On June 3rd in music history, one significant event occurred in 1970 when Ray Davies of The Kinks traveled round-trip from New York to London in a day to change one word in the recording of their song "Lola." This anecdote has become a famous tale in rock music history, showcasing the dedication and perfectionism of musicians.
The story goes that the band had recorded "Lola," which features lyrics about a romantic encounter with a transgender person. In the original version, the character drinks a popular brand of cola. However, the BBC had a policy against mentioning commercial products in songs, which would prevent the song from receiving airplay.
Ray Davies, the lead singer and songwriter of The Kinks, was determined to have the song played on the radio. He decided to change the lyric from "Coca-Cola" to the generic "cherry cola." To make this happen, Davies quickly booked a flight from New York, where the band was on tour, to London. He arrived at the studio, recorded the new lyric, and immediately flew back to New York to rejoin the tour.
This last-minute transatlantic trip, all for the sake of changing one word, has become a testament to Davies' commitment to his artistic vision and his willingness to go the extra mile (or thousands of miles) for his music. "Lola" went on to become one of The Kinks' most famous and enduring songs, proving that Davies' efforts were well worth it.
The story also highlights the power of a single word in lyrics and the impact it can have on a song's success. It's a reminder of the care and attention that goes into the creation of memorable music, and the sometimes extraordinary lengths artists will go to perfect their craft.
