Brand New Key
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"Brand New Key" is a pop song written by folk singer Melanie (Melanie Safka), which became a novelty hit in 1971-2. Taken from Melanie's album Gather Me the song (also known as The Rollerskate Song) was her biggest hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in December 1971 and January 1972. It reached #1 in Canada and Australia, and #4 in the UK charts.
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[edit] Overview
The song is lighthearted in tone, sung from the viewpoint of a girl trying to attract the attention of a boy:
- I got a brand new pair of roller skates
- You got a brand new key
- I think that we should get together and try them out you see
The rollerskates in question would have been quad skates which fitted over ordinary footwear and were tightened with a screw. The girl's skates are presumably adequate, as she is already skating, but not perfect, as she needs the key:
- I roller skated to your door at daylight[...]
- I'm okay alone, but you got something I need
Many listeners detected innuendo in the lyrics, with the key in its lock symbolizing sexual intercourse. The song was banned by some radio stations.[1]
[edit] Combine Harvester
In 1976, "Combine Harvester (Brand New Key)" produced by Bob Barrett was released in the UK by West Country novelty act The Wurzels, reaching #1 for two weeks in June. New rustic-themed lyrics by Brendan O'Shaughnessy included "I got a brand new combine harvester An' I'll give you the key".
[edit] Cover versions
The cello-rock band Rasputina covered the song in their 1996 album, Thanks for the Ether.
The Rock/Punk/Pop Rock band THE DOLLYROTScovered the song in their 2007 album, "Because I'm Awesome".
[edit] Trivia
- Melanie's version of "Brand New Key" was featured in the 1997 film Boogie Nights.
| Preceded by "Family Affair" by Sly & the Family Stone |
Billboard Hot 100 number one single (Melanie version) December 25, 1971 |
Succeeded by "American Pie" by Don McLean |
| Preceded by "No Charge" by J.J Barrie |
UK number one single (Wurzels version) June 12, 1976 |
Succeeded by "You to Me Are Everything" by The Real Thing |
[edit] References
- ^ Brand New Key from the Super Seventie Rocksite.
