Brand New Key

Melanie

About Brand New Key

"Brand New Key" is a pop song written and sung by folk music singer Melanie. Initially a track of Melanie's album Gather Me, produced by Melanie's husband Peter Schekeryk, it was known also as "The Rollerskate Song" due to its chorus. It was her greatest success, scoring No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart during December 1971 and January 1972. Billboard ranked it as the No. 9 song of 1972. It also scored No. 1 in Canada and Australia and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.  


Year:
2004
64 

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I rode my bicycle past your window last night
I roller skated to your door at day light
It almost seems like you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, 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
I been looking around awhile, you got something for me
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

I ride my bike, I roller skate, don't drive no car
Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far
For somebody who don't drive I been all round the world
Some people think I done all right for a girl

Well, 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
I been looking around awhile, you got something for me
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

I asked your mother if you were at home
She said "Yes" but you weren't alone
Well, sometimes I think that you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, 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
I been looking around awhile, you got something for me
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates

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Melanie

Melanie is a feminine given name derived from the Greek μελανία (melania), "blackness" and that from μέλας (melas), meaning "dark". Borne in its Latin form by two saints: Melania the Elder and her grand-daughter Melania the Younger, the name was introduced to England by the Normans in its French form Melanie. However the name only became common in English usage in the 1930s due to the popularity of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and its 1939 filmation, as one of the novel's main characters was named Melanie Hamilton. The name's popularity increased until the 1970s since remaining constant. Melanie was the 80th most popular name for girls born in the United States in 2007 and - as Mélanie - was the 86th most popular name for girls born in Fr… more »

2 fans

Written by: Melanie Safka

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Release Details
"Brand New Key" was released by Melanie in 1971 as a single and later appeared on her album "Gather Me". The song was produced by Melanie's husband, Peter Schekeryk.
Chart Performance
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1971, where it stayed for three weeks. It also reached number 1 on the Cash Box Top 100 and the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart.
Song Meaning
The song, at face value, paints a picture of a girl with a brand new pair of roller skates asking a boy to try them out with her. However, Melanie has stated in interviews that it's a metaphor for her recent confidence and newfound freedom.
Controversial Interpretations
Despite Melanie's explanations, some radio stations banned the song considering its lyrics to have sexual innuendos, much to Melanie's disbelief and surprise.
Music Style
The tune of "Brand New Key" is inspired by an old nursery rhyme leading the song to have a distinctive folk-pop style.
Humour Element
The song was referred to as "The Roller Skate Song" due to its catchy, playful lyrics, and was considered to have a novelty aspect.
Songwriting Inspiration
Melanie wrote "Brand New Key" spontaneously after fasting and cleansing under a health regimen. She had a dream about the melody and wrote the song in just 15 minutes.
Movie Feature
This song was featured in the 1997 film "Boogie Nights," which is set in the 1970s.
Cultural Impact
"Brand New Key", over time, became a staple of classic pop radio and 70s nostalgia, despite or perhaps because of its quirky theme and sound.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists including The Dollyrots, Deana Carter and Katharine McPhee, showing its enduring popularity.
Recognition
In 1999, ASCAP awarded Melanie with the esteemed “Charlie Chaplin Award” for "Brand New Key", acknowledging its spectacular success in the UK.
Commercial Use
The song was used in a commercial for HP's digital photography in 2004.
Influence
The lyrics of "Brand New Key" were referenced in the Nirvana song "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" demonstrating its cultural impact.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

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