#MusicTrivia #RayDavies #TheKinks #Lola #BBCBan
๐ถ Did you know that in 1970, The Kinks lead singer Ray Davies had to fly from America to the UK just to re-record 2 words of the popular song “Lola”? ๐ซ The lyrics originally contained the words Coca-Cola, and because it mentioned a brand name, it was banned by the BBC. ๐ซ However, Davies quickly changed the words to “cherry cola,” allowing the song to be played on the airwaves. ๐
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the fascinating story behind this iconic song and explore the impact that this small lyric change had on The Kinks and the music industry as a whole.
## The Story Behind “Lola”
### The Original Lyrics
The song “Lola” was written by Ray Davies and released by The Kinks in 1970. The original lyrics included the lines:
“Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry cola”
“And you kiss and caress, no, it’s not Coca-Cola”
### The BBC Ban
However, when the BBC caught wind of these lyrics, they refused to play the song on the radio due to the mention of Coca-Cola, a copyrighted brand name. This left The Kinks in a difficult position, as the song was already gaining momentum and becoming a hit among their fans.
### The Change to “Cherry Cola”
In order to comply with the BBC’s regulations, Ray Davies had to quickly make the trip back to the UK to re-record the small but significant lyric change. The words “Coca-Cola” were replaced with “cherry cola,” and the revised version of the song was then approved for radio play.
## The Impact of the Change
### Success of “Lola”
Despite the setback of having to change the lyrics, “Lola” went on to become one of The Kinks’ most popular and enduring songs. It reached the top 10 in multiple countries and solidified the band’s reputation as one of the leading acts of the era.
### BBC’s Influence
The BBC’s ban on the original version of “Lola” highlighted the power that the broadcasting corporation had in shaping the music industry. This incident also sparked a debate about censorship and the boundaries of artistic expression in popular music.
### Legacy of “Lola”
Even decades after its release, “Lola” remains a staple of classic rock radio stations and a favorite among fans of The Kinks. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, the small lyric change from “Coca-Cola” to “cherry cola” in The Kinks’ song “Lola” may seem insignificant in hindsight, but it had a significant impact on the band’s career and the music industry as a whole. By adapting to the BBC’s regulations and making the necessary adjustments, The Kinks were able to overcome this obstacle and deliver a timeless hit that continues to be enjoyed by music lovers around the world.
Next time you listen to “Lola,” remember the story behind those two little words and the journey that Ray Davies took just to ensure that his song could be heard by fans everywhere. ๐ธ๐ต
#TheKinks #MusicHistory #BBCBan #RayDavies #LyricChange
Source: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/kinks-lola-lyric-changes/