reinforce his point, Davies shared a statement from Jayne County, a pioneering transgender artist who had long supported the song and its cultural significance.
A Different Perspective: ‘Lola’ as a Breakthrough Moment
In the statement shared by Davies, County described hearing “Lola” for the first time as a moment of recognition and excitement.
She recalled being “thrilled and amazed” that a mainstream rock band was openly addressing a subject that was rarely spoken about at the time.
According to County, the song helped bring a once “hush-hush” topic into the open, presenting it in a way that felt natural rather than controversial. For many listeners, that alone made it groundbreaking.
Rather than being harmful, the argument goes, “Lola” broke barriers — introducing themes of gender identity to audiences who may never have encountered them in popular music before.
Context Matters
Released in 1970, “Lola” arrived in a cultural landscape far less open than today’s. Conversations around gender identity were largely absent from mainstream media, and few artists were willing to explore such topics publicly.
The Kinks’ decision to center a hit song around that narrative was, at the time, considered daring — even risky.
That’s what makes the current debate more complex. What some now view as outdated language, others see as a product of its time — and even progressive by the standards of that era.
A Clash of Eras — and Perspectives
At its core, the dispute highlights a familiar tension in music history: how should older works be judged in a modern context?
Moby’s critique reflects a contemporary perspective, where language and representation are scrutinized more closely than ever.
Dave Davies’ response, on the other hand, defends the original intent — and the idea that “Lola” was never meant to offend, but to explore and normalize something unfamiliar to mainstream audiences.
The Legacy of ‘Lola’
More than five decades after its release, “Lola” remains one of The Kinks’ most celebrated songs — a track that continues to spark conversation, reinterpretation, and debate.
And in a way, that may be its lasting power.
Because whether seen as controversial, progressive, or simply a product of its time, “Lola” is still doing what great songs often do — forcing listeners to confront changing ideas, shifting values, and the uncomfortable space in between.
