Melanie-Brand New Key -((Composer Melanie Safka))

Brand New Key" is a pop song written by folk singer Melanie, which became a novelty hit in 1971-72. Taken from Melanie's album Gather Me, it was also known as "The Rollerskate Song" due to its chorus. It 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.
The song is lighthearted in tone, sung from the viewpoint of a girl with roller skates 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, to see ...
The roller skates in question would have been children's quad skates, which were clamped to the soles of ordinary shoes. The clamps were tightened with a special "key" that basically was a very simple socket wrench. The key was inevitably lost or misplaced, in which case a screwdriver or other tool usually could substitute though at some inconvenience. Although the lyrics claim that the roller skates are "brand new"; the girl presumably has lost her key:
I roller skated to your door at daylight[...]
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

[@NormSimpson-iw5jr]

76 years old. She passed away today at home. Bless her. And thank you for the music.

[@mateuspaimdebarros6959]

descanse em paz

[@Kevin-en1jm]

@@skygazer6898 what do you mean?

[@user-zs1cl1ri3b]

Good question

[@Kevin-en1jm]

@@user-zs1cl1ri3b I think skygazer6898 is just lonely and wanted people to talk about them.

[@Kevin-en1jm]

@@skygazer6898 I think skygazer6898 is just lonely and wanted people to talk about them.

[@jackwegener3484]

Sadly, another artist of my generation has left the stage. She was wonderful.

[@surveytestmoney2550]

😭😢😥🥹🥺

[@billygoatbaa3350]

Well said🥺

[@nrcg2317]

This song came immediately to mind when I read the news this morning 😢. And as you say, I also note that someone whose music I listened to when growing up is now gone. 😢

[@jeffschuler5659]

The Show Must Go On !

[@juansarabia7530]

She is probably a walk performer with John and George about now.

[@gmsdani7872]

One of my favorite songs as a kid! RIP, Melanie. Keep singing in the Heavenly Choir. 😢❤

[@foreverloved2986]

Same. ❤

[@carinedupont9376]

The most amazing song i ever heard... Melanie could make you happy like no one other was capable to!!!!

[@gmsdani7872]

​@@carinedupont9376, ​ I remember Sonny and Cher doing this on their weekly show. They were portrayed as cartoon characters. I LOVED it! 😊

[@Surfingaliens65]

First heard this on the radio whilst travelling to Blaenau Ffestiniog to see my Gran. It was stuck in my head ever since. I was born in 1965 so how old would I have been? I was 6. We carry music we heard as a child with us for our entire lives, you may forget the lyrics but you'll never forget the tune. Songs take us right back to where we were when we first heard them. It means something. I have an acquired brain injury since 1967 and I find the RIP impossible. I fear it and I don't know why.

[@rsacchi100]

RIP Melaine Safka.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Melanie (February 3, 1947 - January 23, 2024), aged 76 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@stephenrafe2278]

I was the judge who gave her first place in a "Hootenanny" in the 1960's and got her her first job at The Quay in Sea Bright, NJ.

[@deplorabledave1048]

No shit? I believe you. What songs did she sing for you?

[@GitarzanLKabong]

We are in your debt sir.

[@stevemontes886]

Lovely

[@lostintime8651]

Stephen, I carried her bag once. I guess I did more for her career than you did.

[@isaiahzuppa1020]

Great stuff. She is so good. I wish ... I wish ... I wish I could go back and do it all over

[@user-rf1cr2gl2z]

I'm 63 and we were such happy boys and girls back then, and I remember when I was young the world had just begun and we were happy.✌️🙋

[@wrightsartstudio1173]

Memories Looking at old pictures, listening to old songs It seems like only yesterday, man how the time has flown. Each one of them a memory a movie in my head, A time, a place, a way of life that now is all but dead. Things almost forgotten, that many have never seen. A peaceful life of what once was, is all but now a dream. A part of who I am inside, my soul that's deep within. Of what it was like yesterday when innocence began. A child like faith and an awe, where everything's brand new. Oh how I long for the yesterdays, that are buried in my youth. Say I am outdated a relic from the past. that my life is over,that tomorrow's never last. But when I'm looking back in time, and see these things again. They're more than just a memory,but are a long lost friend. By John Wright

[@SimonTimoney-74]

Bullshit

[@jjg1501]

the world was a much smaller place in the 60s. we were not constantly bombarded with the horrors that were happening on all four corners of the globe. we actually had a social fabric cause there was nothing else. now we have none of that. the wonders of the world has been buried under massive mountains of shit as a result of losing these things that most humans need to "feel" ok

[@zapkvr]

And then you went and killed a bunch of innocents in Viet Nam

[@BadazzShovelhead]

RIP in peace beautiful lady. When I was a wee lad this song used to make me so happy. My mom was kind of an old hippy and decades after this song came out mom played it for me and I’d dance and try to sing along LOVED the chorus. Fair winds and following seas sweet lady. You made this guy so happy.

[@cynthiabustamante2884]

Loveee your comment!

[@JonFuncke]

❤

[@mehgahnsnook2707]

❤

[@murray9159]

Ill never see a pair of roller skates and not think of Melanie. RIP ❤

[@stormcharley]

Truth.

[@shellyleth1434]

❤

[@chrisblay]

I just heard that Melanie passed away. I remember listening to this song as a child all those years ago. R.I.P.

[@wetukman]

I learned about Melanie , when I was shop lifting at Tandy aged 12 or 13 in the UK I stole a cassette and many other, Her voice got me so much .. there are unique voices and that is her , I am now 60 and it is still great

[@tedkay3750]

R.I.P. this is a quirky, very catchy song..never knew what she looked like actually never never knew her name..this song will never get old!

[@davidmccrory5604]

This georgeous woman is proof that great music is not about complexity and technical competency its about getting inside you and tickling your emotions she is cheeky and fun and it shows in her originality i just love this song and music in general and how it can transport me back to my wonderful carefree youth surrounded by loved ones

[@f1rebreather123]

Yes it's similar to 90-2000s pop. Simple but catchy

[@freedomisall5620]

She is just gorgeous in this. Look at the hair! RIP Beautiful person

[@dennisnolan5095]

R.I.P. Melanie. I found myself singing this song in the shower yesterday. It made me happy, as your music always did.

[@suecox907]

1/23/24. Melanie Safka has roller-skated into heaven. So long Melanie! We will miss you.☹

[@janedoe5922]

Simple and brilliant song. Not like today’s junk. RIP beautiful soul.

[@halifirien]

After the DJ bit in The Kids in the Hall, this is now my personal theme for the apocalypse.

[@mandisteppingoutvintage]

I've also been listening to this on repeat since the show. I wonder how may people will be reminded of this song again now.

[@sunsh1in3]

Same!! 😆

[@anthonypeterson428]

This song is now terrifying... 🤣

[@themotorcyclemasswhole]

Well considering how close the apocalypse seems to be these days it only makes sense

[@wobblynoggin]

That’s. The. Point.

[@RICCARDOREARDON]

REST IN PEACE.. YOU LEFT YOUR POSITIVE MARK ON THE WORLD THROUGH ONE TRACK.. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..

[@joanca3332]

I used to sing this song to my eldest son when he was a baby. He's 41 now.

[@TheMayoBlue]

Bless our Moms!! What would us boys be without you??!! 🎈

[@tiffany4628]

@@TheMayoBlue awww!🙂

[@marleneboyd-wilson1268]

So happy, bubbly and innocent. Remember absokuteky giving my roller skates plenty of work outs going up and down the street where I used to live. When this song came out I thought " Wow what an awesome, strong, melodic voice. It makes you want to sing along with a happy heart.

[@rhuephus]

you still sing it to him, eh ??

[@stephenrafe2278]

She and her mother used to sleep with her high school English teacher. LOL

[@kojakkojak1984]

I'm almost 63 years old and still love this song. Brings back so many memories.. thank you!!! I ask you all, if it wasn't for memories what would we have??

[@conniekrout320]

me too.im 60 and still,rem,every word.

[@GuitarSlayer136]

Isn't this an Irish rebel song?!?

[@corinabm60]

Still here at 61, enjoying in 2021. Keep having joy!

[@gerlindeb.1114]

You are so right!!! (I'm 66 years old...)

[@robross180]

63 here... brings back a beautiful feeling ❤🇦🇺

[@XRacerify]

I had no idea she died... Iconic song that most any American Boomer could sing right along. RIP sweet woman...

[@smck001]

An anthem - the anthem - of adolescent longing.

[@damiancazares7994]

Happy Heavenly 77th Birthday Melanie Safka February 3 1947 - January 23 2024

[@loriminnesota]

One of my favorite childhood tunes! Great song, great voice, great lady! May she Rest in Peace.

[@imerci1]

THIS IS MOTORMOUTH MIKE IN THE MORNING BRINGING YOU THE HARD AND HEAVY HITS OF CLASSIC ROOOOOOCK!!!! AND THAT WAS MELANIE LETTING YOU KNOW SHE GOT SOME ROLLERSKATES AND YOUVE GOT A "BRAND NEW KEY"!

[@guycalgary7800]

Only the kids in the hall could make this song creepy lol

[@TheLarryBrown]

It's "Qui."

[@andypants1000]

@@TheLarryBrown quay?

[@phousefilms]

(Dead eyed stare of absolute collapse).

[@fartkerson]

Calling all crocodile rockers that was Melanie and reliable sources tell me she has a brand new pair of rollerskates and you have a brand new key.

[@PaleRider638]

Gods speed Melanie! Thank you for being in our lives! We love you!! Ciao! God bless!

[@Appytail]

It's all about the simplicity of the song and THAT voice.

[@MrKingvenom77]

I agree

[@MusicalSavior23]

It's about sex lol. "Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far." It's innuendo and I only realized it recently.

[@danielinthewolvesden]

@@MusicalSavior23 It is, and it isnt, which is why it's so nice.

[@MusicalSavior23]

@@danielinthewolvesden agreed.

[@NxDoyle]

It's all about that chorus.

[@philipleanza3]

RIP Melanie....American singer & songwriter best known for her international top charting songs "Brand New Key" & "Lay Down"....She performed at the Woodstock Music Festival & was awarded with 2 Gold albums and USA Billboard's #1 Top Female Vocalist Award in 1972.

[@Drtoe2ner]

RIP dear one. You're not replaceable. Enjoy you trip through the heavens. See ya around some time.

[@sojourningteddybear6838]

The Kids In The Hall brought me here. She has a Loretta Lynn type sound. ❤️

[@saviorofnoobs6219]

Yes, it's this is the song that you will play in your bomb shelter during the imminent dystopian hellscape.

[@themotorcyclemasswhole]

What the f@ck else you gonna play after the apocalypse?!?!!

[@PugFeist]

Did the exact same thing.

[@kickstartmyhart]

Same here

[@chrissampson7569]

Same

[@annahshoffner1871]

One of My First 45rpm records. Rest In Heavenly Peace 🙏🏽✝️🕊️☮️🎤✌🏽

[@wilholloway7876]

R.I.P. beautiful soul with a angelic voice. The world will be less musical without you.....

[@bajaborracho9139]

RIP MELANIE I HAD THE BIGGEST CRUSH ON YOU AS A TEN YEAR OLD!❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤

[@queencitysaint9600]

Kids in the Hall brought me here, and I'm happy they did, I love this

[@strattybird5310]

KROC

[@fartkerson]

@@strattybird5310 Motormouth in the morning!

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

Rest in Peace Melanie and thank you for all the joy. You've got a brand new key in Heaven.

[@dagnabbit6187]

This was a hit with all generations back then . My Dad born in the 1920s and my mom who was born 30s loved it and of course I did too. The late 20th Century. Just magic music everywhere . Melanie knew that and now she knows it all .

[@anniemz4211]

Awe sweet memory. Rest in peace, Melanie.

[@barbstevenson9833]

RIP, Melanie.....another piece of my teen years gone 😪😪

[@DorenesFoodPrepResource]

Mine too 😞

[@johnjarou2357]

loved this song in my high school days. 64 years old now,still love it.

[@MissEddieBlueKawaiiKrafts]

John Jarou I never heard it till sometime in the early 2000’s, I was 23. I still love it too. I wish I could see what you saw back then 🍃🌈✌🏻🦋⭐️❤️

[@stevencoffeen6684]

I am 74 and still brings back great memories!

[@peterb5294]

born in 1960 and this is bringing back the memories :)

[@zindi1138]

yup !

[@thomtlc2]

I applaud your good taste, sir. I love this 50-year old song too.

[@slothzombi307]

Loved these songs from my childhood. Beautiful talented singer. RIP

[@davesigmon8144]

I adored this song upon first hearing it in late 1971. Rest easy Melanie and thank you for this forgotten gem.

[@nasabean]

If it makes anyone have hope in youth. I'm about to be 28 in two weeks. I love this song and all the classics (which is literally 100's of songs). I'm now a mother of a 5 year old. You bet your ass he knows these songs now too.

[@user-my3en9gj7d]

Im 67 years old and i still love this song

[@havenly6133]

Such a beautiful soul. She has recently passed away😢 My husband and I had done work for her in her home in Hendersonville tn and we became very close.😢

[@dorettamchugh2680]

RIP Melanie. I loved this song as a kid. So quirky and fun to sing.

[@Sunfried1]

RIP Melanie Safka. Just heard today, January 24, 2024. She was 76.

[@chriscrane3117]

So sad. I've loved this song since I first heard it around the early 1970's. A little bit folk..a little bit country..a little bit high pitched and quirky. She's in love with a guy who hasn't figured that out yet. Gorgeous. Well written and musical. I'll miss you!

[@stevekov6740]

RIP to a beautiful sweetheart with a beautiful voice.

[@talktalk2]

RIP, Melanie.

[@manitou2753]

RIP Yeah you done alright for a girl!

[@fideauone3416]

Love you Melanie. RIP sweet child. I will always remember you like you were the first time I heard your sweet voice.

[@courtanysanders2606]

This was my grandma's favorite song! She passed a month ago. I love this song

[@lindabyrley5370]

I'm sorry for your loss 🙏

[@raceface48]

❤

[@denisehboyd2191]

That's really cool ❤ sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear grand mother

[@shanedangers]

#kidsinthehall brought me here! I was born in 1972, so I don't remember this weird but catchy hippie era ditty lol 😆

[@PamelaAsh50]

Always one of my favorite songs

[@ead630]

I watched this video last night by chance, and today I hear she's gone. RIP, you had a beautiful voice.

[@katesallis3188]

Gather me was one of the first abums I bought as a teenager. A sad loss of a lovely voice and beautiful lady.

[@petersutton2182]

RIP, loved this song as a kid

[@08hermit08]

Always loved this song since I was very young. RIP Melanie

[@queenrosered]

#RIP Melanie! You were one of a kind!

[@stevenlynas8930]

Brand new key reminds me of my first teenage romance while on holiday at Cullercoats ,Whitley Bay.She was bright little bird called Diane Wilcox,I was 14 she was 13, the other boys in my group were very jealous! Melanie was her fave at the time . Bless them both!

[@richb7674]

RIP Melanie. All the great singers, groups and bands from the 50s, 60s and 70s are leaving us. It is sad. Hopefully, the music in heaven is tremendous! 🎸🎸🎹🎹🎶🎶

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

R.I.P.

[@genericman6648]

So pure a voice, with a sweet and girl-next-door presence. Down to earth for sure. She was very young at the time, on her own with the will and determination to show the world the underated talent she was. I remember my Dad playing this song loud on the radio in the early 70's, when I was a boy. I hope Melanie has found her shelter of peace. Good bye Melanie

[@turbompson4546]

You're right about that. She was in my dad's junior high hischool class in New Jersey 60+ years ago.

[@genericman6648]

@@turbompson4546 It's pretty neat to hear that. I wish your Dad had a story to tell. Stay safe out there!

[@turbompson4546]

@cman6648 He didn't tell me much, it was a long time ago. He said she was sort of a rebel and didn't care much for school and that she dropped out that year I imagine to pursue her music. Looks like she made the right move-

[@scottnunn7461]

Kids in the Hall got me here... perfect music for a post apocalyptic bunker

[@mgardner3760]

R.I.P. Such a beautiful voice and person.

[@surveytestmoney2550]

😢I came here to leave my condolences🙏🏾I loved that cute quirky childhood song so much! I never knew who sung it but I definitely remembered the song. I had just turned 9 when it came out in Dec 1971. It's scary to see how life is moving forward and everybody from your childhood has died or soon will be🥶Life is so fleeting😭

[@SuperStar-1-]

Always luvd this song. RIP, Melanie 🙏

[@anotherabeer4341]

Beautiful Melanie, rest in peace 💔💔 You will be missed. 💔

[@pawthecowboycorgi]

My master was a big fan. She was so connected with so many other bands in the late 60s and early 70s. She will be missed.

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

RIP Melanie.

[@user-ph8mp6ms7e]

Great Song Great Woman Sad to hear she passed today I'm sure heaven has a special place for her, RIP my friend you will be missed!

[@franm.k.5832]

She's so plucky and positive even though she's singing about rejection 👍

[@naruto-rv2ee]

yea

[@theinvisibleswordsman1196]

And being a stalker 🤣🤣🤣

[@texasred2702]

@@theinvisibleswordsman1196 Mark David Chapman was a stalker. A teenage girl roller skating past her crush's house is not a stalker. Your generation are such a bunch of nervous Nellies if half of you died virgins I wouldn't be at all surprised

[@rayrous8229]

We all have to deal with rejection. 😞

[@MrMatterhorn89]

A rejected stalker

[@steveendicott1855]

Turning 54 today and still remember this song from my childhood. Simple songs are the best aren't they? Anyone else think Feist could sing this song?

[@Nelson_Swamp]

YES. I literally just discovered this song (and singer) and immediately thought of Feist.

[@jordanfehr7749]

Same here dude!

[@TimmyTickle]

Olivia Rodrigo might be able to pull this off

[@tommihail2178]

Maybe Pink?🤔

[@driloc]

I literally brought '24 in playing "Candles in the Wind"....grew up on her songs and beauty, many memories for this 57 year old. RIP

[@PC-dc1kv]

Candles in The Rain

[@Coolyoghurt22]

RIP Melanie. what a legend you are and a beautiful voice. ❤😇

[@truthstillmatters59]

I was 11 years old when this came out and I loved it. My older "sophisticated" brothers gave me the business and told me I liked stupid, corny songs. Yeah, well take that bro! I STILL like i 50 years later!

[@misssanchez7860]

When I listened to the kinks or leslie gore my mom's boyfriend said that's "pansy music "... what a bad complaint! More power to you!

[@nancyjoyce573]

Brings back many memories of the era!!

[@tainaaaaaaa]

u have great taste because this song is still a banger!!!

[@LeTrashPanda]

Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport was a corny kid's song (or perhaps Puff The Magic Dragon) but there's really no comparison to Melanie, she's not a Muppet.

[@ginnywithag5046]

Stand your ground Jeff, stand your ground.

[@williamglenn777]

Bummer…. Thanks for this gem!

[@theresecallahan8548]

I loved singing along with this one. I've done so ever since I first heard it at the age of 10. RIP.

[@user-fl8be4px8x]

Sing with the angels Melanie

[@musicalSFCat]

R.I.P., Melanie. Hope you're in a beautiful cosmic place...somewhere out in the cosmos. Far from planet earth in 2024. ❤‍🩹

[@danfarmer9743]

RIP Melanie. Thank you for the music. ❤

[@petegarza2025]

It is the year 2024 and just found out about "MELANIE'S passing...One of the greatest folk singers of ALL TIME and she will definitely be missed 🙏😭

[@risingwolf]

Amazing singer and songs. Great memories. RIP beautiful lady.

[@gerryboudreaultboudreault2608]

ALL of her songs were beautifully sung. A unique voice!

[@joshuahoward6845]

Got to see her live a few years ago and got to meet her. Her voice was impeccable live. She was way more talented than she was given credit for

[@1970jhunt]

RIP Thank you for the music 😢

[@matskieden511]

RIP to an artist who produced a very iconic song. Thank you Melanie.

[@baberRuth]

Some Radio stations banned this for sexual lyrics. "Brand new pair of RS's, you got a brand new key". Where's the sexual reference there? Thanks.

[@latinguy67]

"Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far..." I need that on a T-shirt

[@jimharringtonsr.2793]

As an 11 year old when this came out, I liked that line. It took a few more years to figure out why. It was kind of a psycho-stalker song though....

[@JamesBond-lj6ms]

Hahahahaha that profile pic makes this comment so much better

[@albertbond8982]

Lol...

[@annemonette6678]

As a 70 year old, I always think of this song when bicycling with our senior group. 🚴

[@marshalandar5234]

I was 12. I loved this song. RIP Melanie 💔

[@stargazer2756]

RIP Melanie, you will be missed!

[@everettbass8659]

Today's so called artist can't hold a candle.Im so sorry you're gone.💔

[@baberRuth]

Your sad. That you can't find enjoyable music. Just bitch moan

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

First time I heard this when I was 6 years old..I got new roller skates. RIP 🙏 Melanie

[@ironheadbill]

RIP Melanie Safka, your music influenced my songwriting greatly. You will be missed.

[@malibukurt]

God bless Melanie, she is so beautiful and talented. So sorry for her passing. I've been thinking about this song recently , and then she is gone, but never forgotten...

[@jonathankieranwriter]

She had such a cool sound. That original, early 1970s quirkiness just can’t be equaled. Love the jug-band vibe that burbles merrily along beneath her simple (but actually quite meaningful) ditty about the skates and the key. Didn’t she also play Woodstock?

[@davidfifer4729]

Yep. Look up "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)."

[@johnlomax303]

Melanie sang "Birthday of the Sun" at Woodstock. Fabulous. Thrilling.

[@LeTrashPanda]

She played with lots of people like Johnny Cash, search her online....

[@layersofmeta]

a touch of 20s nostalgia like granny dresses

[@sherrigould600]

Send this to American Idol and let her do a tribute she is awesome

[@JafoCanada]

The first 45 record I bought back in the early "70"s was Paul McCartney's Admiral Halsey/Uncle Albert. The second 45 was this one by Melanie. To the person posting this... thanks for reminding me of my youth. At 68 years of age, time is slowly passing by and music like this makes us old farts remember and feel good. Thank you.

[@jimlesab]

Ditto, but my time is flying👌😀

[@JacobDMacDonald]

I'm not convinced that is not Paul McCartney under a wig

[@guarddog318]

@@jimlesab - Yeah, same here. Seems like it was only a week or two ago that I was 14 or 15, and had little more to worry about than whatever was going on in school. Now here I am, 60 years old, and wondering where the hell the time went... and why I didn't get more done with it.

[@lilblackduc7312]

@@guarddog318 Hobby time! I think I'll get a new/used Strat guitar & learn to play! 📻🎼🎵🎶

[@carlabamford9154]

How is it possible that I graduated from high school 43 years ago?! Those four years of high school went more slowly than the 43 years since.

[@rickyb8636]

Rest in peace. You were great.

[@slc2466]

RIP to the fantastic Melanie- listened to "Brand to Key" constantly as a child.

[@johncheney950]

RIP Melanie

[@davidcarrillo7758]

Thanks for the joy from this song. RIP 😢

[@60andhappy]

Rest in peace dear lady. I've always loved this song!

[@chetparker365]

My MOMMA loved this song and I've enjoyed it all of my life. Now My Momma has front row seats in Heaven to see Melanie LIVE! ❤

[@MariaProvencio-wb5qm]

Rest in peace 😢😢😢 she was amazing. Great song here ❤