Lola
MIKA
The Reluctant Lover: MIKA's 'Lola' and the Cynicism of Modern Romance
MIKA's song 'Lola' delves into the complexities and disillusionments of modern love. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has grown weary of the superficiality and transient nature of contemporary relationships. The opening lines, 'People always make me crazy / Love me last, don’t love me maybe,' set the tone for a narrative steeped in skepticism. The protagonist questions the value of traditional love songs and the societal norms that dictate how love should be experienced, suggesting that these conventions often lead to disappointment and jealousy.
The recurring mention of 'Lola' serves as a focal point for the protagonist's reflections. Lola appears to be a symbol of the fleeting and often shallow connections that characterize modern romance. The lines 'Oh sex and lies and mystery / They don't bring out the best in me' highlight the protagonist's frustration with the insincerity and emotional turmoil that come with such relationships. Despite the chaos, there is a sense of gratitude for the lessons learned, as indicated by 'Thank you for the time you've taken / Cleaning up the mess I'm making.' This suggests a cycle of repeated mistakes and the struggle to find genuine connection.
The chorus, 'I’ve made up my mind / And I’m not going to fall in love this time,' reflects a resolve to break free from this cycle. However, the song also acknowledges the inevitability of love's impact, describing it as 'the oldest game in history, repeating.' The protagonist's cynicism is tempered by an understanding that love, despite its flaws, is an inescapable part of the human experience. The final lines, 'Oh Lola baby it’s just another love song,' encapsulate this ambivalence, recognizing the futility of resisting love while also dismissing it as just another chapter in a long, repetitive story.