The one line that always gets me is “it’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world except for Lola.” The conflict is always within the narrator instead of in Lola which to me is the real genius behind this song, not the fact that Lola is trans.
Exactly. Lola is happy and content being Lola. I know some trans people. Some of them are VERY conflicted people, but others are very comfortable in their own skin. I like to hang out with the ones that are fine with themselves, but I try to hang more with the others because they need more "normalcy" in their lives. We hang out and have fun and just be ourselves together and their gender identity never comes up because it isn't a factor in our relationship.
LOL! when I was a teenager in the 70's had similar facial expressions while listening to this song for the first time. My hat is off for the Kinks and admire their courage to perform that contraversial song back in the 70's. Even in 2023 I am sure that song still raises a few eye brows.
“I’m glad I’m a man and so is Lola” is one of those clever play-on-words lyrics that the British in particular love to sneak into their songs. The Beatles loved to do the same thing. The confused look on your face was hilarious during this action! This was a pretty controversial subject back in 1970 but lets not lose sight of the fact that the song is a total banger!
@@myrrhfishify7743 Are you sure? I’ve checked through Google and every version of the lyrics that I found said ‘I’m glad’ not ‘in bed’. Either way, the play on words works anyway.
Don't forget this song was released in 1970, a time when this topic was extremely taboo, it's amazing it became so popular and is still so today. I had to watch just to see when Jamel figured out what it was about and I wasn't disappointed. lmao
I remember radio would not play The Stones song that said "pregnant" in the 60s....so Kinks really broke all the rules a few years later, I was 17 and sheltered but I got it....Ray Davies is awesome
Me today. In my 40s, I have listened to this a hundred times but the mix has the vocals so low I never fully processed the lyrics. Low key as, brilliant.
The story behind this song is that after the band finished recording an album, they and their manager went out to party. The manager got drunk and was unable to notice that he was dancing with a man in drag all evening. The band wrote the song to make fun of him a little.
And apparently, when they told him the person he was dancing and kissing was a man in drag he apparently was just like "who cares, I got drunk and I had a good time"
Maybe one of the reasons it was popular way back then when those things weren’t acceptable is that folks don’t always listen to the lyrics. This was one of my favorite songs for probably over 40 years before I actually listened to it one day and realized it was about a tran!
What gets overlooked due to the lyrical shocks is this is one of the greatest arrangements and performances in rock history. It could be about anything and still be a smashing tune. The wild boundary pushing lyrics are kinda just a plus.
Yea I get s kick out of his re actions I asked him to play country Joe's Woodstock song....give me and F give me a U give me a C give me K what's that's spell whats that spell com on all you big strong men uncle sam needs you're help again way down yonder in Vietnam 1234 what are fighting for dont ask me I dont give a damn now mothers and fathers across this great land send you're boys off to Vietnam be the first ones on you're block to have your boys come home in a box 1234 what are fighting for dont ask me I dont give a damn old uncle sam got himself in a terrible jam way down yonder in vietnam 1234 what are we fighting for!!
". . .why she talked like a man" and Jamel looked at his camera. . .and I busted out laughing! I LOVE this song and people catching it the first time!!
@ted ritola and Freddie Mercury, and Bronski Beat, Marc Almond, Morrissey, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, etc. There were a lot of popular gay artists in the 80s.
That moment when you realize “she walk like a woman and talk like a man” and the meaning of “dark brown voice” coalesced and you knew what it meant was priceless.
This is the original recording with the reference to 'Coca-Cola.' The BBC refused to play it because of advertising rules, so Ray had to re-record the line changing it to 'Cherry-Cola.' Which, to this day, tends to be the version played by radio stations.
This song isn't about "transgender issues" its a pisstake to their manager who got drunk one night and early went home with a guy dressed as a woman in Soho. The song was put on the the album last minute as a tease to the manager. It wasn't meant as a politic song, just a group of guys taking the piss.
i second, call to vote and pass the motion for both the above songs. "Sha la la...every night i look at the world thru my window" Waterloo Sunset is a perfect postcard vie of London, and the way life carries on. For Whiter Shade of Pale, i recommend first watching the original video from the 60s, then a live version from Denmark, in 2012(i think) Gary Brooker has every bit of his vocal instrument, that my Oldest Son says sounds like Percy Faith, as he did when he began...both versions are crucial!
When I was in seventh grade, our Music Teacher had us pick a song and write down the lyrics and bring it to class to talk about. Even though it was about 12 years old at the time, I picked this song 😁 I was a shy girl, but I never shied away from being just a little bit different
The Kinks were way ahead of their time with this song. It took me like 3 decades to realize Lola was a dude 😂 Great song, but damn. Love your reaction. Do what you wanna do in your life, but be upfront with people. Well said
Almost 50 years ago it was a bit of a shocker. Add Lou Reed talking about Takin a walk on the wild side and your ride through the rabbit hole was complete.
Everyone's right, the next one you should do is Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side." ( produced by the late, great David Bowie, I might add) Seems like a great follow-up and I think you'll love the heavy bass & jazzy / blues sax playing in it.
Amazing... I've known this song for _decades,_ but it's _always_ played through a shitty radio at work that you can barely make out, or in a noisy crowd, or on a tinny bus speaker, or as a far too quiet background track in some noisy mall, or whatever environment it took to *_never actually hear it clearly..._* I legitimately don't *_ever once_* recall just hearing this song clearly, on good speakers, with no background noise... ... I was on just as much a rollercoaster ride of discovery as Jamel was! Mind blown! I never knew! What a revelation this has been!
I remember walking with my nephews who were 6 and 8 years old to school in 1984 and they were singing this song.Their grandmother who was a bit of a prude and very self conscious about them signing this song in public asked them if they knew what the lyrics meant? And the eldest said "Yes grandma." and the youngest said "Love is love."
"Rudolph Valentino looks very much alive, as he looks up lady's dresses as they sadly pass him by." "To those who are successful, be always on your guard, success walks hand in hand with failure, down Hollywood Boulevard"
When I bought this record when it first came out my father said that I'd turn into a Lola if I kept playing it..... You know, he was right, I did darlings, and boy did I have fun.
This song brings back memories. Picture 3 teenage girls in 1972 walking down the street singing Lola at the top of their lungs. It was a great song and we had fun with it
This moved me to joyful tears. Thank you Ray & Dave and thank you Jamel. I first heard this record on a crappy transistor radio , more than half a century ago, and fell in love with it. But now listening to it with you, well it took me right back to when I was 10 years old and listening to it for the first time again! Unbearably beautiful.
Trying to find some comfort while at home with Covid. Your reaction to this song was priceless once you discovered the twist. Thanks for brightening my day. Peace to you brother.
The look on Jamel's face when he hears that line "Well I'm not dumb but I can't understand Why she walked like a woman and talked like a man". Priceless
One of the best reactions to this song - 2min:10sec in. Always great to see the reaction of people as it dawns on them who Lola is, as they listen to the lyrics.
Jamal, when the Queen had her Golden Jubilee, all the big names had a one song relay show and Queen was there with the spectators. And Ray Davis of Kinks came out and he played and sang Lola! All the spectators sang with him and Queen was smiling! That's England! You gotta see that part. I bet there's the footage on RUclips!
Must be about 50 years ago when my big brother had to explain this song to me. A lightbulb moment in my teenage years. Then he took me to see The Graduate. Going to Catholic school suddenly seemed a bit limited after that.
True. I watched an interview with the Kinks years ago, and they said “Lola” was a song based on an incident that happened with their manager. They wrote it to fuck with him! Lol!
I listened to this song for decades. Love Lola. Couldn't really tell what all the lyrics were but I knew Lola la la la la lola. Never forget the moment I realized it was a trans song, heard all the words clearly, could have knocked me over with a feather. Still love love love Lola la la la la Lola. Freedom is the god I worship and it is there for everyone
This is one of those songs that has really stood the test of time. Taking a sensitive subject (even for today) and making it so joyous and funny is inspired.
Many more greats ... "20th Century Man", "No More Lookin' Back", "Celluloid Heroes"!!! ... many, many more... 👍 "APEMAN"!!!! Seriously!!! Feel it!!! 😷👌
@@pauljansen1137"Strangers" was always a sub-favorite, and other sleepers like, "I'm Not Like Anybody Else", et al 😷👍 Too many greats to mention. The Kinks deserve a long look 'n listen. 😊
I can't believe he'd never heard this song before but WOW what a treat to hear it for the first time! IMHO one of the greatest songs of the era - not just musically but because of the brave subject matter. Love it! What an incredible song!
It depends, are you talking physiology or identity? Back then we didn't know or talk about transgendered people, so Lola would have been seen as a transvestite. Today she may well be seen as a Trans woman who hasn't had surgery. The song always refers to Lola as she, so I'm going with she is a she.
Jamel, the kinks lead the way for the London sound of the sixties, good reaction as always, check out The Georgia Satellites 'keep your hands to yourself ' a great rocker, keep safe.
Man. This song was released in 1970... subject matter *WAY* ahead of its time. The Kinks were a great band for that. Wrote songs with lyrics that were well ahead of their time, and wrote songs that were musically ahead of their time too. You gotta listen to You Really Got Me by The Kinks after this. It was written in 1964 and it sounded nothing like any other song in 1964. They did things with sound and with lyrics that no one else was doing at the time.
JAKAJ ... As the lyrics morphed from sounds into understanding, you tilted your head like a little puppy hearing a strange sound, you know, that quizzical stare at the source of confusion. It's only been 2 days since I learned the background to this wonderful song; it's particularly relevant to our social world today. I can see it blowing up into new popularity if it's marketed correctly. Enjoyed your efforts on this one for sure!
This song is way ahead of its time 😂 It's truly funny when people really listen to the lyrics. Some have sung along with it for years without actually hearing what it says 😂
After this version was released Coke complained about the use of their name as copy write infringement. The name was changed to Cherry Cola in in the more played version. The singer had to fly back to England from L.A. to record 2 words EDIT.. I found out the change from the word COKE was to get air play on BBC which did not allow anything that could be seen as an endorsement or advertising. The same as Dr. hook song " cover of the rolling stone" could not be played as it was seen as advertising for the magazine. They tried a song which said the name of the BBC magazine and it too was banned.
I'm pretty sure that had to do with the law in England prohibiting product placement in songs. Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" was banned from airplay in Britain for that precise reason. Simon said he wasn't shilling for Kodak, and he probably wasn't, but the Brits didn't see it that way.
@@drkjk It is a BBC regulation. The most famous case is DR.HOOK ....On the cover of the rolling stones. The BBC would not play it. DR. HOOK even did a version saying the name of the BBC's own magazine, it still did not work.
The change was made before the initial release in the UK on June 12, 1970 and was only used for the single version, not the LP track. Ray flew back to make the changes after the Minneapolis portion of the Kinks tour but had to go back and do it again after finishing the Chicago leg. The Kinks weren’t in LA that year until July 3.
My husband is 50 and didn’t know what this song was about until a year or two ago. He has an ex named Lola and I would occasionally ask if she was really a woman “like Lola from the song”. He had no idea what I was talking about until he actually LISTENED to the lyrics a year or 2 ago.
I always get a kick out of this tune, its kind of a sweet love song, he doesn't care what people think, he loves his Lola, L-O-L-A, Lola, very progressive and open-minded for its time 😊 👠
The only lyrics that people today might be slightly offended by are, "I'm a man and so is Lola," because a trans person wouldn't want to be viewed that way by their lover. But yeah, I honestly think it's kind of an adorable song. ☺️❤️
Absolutely wrong!! " I left home just a week before" he has no experience of life, he thought Lola was a woman and throughout the song finds out she's a man, the song portrays him being fooled by a transsexual.
@@Tj-ot4jp He finds out later that night and initially freaks out but ultimately doesn't care, he's ok with it and loves her no matter what's between her legs, which is a beautiful message, love is love, she didn't trick him, she's trans, she is what she is, it's an accepting tune ultimately and fairly kind about a subject that many people are jerks about for no reason even to this day, also it's transgender not transsexual, that's a pretty antiquated term.
@@poetinmyheart94 True, times have changed since then in regards to language but its heart is in the right place I suppose, it is quite adorable indeed 😊
He is talking about a transvestite that he didn’t know and fell for him her it’s a true story that happened to him it’s a great song love your reaction lol o yeah you got it all right yep
‘JUST BE A GOOD HUMAN’ Shirts and More, Enter Promo Code ‘Jamel’ teespring.com/stores/jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store
Where can we get the tie dyed versions?
There's a Weird Al version of this song called Yoda
LOLA, PITCHING FOR THE OTHER TEAM. @Jemal
Weird Al "YODA" - ruclips.net/video/-IUMCyAR6U0/видео.html
The 1970s were on the right track. They were more progressive than people realize.
The moment he realizes this is no ordinary love song is priceless.
🤣
💡🤣
@@tailsfromtherail2544 I read that in Gru’s voice. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Love this cat
I lost it at "What we doing y'all?"
The obvious follow up to this song is Take a Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed
Yes, he's got to do that one.
Was thinking the same thing! Lou has some fantastic stuff too.
Got to!
Thought the same thing!!!
Yes, Lou Reed is amazing. "And the colored girl sing....Do, do do, do do do, do do do......." Great saxophone solo too.
The one line that always gets me is “it’s a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world except for Lola.” The conflict is always within the narrator instead of in Lola which to me is the real genius behind this song, not the fact that Lola is trans.
Yes, exactly, its surprising how many people still don't know what this song is about.
Exactly. Lola is happy and content being Lola. I know some trans people. Some of them are VERY conflicted people, but others are very comfortable in their own skin. I like to hang out with the ones that are fine with themselves, but I try to hang more with the others because they need more "normalcy" in their lives. We hang out and have fun and just be ourselves together and their gender identity never comes up because it isn't a factor in our relationship.
@@badbiker666 i recommend listening to Androgynous by the Replacements if you haven't. Similar subject matter and attitude. Way ahead of its time
@@FPSBuzz Per your suggestion I did. Interesting song. I think I liked it!
Yep.. lola accepted what lola was but the singer is forever torn.. aka only lola was fine with being lola...
“She walks like a woman and talks like a man” his facial expression in that second 😂😂😂😂
I lawlded!
He didn't have to say anything - his face said it all! LOL
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍
then... "How we doin', y'all?" 😂
WHAT A GREAT LINE!
One of those "Oh, he doesn't know what's comin'...." songs!
Those are the best ones! When you know it's coming...
And that's why I recommended it about 50 times!!
And a big PS. I did really want to see his reaction but , I absolutely love the song!!
@@shariwelch8760 I'd LOVE to see his reaction to Helen Reddy's Angie Baby! That'll really pop his eyes out!
We were all waiting for it
LOL! when I was a teenager in the 70's had similar facial expressions while listening to this song for the first time. My hat is off for the Kinks and admire their courage to perform that contraversial song back in the 70's. Even in 2023 I am sure that song still raises a few eye brows.
That look at the camera at 2:15 is freaking priceless.
😂🤣
I was waiting for it!!
@@Falaje64 Right? I think we all were.
@@Historian212 That second before the lyric sank in and I knew what was coming.....
LOL I love when he does that! 😂
“I’m glad I’m a man and so is Lola” is one of those clever play-on-words lyrics that the British in particular love to sneak into their songs. The Beatles loved to do the same thing. The confused look on your face was hilarious during this action! This was a pretty controversial subject back in 1970 but lets not lose sight of the fact that the song is a total banger!
It's not I'm glad I'm a man, it's In Bed I'm a man, and so is Lola...listen again.
@@myrrhfishify7743 Are you sure? I’ve checked through Google and every version of the lyrics that I found said ‘I’m glad’ not ‘in bed’. Either way, the play on words works anyway.
myrrhfishify it’s glad. Got Lola vs power man on vinyl.
Definitely glad, not bed.
@@myrrhfishify7743 It's definitely 'I'm glad' not sure where you got that other lyric from but maybe you should listen again.
The immediate reference to Soho starts you thinking of the possible direction this story is headed for. But you've got to know the area I suppose.
Don't forget this song was released in 1970, a time when this topic was extremely taboo, it's amazing it became so popular and is still so today. I had to watch just to see when Jamel figured out what it was about and I wasn't disappointed. lmao
It was. I was in grade school and was tripped out then.
The only thing the authorities found offensive was the fact that they sang Coca Cola and had to change it to Cherry Cola!!😂😂
I remember radio would not play The Stones song that said "pregnant" in the 60s....so Kinks really broke all the rules a few years later, I was 17 and sheltered but I got it....Ray Davies is awesome
People keep saying this. I never experienced anything like that
That look on his face was priceless 😂
How this song got past both British and US censors is a goddamned testament to the Kink's masterful technique.
Oh, it definitely was banned in some places for quite a while. Became a classic anyway.
They changed Coca Cola to cherry cola
@@simongill4715 Because the BBC considered the uses Coke as advertisement. They banned Paul Simon's song Kodachrome for the same reason.
@@simongill4715 lmao that’s true they did change that
@@comikdebris Yep...not the sex. The free advertising and product placement got it banned !
That unmistakable look of dawning recognition shared by millions their first time through...
Me today. In my 40s, I have listened to this a hundred times but the mix has the vocals so low I never fully processed the lyrics. Low key as, brilliant.
The story behind this song is that after the band finished recording an album, they and their manager went out to party. The manager got drunk and was unable to notice that he was dancing with a man in drag all evening. The band wrote the song to make fun of him a little.
Sometimes 3rd party songs can be the best!
And apparently, when they told him the person he was dancing and kissing was a man in drag he apparently was just like "who cares, I got drunk and I had a good time"
@@556deltawolf 😂
Love that and today you could play this at Pride and say it’s the first song about trans people
Maybe one of the reasons it was popular way back then when those things weren’t acceptable is that folks don’t always listen to the lyrics. This was one of my favorite songs for probably over 40 years before I actually listened to it one day and realized it was about a tran!
I spent the whole time laughing at your reaction. Waiting for this song dawn on you! This was SOOOOOO..... entertaining!! You are the best Jamel!!!!
Me too, I was waiting for him to get it.
First time ever I laughed out loud. Classic
He’s saying ‘I know what I am, I’m a man, I’m a man and do is Lola.’
You are very welcome I requested this about 50 times. Besides it's a great song I really did want to see his reaction
Similar ruclips.net/video/yHGV3PhEg5c/видео.html
The Kinks are giants but don't get talked about as much as the Stones, the Beatles or the Who.
What a shame, they are as good as the Beatles and stones, one of my favorite British bands.
Well that’s because they’re not as good as the Beatles my guy
Whatever
I think I like the best Kinks songs better than I like the best Beatles songs, but on balance I think the Beatles were more innovative and consistent
Queen is my favorite band but the Kinks have some of my favorite songs
It was absolutely ADORABLE watching the penny slowly drop for you! Thank you!
OMG I almost died laughing. The look on your face when he said "I can't understand why she walks like a woman and talks like a man" I lost it. LOL
That's the reason I return to this reaction once a week :)
Same! 😂
😎
at 2:20
😂🤣🤣🤣
What gets overlooked due to the lyrical shocks is this is one of the greatest arrangements and performances in rock history. It could be about anything and still be a smashing tune.
The wild boundary pushing lyrics are kinda just a plus.
Their instrumentation was always complex, and amazing.
Theyre sadly underrated.
Their musicianship and production was always superior, and still sounds fresh today
Absolutely
He's right, you know.
1000% agreed.
I got an "A" in english lit class for explaining this song. Thank you Kinks!
Good for you!
Did they not teach you how to use the uppercase?
@@suffern63 literature is full of these things. poetic license? heard of it?
I'm 73 and of coarse I know this song, this was hilarious to watch Jamal's reactions.
Art, his reactions are classic. Lolol😄👍
Hahahhahaahaaaa!!!!! I am laughing so hard!!!!!!!!!🤣🤣🤣
Yea I get s kick out of his re actions I asked him to play country Joe's Woodstock song....give me and F give me a U give me a C give me K what's that's spell whats that spell com on all you big strong men uncle sam needs you're help again way down yonder in Vietnam 1234 what are fighting for dont ask me I dont give a damn now mothers and fathers across this great land send you're boys off to Vietnam be the first ones on you're block to have your boys come home in a box 1234 what are fighting for dont ask me I dont give a damn old uncle sam got himself in a terrible jam way down yonder in vietnam 1234 what are we fighting for!!
". . .why she talked like a man" and Jamel looked at his camera. . .and I busted out laughing! I LOVE this song and people catching it the first time!!
Woke the wife laughing out loud 😂
That look. 😐
That was the BEST.
Yeah I was waiting for the moment he twigged.
Jamel, watching you piece this together was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Love your reactions, keep it up!
When I saw that you were reacting to "Lola," I rubbed my hands together and said, "Oh boy, this is going to be great." I was not disappointed.
We thought my bunny was a girl so we named him lola, when we went to get him fixed we found out it was a boy. The name could not have been better
That is awesome!
OMG! The irony.. love it!!😆✨
😅😅😅
🐰
😂
Jamel's still trying to untwist his head around this one. LOL
i had the same one years ago
Heehee I understood this song a long time ago
Every Kinks journey should have a stop at “ You’ve really got me “ iconic Kinks and iconic 60’s !
And Summer Afternoon - both really raunchy and fun.
Pretty sure he did You Really Got Me.
Kind of a break through song. It had wide radio play, but did have it’s share of controversy, Remember it was nearly 50 years ago.
And the term Coca-Cola had to be changed to cherry cola because product placement wasn't allowed in those days.
@@Lady_LC, yes to “cherry cola”.
A breakthrough of sorts, kind of like The Crying Game was for movies many years later, in the early 90s.
@ted ritola and Freddie Mercury, and Bronski Beat, Marc Almond, Morrissey, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, etc. There were a lot of popular gay artists in the 80s.
Actually, it was 50 years, 4 months and 12 days ago. ; )
Something about this SONG that just hits the SOUL!..
I was waiting for that look at the exact moment you gave us “your look”! I love that look!!☺️
Me too! I saw them wheels turning in his head! 😂
I was waiting for the "dawning realization". It didn't disappoint.
@@kimberlinibambini1988 ☺️
@@sst1911 ..exactly:)
#whatwedoingyall
Anticipating your magnificent face for this song xD
Waitin for that " hol'up"
The best part!
We know him well!
That moment when you realize “she walk like a woman and talk like a man” and the meaning of “dark brown voice” coalesced and you knew what it meant was priceless.
It’s “dark low voice” everyone. Listen again.
@@minutemanrocketstove4195 No it's dark brown find a lyric version.
Just think. This song is 50 years old & still got top 40 radio play. Incredible! One of my favorites of that year.
This version was banned on the BBC, due to the reference to a certain fizzy drink.
Mine too, here in the US❣️
This is the original recording with the reference to 'Coca-Cola.' The BBC refused to play it because of advertising rules, so Ray had to re-record the line changing it to 'Cherry-Cola.' Which, to this day, tends to be the version played by radio stations.
Interesting tidbit.
I could swear that line was Cherry Cola when listening to the song but every time I've seen the Lyrics it's Coca Cola. Now I know why. 👍
"Why she walk like a woman but talk...
What we doin, y'all?"
Best reaction EVER!
😂😂😂🤣🤣
I like how millennials seemed shocked to learn that we dealt with transgender issues long before they came along.
And Zappa was before that. He got into everything.
😂😂ikr😂😂😍
Ha, yes. All 20-somethings think no one older has ever experienced what they are experiencing or knows already what they think they know.
@@dongiovanni6796 We were just there first. And before PC.
This song isn't about "transgender issues" its a pisstake to their manager who got drunk one night and early went home with a guy dressed as a woman in Soho. The song was put on the the album last minute as a tease to the manager. It wasn't meant as a politic song, just a group of guys taking the piss.
Nice. Also by Kinks- Waterloo Sunset.
Would love Procol Harum - Whiter Shade of Pale next😁😁😁😁
YES to Whiter Shade of Pale! Here's the official video Jamel: ruclips.net/video/Mb3iPP-tHdA/видео.html
i second, call to vote and pass the motion for both the above songs. "Sha la la...every night i look at the world thru my window" Waterloo Sunset is a perfect postcard vie of London, and the way life carries on. For Whiter Shade of Pale, i recommend first watching the original video from the 60s, then a live version from Denmark, in 2012(i think) Gary Brooker has every bit of his vocal instrument, that my Oldest Son says sounds like Percy Faith, as he did when he began...both versions are crucial!
ruclips.net/video/_BADDeIQWVQ/видео.html
Procol Harum - Whiter Shade of Pale
Extended version with lyrics.
Kinks have tons of great songs. From the same album as Lola, This Time Tomorrow, Strangers and Apeman.
I also second , third etc Waterloo Sunset
Yeah man, we ARE. Going there! Top 100. He doesn’t need to be a ‘passionate, masculine’ man. He just needs to love Lola.
I spat my coffee out when you made the face when I was thinking what you were thinking bahahahaha Jamel, you crack me up............
What about low budget
@@annastecher3492 YES! And Celluloid Heroes!
I love how quickly you caught on. It took me years to figure that out... Of course, I was eight when it came out.
When I was in seventh grade, our Music Teacher had us pick a song and write down the lyrics and bring it to class to talk about. Even though it was about 12 years old at the time, I picked this song 😁 I was a shy girl, but I never shied away from being just a little bit different
Atta girl!!👏👏👏
Cool.
Aw! Lovely. God bless!
The Kinks were way ahead of their time with this song. It took me like 3 decades to realize Lola was a dude 😂 Great song, but damn. Love your reaction. Do what you wanna do in your life, but be upfront with people. Well said
Almost 50 years ago it was a bit of a shocker. Add Lou Reed talking about Takin a walk on the wild side and your ride through the rabbit hole was complete.
Everyone's right, the next one you should do is Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side." ( produced by the late, great David Bowie, I might add) Seems like a great follow-up and I think you'll love the heavy bass & jazzy / blues sax playing in it.
Both songs allegedly inspired by Candy Darling.
Hear hear!
You beat me to it, I was going to recommend this one, and you're exactly right.
Amazing... I've known this song for _decades,_ but it's _always_ played through a shitty radio at work that you can barely make out, or in a noisy crowd, or on a tinny bus speaker, or as a far too quiet background track in some noisy mall, or whatever environment it took to *_never actually hear it clearly..._* I legitimately don't *_ever once_* recall just hearing this song clearly, on good speakers, with no background noise...
...
I was on just as much a rollercoaster ride of discovery as Jamel was! Mind blown!
I never knew! What a revelation this has been!
Jamel, you got that look on your face that says: Grandma don't want me talkin' 'bout this at church!! :-)
I remember walking with my nephews who were 6 and 8 years old to school in 1984 and they were singing this song.Their grandmother who was a bit of a prude and very self conscious about them signing this song in public asked them if they knew what the lyrics meant? And the eldest said "Yes grandma." and the youngest said "Love is love."
And then everyone clapped...
@@rupertmiller9690 I smiled mom was speechless.
But this song is not about love. Just a line the kid hears everyday in school.
The youngest kid....... was Albert Einstein.
@@mikeobrien717 He grew up and became a high school teacher and has had many of his students keep in touch with him after they've left high school.
I'm so glad I heard this song on the radio when I was a kid. It helped me grow up open-minded and accepting of people who are different.
"Waterloo Sunset" , "Celluloid Heroes" & "Sunny Afternoon" are great reaction choices from The Kink.
"Rudolph Valentino looks very much alive, as he looks up lady's dresses as they sadly pass him by."
"To those who are successful, be always on your guard, success walks hand in hand with failure, down Hollywood Boulevard"
Another vote for "Sunny Afternoon."
@@thechomiji I'd also toss in "A Rock & Roll Fantasy" and this one underrated song called "Did Ya".
Sunny Afternoon cracks me up, lolol!
Father Christmas
When I bought this record when it first came out my father said that I'd turn into a Lola if I kept playing it..... You know, he was right, I did darlings, and boy did I have fun.
😂😂well good for you honey😜😍
❤🌟😎😙
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏼🤗🤗
🥰🥰
And I bet you're gorgeous!!
Your face when you put 2 and 2 together was priceless.
Definitely should do “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed!!! Nice follow up to this song!
"She's a Dancer" by Crack the Sky
"Dude Looks Like a Lady" is a good option too
Also "Rangers at Midnight" by Crack the Sky - would LOVE seeing Jamel react to that
I second this 😂
"Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis is another good one along those lines.
This song brings back memories. Picture 3 teenage girls in 1972 walking down the street singing Lola at the top of their lungs. It was a great song and we had fun with it
This moved me to joyful tears. Thank you Ray & Dave and thank you Jamel.
I first heard this record on a crappy transistor radio , more than half a century ago, and fell in love with it. But now listening to it with you, well it took me right back to when I was 10 years old and listening to it for the first time again!
Unbearably beautiful.
Trying to find some comfort while at home with Covid. Your reaction to this song was priceless once you discovered the twist. Thanks for brightening my day. Peace to you brother.
Thanks everybody for the likes. Shows me there are a lot of decent folks out there. Trying to get over the coughing. So far no fever.
Leo Cantu stay well! 😊
Get better my man!! This whole coronavirus bullshit fucking sucks!! Hopefully it will go away soon! Stay safe and keep fighting the good fight!!
The look on Jamel's face when he hears that line "Well I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she walked like a woman and talked like a man". Priceless
Jamel picked up on it instantaneously, quicker than most!
One of the best reactions to this song - 2min:10sec in. Always great to see the reaction of people as it dawns on them who Lola is, as they listen to the lyrics.
I always get this song sung to me. ALWAYS! 😂😂😂
And yes Jamal, this song is about a transvestite 😉 and no I'm not a transvestite. 😆
Do you walk like a woman and talk like a man ?
@@dwightwaldvogel6148 no 🤣🤣🤣
Do you like Coca-Cola (C-O-L-A, cola)?
LoL👍🏻
😂😂😂
This song is talking about stuff that was not talked about fifty years ago.
@Jangler333 Huh?
but it was ... this was a number1 hit....
@Jangler333 but Eddie Murphy did
@Jangler333 Nobody told Danny Blancheflower 65 years ago either
@@voodoochile333 In his Pram? :)
We appreciate you too. One of the rock and roll songs ever.
The live versions are fun.
Also look up "Ape Man" by the Kinks.
😍
Was going to suggest same song but ya’ beat me to it. 👍🏻
They dont have a greatest song. They are all amazing.
Gotta love Ape Man.
"Ape Man" is the only song I ever heard on AM radio to drop the F-bomb. I guess they didn't notice
On a side note, Weird Al Yankovic did a parody of this song called “Yoda”.
Yo yo yo yo yoda!
man that would be an awesome one for him to review now haha
Came here to post that
Not just any parody, an awesome parody :)
One of his best! 🤣😊🤣😊
The sweetest love song ever written.
Jamal, when the Queen had her Golden Jubilee, all the big names had a one song relay show and Queen was there with the spectators. And Ray Davis of Kinks came out and he played and sang Lola! All the spectators sang with him and Queen was smiling!
That's England! You gotta see that part. I bet there's the footage on RUclips!
Your room is looking sharp!
Yes it is!!!❤️✨
I love the play on words with the lyrics, what a great song.
Must be about 50 years ago when my big brother had to explain this song to me. A lightbulb moment in my teenage years. Then he took me to see The Graduate. Going to Catholic school suddenly seemed a bit limited after that.
Ray Davies has claimed that he was inspired to write "Lola" after Kinks manager Robert Wace spent a night in Paris dancing with a cross-dresser.
"oh yea... ehh, it was Robert!"
True. I watched an interview with the Kinks years ago, and they said “Lola” was a song based on an incident that happened with their manager. They wrote it to fuck with him! Lol!
I listened to this song for decades. Love Lola. Couldn't really tell what all the lyrics were but I knew Lola la la la la lola. Never forget the moment I realized it was a trans song, heard all the words clearly, could have knocked me over with a feather. Still love love love Lola la la la la Lola. Freedom is the god I worship and it is there for everyone
This is one of those songs that has really stood the test of time. Taking a sensitive subject (even for today) and making it so joyous and funny is inspired.
great song Jamal..ever heard "Waterloo Sunset"?..might be their best song!!!
Many more greats ... "20th Century Man", "No More Lookin' Back", "Celluloid Heroes"!!! ... many, many more... 👍 "APEMAN"!!!! Seriously!!! Feel it!!! 😷👌
@@satorimystic i know..many many more!
@@pauljansen1137"Strangers" was always a sub-favorite, and other sleepers like, "I'm Not Like Anybody Else", et al 😷👍 Too many greats to mention. The Kinks deserve a long look 'n listen. 😊
@@satorimystic they do!!
Masterpiece
Honestly this is my fave song of all time. The way the song builds up and layers is phenomenal and the vocals leaves chills
I can't believe he'd never heard this song before but WOW what a treat to hear it for the first time! IMHO one of the greatest songs of the era - not just musically but because of the brave subject matter. Love it! What an incredible song!
Don’t believe it either.
Jamel's looking out of the camera, like, "Hey, what?!" and I'm looking back like, "Hee hee, you have no idea ... ."
Truth :D
I saw them in concert in the mid to late 80s and it was such a fun concert and all of us were signing to this song!
The thing about this song that strikes me most, when he sings "I'd never ever kissed a woman before", after all that, he still hadn't kissed a woman.
@Tejas Rob Maybe deep down his preference was a man. Even if he didn’t realize that was his preference.
The punctuation in the written lyrics makes it more ambiguous.
You're implying that transwomen aren't women though....which they are...🤷♀️🙅♀️
It depends, are you talking physiology or identity? Back then we didn't know or talk about transgendered people, so Lola would have been seen as a transvestite. Today she may well be seen as a Trans woman who hasn't had surgery. The song always refers to Lola as she, so I'm going with she is a she.
@@percysowner Umm, yeah, we knew and talked about transgendered people. Hell, they wrote a song about them.
Jamel, the kinks lead the way for the London sound of the sixties, good reaction as always, check out The Georgia Satellites 'keep your hands to yourself ' a great rocker, keep safe.
Good one
I don't think a band could get away with making this song now lol! Personally, I LOVE singing this song. It's so fun
A pure MASTERPIECE!!!
The Kinks also have a version of this song that says, "and it taste just like Cherry Cola"
I thought I was just hallucinating that.
If I'm not mistaken, in mid-tour they had to fly home and record that version because Coke was suing them.
@@etonbachs4226 ooooooh okay.
thank you
Coke Cola was advertising and could not be played on the BBC, so they made "Cherry Cola" for air play time
@@etonbachs4226 The BBC wouldn't play it because they don't allow product placement. So the album says "Coca Cola" but the single says "Cherry Cola".
Your reaction was priceless when you heard "she walk like a woman but talk like a man". Priceless !!
Your reaction was THE BEST.
Was so happy you weren't judgy and took the lyrics in stride.
I love this song so much!!.
Nice One Jamel. "Weird Al" Yankovic did a parody of this song called "Yoda"
And it's been some time since he's done any weird al.
@@matthewgraham2619 Yeah it has been. Maybe he'll react to it? Let's hope right? Take care. Stay safe.
Was just going to say, he's gotta do yoda now
@@Schwabguitar Yes. For sure Codi. Take care. Stay safe.
It was Al’s birthday yesterday
Man. This song was released in 1970... subject matter *WAY* ahead of its time. The Kinks were a great band for that. Wrote songs with lyrics that were well ahead of their time, and wrote songs that were musically ahead of their time too.
You gotta listen to You Really Got Me by The Kinks after this. It was written in 1964 and it sounded nothing like any other song in 1964.
They did things with sound and with lyrics that no one else was doing at the time.
Yes. A great song.
That glance at the camera is one of my favorite reactions of yours when you catch the lyrics. Love your videos, keep up the great work.
That moment of recognition. Priceless🤣🤣🤣🤣
“The Kinks done went to kinky!” Dead 😂😂😂😂
JAKAJ ... As the lyrics morphed from sounds into understanding, you tilted your head like a little puppy hearing a strange sound, you know, that quizzical stare at the source of confusion. It's only been 2 days since I learned the background to this wonderful song; it's particularly relevant to our social world today. I can see it blowing up into new popularity if it's marketed correctly. Enjoyed your efforts on this one for sure!
One of my all time favorites, Be a great Human!!
Jamel, The Kinks "All Day And All Of The Night" is another must hear classic
This song is way ahead of its time 😂 It's truly funny when people really listen to the lyrics. Some have sung along with it for years without actually hearing what it says 😂
After this version was released Coke complained about the use of their name as copy write infringement. The name was changed to Cherry Cola in in the more played version. The singer had to fly back to England from L.A. to record 2 words EDIT.. I found out the change from the word COKE was to get air play on BBC which did not allow anything that could be seen as an endorsement or advertising. The same as Dr. hook song " cover of the rolling stone" could not be played as it was seen as advertising for the magazine. They tried a song which said the name of the BBC magazine and it too was banned.
I'm pretty sure that had to do with the law in England prohibiting product placement in songs. Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" was banned from airplay in Britain for that precise reason. Simon said he wasn't shilling for Kodak, and he probably wasn't, but the Brits didn't see it that way.
It's a BBC rule against advertising. You couldn't have brand names in songs. The Beach Boys and a few other bands have had issues with it too.
I would’ve thought the coke company would have been thrilled w free advertising. Sheesh
@@drkjk It is a BBC regulation. The most famous case is DR.HOOK ....On the cover of the rolling stones. The BBC would not play it. DR. HOOK even did a version saying the name of the BBC's own magazine, it still did not work.
The change was made before the initial release in the UK on June 12, 1970 and was only used for the single version, not the LP track. Ray flew back to make the changes after the Minneapolis portion of the Kinks tour but had to go back and do it again after finishing the Chicago leg. The Kinks weren’t in LA that year until July 3.
The Kinks "Father Christmas" is another humorous song by them.
Best punk rock song ever.
Sighed:
Grumpy old SF punk rocker.
This was great. The expression on your face. Priceless
My husband is 50 and didn’t know what this song was about until a year or two ago. He has an ex named Lola and I would occasionally ask if she was really a woman “like Lola from the song”. He had no idea what I was talking about until he actually LISTENED to the lyrics a year or 2 ago.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLa😂
You'll have to give us a reaction to Sweet Transvestite from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
THIS!
We've been nagging for this one for months lol
Yes, but the title gives it away
How'd you do?
@@LongandWeirdName ?
I heard him say the voice was maybe a liquor reference, and just about lost it.
Oh, my sweet summer child.
I always get a kick out of this tune, its kind of a sweet love song, he doesn't care what people think, he loves his Lola, L-O-L-A, Lola, very progressive and open-minded for its time 😊 👠
The only lyrics that people today might be slightly offended by are, "I'm a man and so is Lola," because a trans person wouldn't want to be viewed that way by their lover. But yeah, I honestly think it's kind of an adorable song. ☺️❤️
Absolutely wrong!! " I left home just a week before" he has no experience of life, he thought Lola was a woman and throughout the song finds out she's a man, the song portrays him being fooled by a transsexual.
@@Tj-ot4jp He finds out later that night and initially freaks out but ultimately doesn't care, he's ok with it and loves her no matter what's between her legs, which is a beautiful message, love is love, she didn't trick him, she's trans, she is what she is, it's an accepting tune ultimately and fairly kind about a subject that many people are jerks about for no reason even to this day, also it's transgender not transsexual, that's a pretty antiquated term.
@@poetinmyheart94 True, times have changed since then in regards to language but its heart is in the right place I suppose, it is quite adorable indeed 😊
@@RaoulDuke77 "Well I ALMOST fell for my Lola" not sure if your understanding of English is great but that line might help.
Man did I laugh at your different reactions. Every time u heard something funny u stopped and ur face had a question mark. Hilarious. Thank u.
His many expressions are priceless 🤣
I had quite the expression when I listened to this song for the first time at the age of 13, and I'm now 60 😂
I loved your reaction to “she walks like a woman, but talks like a man”.
You can imagine my 15 year old self hearing that. I was very naive.
Me too at 15 , im 71 now makes me smile
He is talking about a transvestite that he didn’t know and fell for him her it’s a true story that happened to him it’s a great song love your reaction lol o yeah you got it all right yep
It was the Kinks' manager who was drunk and at a party was hitting on a woman who ended up being a man.
@@cactaceous I've seen interviews when he talks about it happening to him in a Parisian nightclub.
I've heard different stories, maybe it happened to Dave supposedly he's bisexual.
The Kinks were huge but in 1965 they got banned from the US so no tours and that’s why they never were huge like the Stones or the Beatles.
why were they banned
I did not know this boo I love the Kinks ! What for?