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Dave Davies Defends "Lola" Amid Transphobia Claims

3/25/2026

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dave Davies of The Kinks defended 1970 hit Lola after Moby labeled its lyrics gross and transphobic in a Guardian interview.
Davies shared a letter from trans artist Jayne County praising Lola for breaking barriers and representing LGBTQ+ themes.
Davies expressed offense at Moby's comments, arguing the song was progressive for its time.
The debate highlights ongoing discussions about how classic songs are interpreted today.

History

Historical Context

Released on June 12, 1970, "Lola" by The Kinks became a landmark song addressing gender identity and sexuality, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart. Critically acclaimed for its bold themes, it faced initial controversy but has since been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time, reflecting significant shifts in LGBTQ+ representation in music and culture.

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Story summary

Dave Davies of The Kinks defended 1970 hit Lola after Moby labeled its lyrics gross and transphobic in a Guardian interview.
Davies shared a letter from trans artist Jayne County praising Lola for breaking barriers and representing LGBTQ+ themes.
Davies expressed offense at Moby's comments, arguing the song was progressive for its time.
The debate highlights ongoing discussions about how classic songs are interpreted today.

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