First time hearing Melanie "Brand New Key" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@827dusty]

Watch this woman as she sings "Lay Down" with a world-famous Black choir. Unbelievable voice this woman has. You'd never dream by this song. Powerful video. Find it, watch it, be amazed. 1970, I think. With The Edwin Hawkins singers. "Lay Down." Powerful stuff. By the way...She is drop Dead Gorgeous!

[@ParkerAllen2]

I was just about to write the same thing about her song Lay Down. The live 1970 version on KZbin really shows off how good she was (and I second the drop dead gorgeous opinion).

[@pauljohnstone180]

PLEASE do it!! You will love Lay Down!! 🙂

[@thancrow]

It is my favorite song by Melanie. That is a great vesion of it.

[@johngoodchild8459]

Yes, the live version done with the (correction) Edwin Hawkins Singers on a Dutch TV show. Classic!

[@unvettx790]

"Edwin Hawkins" I was thinking of the person who sang "War" [What's it good for?], but that was Edwin Starr. They need to do that song as well. Like "Lay Down", it is a high energy antiwar song.

[@janabraam7963]

They were metal skates and you had a key that adjusted these metal pieces that would come together & tighten on the shoes you are wearing. They also slid farther apart or closer together for bigger or smaller feet. They were back from the 50's and 60's. They lasted forever if you didn't lose the key. Great song. Melanie is great.

[@janabraam7963]

@@badkitty4922 I had children of my own before the the new kind came out. I am very old. LOL! I think my old skate key might be in my hubby's tool box, now that I think about it. LOL!

[@tm2bee]

My best friend's family had several pair of those skates. I always thought they were a pain. Maybe it was because they had seen better days Idk. We tried but we sure didn't get "pretty far"

[@maryandreana1753]

I'm so old my roller skates came with a key 🗝️🛼

[@ClayLoomis1958]

Yeah, and those skates had steel wheels, which would come to a complete stop if you hit so much as a pebble. Same for the skateboards at the time. The 60's was a rough time for a kid. There was no safety equipment either.

[@janabraam7963]

@@ClayLoomis1958 I remember that. That little pebble would send us flying. No knee pads, no elbow pads, no helmets. We were tough kids back in the 50's & 60's. No going home crying to mommy. We were one giant scab. When those new fangled skates came out, they were so heavy, I couldnt lift my feet! I felt like Herman Munster. LOL!

[@kperry2504]

You have to listen to her song "Lay Down(Candles In the Rain)" Shows her POWERFUL voice! Its an AWESOME song!

[@carols1406]

Yes! This a million times! Such a powerful song. The live version with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Written after her experience at Woodstock. Brings me shivers even after all these years.

[@rebawasswass3716]

You need to hear her sing "Lay down/ candles in the rain" You really can hear what her voice can do. Beautiful song.

[@johndalley1288]

I agree, I think it's her best song

[@mikecaetano]

"Brand New Key" was a number one hit for Melanie in 1972. I remember hearing it on the radio when I was a little kid. Although the lyrics are open to a double entendre interpretation, she's always said they're completely innocent and I tend to agree with her. Melanie, aka Melanie Safka, performed at Woodstock on the first night after another act refused to play in the rain. She was called back for two encores and went on to write a gospel infused song about her experience called "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" that went to the top ten in 1970. Check that song out when you're ready for more. Also check out her version of "Long Long Time". Wow!

[@kev7161]

I don't believe it for a second: "I don't go fast, but I go pretty far." "I'm okay alone, but you got something I need." "For somebody who don't drive, I've been all around the world." Give me a break! This song is all about S-E-X!!

[@user-gt2uf8cq9y]

Dirtiest #1 song of the decade. One of the best jokes ever.

[@flibber123]

@@kev7161 Don't forget "I think that we should get together And try them out, you see".

[@Braveheart0484]

Yo believe that? LOL

[@larrywright4539]

Back in the day, skates were clamped onto your shoes or sneakers with hooks that went over the sole of your shoe, and you needed a skate key to tighten them up so they wouldn't fall off

[@sirving1297]

So the skate "key" was just like a tool that worked with any skates?

[@surlechapeau]

Asia &BJ , "Lay Down(Candles In the Rain)" was another hit for her.

[@chrisjamieson3452]

With Edwin Hawkins Singers. Live or studio, it's the 1st one to react to. Sorry, but this choice was merely a novelty hit. Melanie & Molly Cyrus doing Look What They've Done to My Song Ma, would be another good one for them to visit.

[@brianp1230]

That is a great song.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Yes. Great song.

[@mrb4749]

Yes, it was out in 71. Melanie Safka is a great singer. Had a huge hit Lay Down, Candles in the Rain in 70. Much different really showed her range. Her and Miley Cyrus did a duet together her song Look what they done to my Song Ma, not long ago. Very good!

[@firedoc5]

This is such a fun song, a real blast from the past.

[@kcarr9589]

You needed the “a key” in order to tighten the skates to your sneakers!

[@CarolynStewart-v5q]

Rest in peace Melanie Safka. 2-3-1947-1-23-24. You will be missed.

[@cspringer333]

"Lay Down" is a song about Woodstock. She is a major protest singer.

[@827dusty]

Was...Now she preaches Jesus Christ. Praise God

[@robertaxel]

The double entendre was clear, but her coyness was part of the fun. I would try some of the other songs mentioned, plus her covers of 'Carolina on my Mind' and 'Ruby Tuesday'..

[@marksaunderson3042]

I’m an rock/metal fan, and I love this song. So honest, real talent, the vocals are amazing, and real lyrics, telling a story. Makes my eyes leak.

[@mlhesler68]

Her first major concert was Woodstock in front of a half a million people as a teenager. Wow.

[@virginiacox-westwood551]

Growing up in the 60s, you needed a key to tighten and loosen the clamps of the skates. BUT they really wouldn't work on sneakers. You needed to wear saddle shoes. Also, the double entendres are great.

[@CarolynStewart-v5q]

Asia and BJ, I;m so glad you found this video. This was done as a project by the young girl who posted this. This is not Melanie skating but the song is Melanie and it's clearly about a girl who uses roller skates and a key about getting what she wants from a guy. Double meanings here. This song is genius.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Geez you need to do Melanie's Lay Down Candles In The Rain, Nickel Song and Look What They Done To My Song Ma. But I love this song too. 💯

[@andreaschmall5560]

Yeah, this would not be the first Melanie song that I would request.

[@RicoBurghFan]

@@andreaschmall5560 I love it though, such great vocals and so damn catchy!

[@valerievanwinkle6453]

There's a Chance Peace Will Come. Melanie is unique.

[@cindy2252]

I remember those roller skates and if you lost your key, (to adjust them onto your shoes) you lost the use of your skates! I love that he has the key on a string around his neck, a must back in the day, as you needed the key to get them off. lol Love this song, haven't heard it in decades.

[@1dkappe]

The best part is the double meaning. Get together and try to fit the key into the roller skates. Nudge nudge, wink wink.

[@walterpanovs]

Be sure to check out her far more serious, gospel-flavored hit "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" about the loving spirit of the people at Woodstock. This quirky "Brand New Key" was a hit and showcased her distinctive voice but it really representative of her work. She was a fabulous folk singer type.

[@spotterofgold]

I remember this when it was a radio hit in 1971 but never noticed until now how much the arrangement sounds inspired by Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" which came out in 1970.

[@stefan_becker]

She's got an incredible voice. I can recommend also listening to "What have they done to my song, ma?"

[@marningritaguy]

Give "Look What They've Done To My Song" also Melanie.

[@flutesong5527]

Teen when this was released, remember painting stars on bedroom ceiling to this tune! Happy Memories!

[@richardmather1906]

Man, Iove Melanie. She has this whimsical kind of voice and then boom, blows the roof off the place.

[@sherribrock2726]

I was 10 when this was a hit. I am coming up on 60. Still makes me smile!! Yes that is why you had a key. You had to get the skates to fit over your shoe and then lock it with the key to keep it at the right size!!

[@greg2976]

I'm 62. We Got a 2x4 and made a skate board out of them! Those were the the days!

[@petschmann]

This woman has a bundle of brilliant songs back in the 60' and 70'! A very important artist in those days!

[@richardanderson5046]

this song is so full of hidden meanings, back in the day we had to hide things, there are so many references about sex in this song. "new key" "around the world" "going pretty far"

[@oldmanghost219]

Brand new key !!! I remember it well. I remember when the young boys were more interested in sports and the girls were in "Pursuit". This is back when we had metal skates in 2 pieces that slid together heal piece to toe piece to clamp on to the shoe and you needed a 'Key' to tighten and loosen them. We used to nail them to a board and that was the 1st skateboard.

[@jerickson725]

I loved this song that was on the radio constantly when I was a kid. I believe my 8 yr. old self was just learning to roller skate at the time! Remember there was no "music videos" in 1972, so this must have been created years after the song was a hit. Thanks for another great reaction Asia and B.J.!

[@charlesmarkley220]

Holy cow. Haven't heard this song in so long. Was a little kid when it came out. Great, thanks.

[@johnrooney1033]

Melanie Safka is from my hometown of Red Bank, NJ. She showed up at a street fair about 4 years ago in Red Bank and stood in with the band and sang Brand New Key. She was so cool.

[@melodymcdonald2140]

I had the 45 of this when it first came out.. played the heck out of it. The B side was “Ring The Living Bell”, another great song. I also had a pair of those roller skates… they were adjustable and you needed a “key” to change them. We had a really long driveway at our house and the neighborhood kids would come down to skate while I DJ’d for them with my little record player from my front porch. Who needs a roller rink?! 😀👍

[@bl6252]

It is a crazy song and even today it brings tears to my eyes, my MOM love this song and play it so many times when I was just a child, I can still see her dancing around the kitchen.

[@garylorentzen228]

I love Melanie Safka! She had some great songs in the 1970s. And, yes, in the 1950s as a kid, I had the 'clamp on' sidewalk skates with a 'key'. I did 'graduate' to real roller skates with boots, but this song does take you back to the days of sidewalk skating.

[@shanenolan8252]

I remember a character in the movie ( boggie nights) was obsessed with this song she wore roller skates everywhere and called herself roller girl and this was her theme music and she listened to it on repeat. Lol . Melanie has a very powerful voice) and she is tiny .she has other song that show it off more .

[@mikek5958]

"Roller Girl" Heather Graham...Yummy.

[@shanenolan8252]

@@mikek5958 so hot . Mike ( yummy indeed)

[@Sarah-li2fm]

That was my introduction to this song! Lol Great Movie! Even Better Song! 🎼🎤

[@shanenolan8252]

@@Sarah-li2fm me too Sarah. Agreed

[@Mr54nomore]

Folk Rocker Melanie wrote this novelty song which became a number one hit for her back in [1971]. I was 17 years old and a junior in high school then. And today I'm 68 years old and enjoying it all over again. And in the 70's for some strange reason skating rinks started popping up all over the place. And to top that off "Roller Derby" became a big hit on television back in the 70's. Who Knew?

[@Fsharp_2010]

Great 🎵 Lay down is still playing on retro station's. With the choir behind her and remixed, a great song.

[@skilz8098]

She was part of that singer songwriter era late 60s and through the early to mid 70s. A greate unique tone and voice, great catchy melodies.... such a lovely voice. And I loved Asia's impression!!!

[@RFWieder]

She performed at Woodstock!! Her biggest hit was "Candles in the Rain", She was the ultimate hippy chick mixing serious songs like " Look What They did to my Song" and silly ones like "Alexander Beetle"!!

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

There was a strap that ran from the heel past the ankles and buckled on the top of your foot and on the front of the skate were clamps that needed the “key” to tighten them

[@TheMkamix]

I had never heard this song before. Thanks for introducing me to it.

[@columbusjustice5183]

I remember back in 60s I got pair metal skates for Christmas next summer there on play ground where it was black top all kind kids roller skateing it was one best times of childhood than in 70s song come out skates keys and bicycles and brand new key the song bring back good childhood memories

[@hankstaines6568]

Also by Melanie 'Psychotherapy ' live at Carnegie Hall

[@JerisEve]

I've been a huge Melanie Safka fan for 50 years. This woman is insanely talented. More, more, more. One of her best, though not well known, is Some Say I Got Devil, Some Say I Got Angel, and everybody would agree on Look What They Done to My Song, Ma. It was great to see you having fun with this.

[@tonyabomia7217]

Haven't heard this song in years. We used to have this song on a 45. Played it all the time. ( For those who don't know what that is....it's a small vinyl record)

[@martinstubbs7974]

Hi guys In addition to the song suggestions already made you might want to listen to her cover of the rolling stones Ruby Tuesday and also Peace will Come. This lady has one of the most unique voices ever, so powerful and yet so beautiful. Very few have reacted to Melanie on you tube so thanks so much for doing so. Take care. Best wishes from the UK.

[@RobinT-treehugger]

Welcome to the hippie age of the early 70s....a great Woodstock performer... you need to do "Lay down".

[@metalmark1214]

A fun song. Like the chorus best. "I got a brand new pair or roller skates, you got a brand key"

[@willblood7082]

Cute little song that was a big hit, I was born in 1960 so I remember the song very well and had the exact kind of skates she was wearing. Had to have a “key” to put them on and take them off but they would fit on virtually any shoe.

[@steverusso177]

"Lay down" Melanie and Edwin Hawkins singers is a must do

[@brooksboyd1959]

The magic of the 70’s…all kinds of great music!

[@marieb8049]

Such a sweet song from a very sweet lady. I'm with BJ on being done with roller skates! :-) As others are saying, check out Lay Down (Candles in the Rain), a song she wrote about her experience at Woodstock.

[@zachary8196]

"Momma Momma, Left Over Wine, What Have They Done To My Song Ma, Loving Baby Girl," and "Animal Crackers to name a few, as well as, "Lay Dow (Candles in the Wind)." Melanie was my favorite when I was a teenager, and she still is 0ne.

[@zachary8196]

I meant "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) rain not wind.

[@shadowfrost__]

Every time I hear this song I almost instantly want to listen to Chuck Berry's - My Ding-A-Ling. They reminded me so much of each other as being just playfully fun songs.

[@southernbella6535]

I remember sitting on the tail gate of my uncles truck driving down dirt / rock roads and my cousin who was a young teen singing this song . Great memories in this song :) Thanks guys, keep doing what you do !

[@michaelmiller9452]

Melanie, last name Safka, sang at Woodstock. She was a fine folk singer in that era.

[@johnandert1611]

Melanie meant this as a novelty song and it took off and became her biggest hit. And you're right, she is holding back. Try "Lay Down" or "Ring the Living Bell"

[@richhahn2443]

One of my favorites from the Woodstock era. She had several hits, was a talk show favorite, and some of her covers are epic. Melanie does Ruby Tuesday better than the Stones did.

[@mrb4749]

Definitely, thanks for bringing that to my attention. Terrific voice, somewhat underated

[@danjoda755]

Okay guys, let's kick it up a notch....Melanie did a great cover of Jim Croce's "Lover's Cross". It's well worth a listen. 🕊️✌️😇

[@Guitaural.]

They have to do Jim's original first tho ; ) Great song...

[@danjoda755]

@@jackstubbington387 Yeah Jack, I hear ya. And the reactors wonder why videos get blocked? Asia is a blast and a half, but BJ gets on my nerves with his literacy, vocabulary and comprehension problems. ✌️🕊️

[@mikmaqwoman]

Peace will Come by Melanie..it is phenomenal

[@greg2976]

What memories this song brings back! As an 11 year old boy, I loved this song. Of course It was all innocent to me. All the songs back then were! Not like today! Thank you for your reaction Asia and BJ!

[@patricklowery127]

These are adolescents she is singing about!! They are discovering their differences and how they each have a part that would fit together real good. The skate 'key' fits in the slot very good, and his body 'key' would fit in her slot very good!!! She was at Woodstock in 1969 and so was I!!!

[@lindamathias6230]

Her song Lay Down, Candles in the Rain was a "MEGA" hit.

[@benjaminjohnson8010]

She's a folk singer that made a song with the Edwin Hawkins singers called lay down candle in the wind.

[@shellygill5029]

Growing up pre.70's kids wore street skates. They were made of metal and they attached to the bottom of your shoes... thus the key. You needed a key to tighten the skates to the shoes. Boot skates with plastic wheels were for indoor rinks. Metal street skates were also heavy and one pair of skates could be made longer or shorter to accommodate foot growth. They also made a lot of noise in the pavement. We always wore the key on a string around our neck in case the skates came off and we needed to put them back on our shoes.

[@mickdenis6630]

She's a cool artist Melanie Safka, with some great songs. This song was also one of those songs that gave rise to women, during the women's movement of the time. You can tell by the lyrics how the world was, "some people say I've done alright for a girl"; such a different place, a sign of the times.

[@richardkeel4875]

I remember in the 60's having skates like that. They clamped down on your shoes with a key to tighten them snug. Lay Down is a must. Thanks guys.

[@mcolford]

Check out Lay Down... another big hit written about Woodstock in the late 60's.

[@Surgarfoot3]

These skates were from the 60's. My sister had a pair. You stepped on the skate and there was a place on the side where the key goes and as you turned the key, the skate tightened on your shoe. If you have seen the episode on "Andy Griffith" where Opie is skating down the sidewalk, he has the same kind of skates. Looking back now, they were dangerous skates!

[@debbieelholm7921]

My sister and I learned how to skate with those kind of skates. Our shoes kept slipping out of them, so our dad bought a new style of skates. They had huge clamp shells that you squeezed together over the top of your shoes. These worked great and my sister and I really learned and loved to skate! Check out Melanie’s big hit Candles in the Rain.

[@jolenewitzel7919]

Fun song. Haven't heard this in a long time. Thanks. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@maureenwagg5305]

Yes this woman is an amazing singer. Try Lay Down (candles in the rain).

[@stevedavis5704]

I have always liked her song “ Looks What They Done To My Song”.

[@joannparker1977]

She has such a beautiful and sweet voice!

[@darleendionne6403]

She also does a great cover of Ruby Tuesday.

[@3DJapan]

Funny, when this song came out in 1972 some radio stations banned it, saying the skate and key references were sexual innuendo.

[@borisbrosowski6630]

Melanie is a f... goddess. She played at Woodstock, being 22!! And you rightfully observed that she really holds back her vocal abilities here. Check out "Lay down" (either official video or the TV-show) and of course "Ruby Tuesday". You won't regeret this.

[@cpklapper]

“Look What They’ve Done to my Song, Ma!” was her big hit.

[@kd8199]

I was 13 when this was a hit. It got a lot of airplay on the radio.

[@laydown6]

Melanie was my idol im from 61 my first record i bought was from Melanie. You should listen to beautifull people an number one hit in the Netherlands . She was singing live by voor de vuists weg in the Netherlands 1970 great performance

[@jonnno243]

A powerful performance by Melanie is her version of The Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday". One of my all time favourite versions of any song.

[@jacqueline4514]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful song to react to! I remember hearing this as a kid and loved it; as an adult I see how the song appeals to kids. Instant smile on my face, guys! I actually remember having those felt, twisty ribbons on my ponytails, HAHA!

[@cpklapper]

It is reminiscent of songs from the 1920’s through the 1940’s: one with the memorable chorus, “Ain’t got no rain-barrel, ain’t got not cellar door”, and another called “Side by Side” (comically covered by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis)

[@timothymyers6827]

She had an awesome unique voice.....

[@caretaker158]

I'm not quite old enough to remember skates that required a key (mine had a wingnut in the center where the old key went) but omg I definitely remember the skates that clamped onto your tennis shoes and had METAL wheels... a very rough roll but man I had fun zooming around the neighborhood with my friends!

[@waitn4theharpazo]

We all had a pair of skates like that back then. You wore your gym shoes and put your foot on top of the skates and the key was used to tighten the clamps to fit your shoe and make the skate longer or shorter to fit your shoe size.

[@miltonslocum8957]

Asia and BJ, thanks for reacting to this song! Haven't heard this in ages. Me and my siblings had skates like those back in the 50's. And like others have mentioned, you just attached them to your tennis shoes and tighten them up with a key. And BJ, you must have had a traumatic experience with skates😂 Thanks again guys!

[@youngyoungmcgurn5088]

Someone's probably already mentioned this, but there was a British band called "The Wurzels", whose gimmick was that they were farmers, and they did comedy versions of famous songs, their most famous hit being a parody of this song, titled "I've Got A Brand New Combine Harvester (And I'll Give You The Key)". Very funny

[@blancahoward4477]

Daughter and and the grands sing this I absolutely love that the babies love older music

[@bryanforis1839]

She has voice of movies she’s been of music in movie

[@michaelmendoza6557]

I Love y'all!!! I Love Melanie!!! Great vocalist.....

[@sammyholloway334]

I remember this song well. I had those skates too, steel wheels, and the skate key,is how you adjust it to your size.

[@russelbarnes7235]

I see everyone steering you to listen to Lay Down(candles in the rain) with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. Go with that! This song was early 70s gold. Back then skates fit over your shoes and had a key to lock them in place. Great reaction to a great song. Thank you! I feel you with the skates BJ. Peace

[@smgdroid]

Wow, Melanie! What K Perry said below... "Lay Down(Candles In the Rain)" She is a freakishly good singer, you won't believe your ears...

[@paulwalker4122]

thank you you just triggered a load of memories from the 60s and 70s there were a lot of skating in the uk then once again thank you

[@daveloboda1769]

Melanie had a number of great songs, try "Ruby Tuesday".

[@neldablanco1663]

Loved this song growing up! ❤️ Played the 45 over, over and over!!

[@paul00390]

Melanie is a treasure.

[@ohmightywez]

Prior to the 70s roller skates fitted onto the bottom of your shoes, and you needed a skate key to tighten up the skates. If you lost your skate key you were clean out of luck.