Back in our day roller skates had keys. You wore your shoes and the key let you open it up or closed it to fit your shoes. You really need to hear her song Lay down. It's beautiful! It's about Woodstock. ✌️❤️
My sister and I only had 1 pair that we had 2 share in the early 70s and we fought consistently over them 2 the point my mother held the key hostage 😅😅😅
So if you are looking for a metaphor you might say that she has most of what she needs but who she was singing about would make it complete...in a nice innocent way. For me I enjoyed hearing this the first fifty times when I was young, but the next day it became too much, (here it was played every 30 to 45 minutes on AM radio for the entire summer.
"Look what they've done to my song", "Beautiful People", "lay Down-Candles in the rain", Leftover Wine", I don't eat animals", are just some of her songs. A real talent for sure!
Melanie just passed away. I remember the song Brand New Key in my young childhood days. It was released a few years (1968) after Mary Hopkin's tune Those Were the Days, My Friend. I specifically came here to see how "second cousins" on the Rob Squad reacted to it. Love you!!
So... Melanie died a few days ago... This song always brings back a remembrance of youth, of innocence lost... when I first heard it in early '72 I had just gottten out of the Marines so... there was precious little innocence left. It was sweet, it was hopeful to me, it helped me. RIP dear Melanie.
In this song, Melanie has new pair of roller skates, which she uses to skate over to a boy's house because he's "got something I need." She's quite persistent but it seems he's never home. Finally, his mom answers the door and tells her he's with another girl. This is when it dawns on her that he might be avoiding her. The "key" Melanie sings about is a skate key. At the time, roller skates were metal contraptions that required an adjustment tool (the skate key) to fit them to the foot. The story about the girl looking for the boy so he could use his brand new key had plenty of connotation, which was striking because it was placed in such an innocent setting. Melanie claimed she wrote the lyrics in a stream-of-conscious style in just minutes, and any deeper meaning was unintentional. "It was not anything that I thought about or even worried about making sense," she said. This song has a very unusual origin story. Melanie's search for enlightenment inspired her to go on a 27-day fast, during which she drank nothing but distilled water. Coming off the fast, she was eating transitional food like carrots when she felt an overwhelming urge to get a McDonald's hamburger and fries. Figuring it was some kind of spirit voice guiding her, she gave in. On the way back to her house from McDonald's, she started to write the song. >> After Melanie wrote this song, she figured it would make a nice interlude on the album and could be a lighthearted novelty to perform between her more earnest material. Her husband, Peter Schekeryk, who was also her producer, had other ideas. After she recorded the song at Allegro Studios in New York City, she left for California. When she returned, Schekeryk had put jaunty doo-wop backing vocals on the song and it was super catchy. "I'm sure if 'Brand New Key' had lived its life before my husband recorded it, it would have come out as a blues, swampy thing and nobody would have ever heard it," Melanie said in a Songfacts interview. "That would have been that. But he'd say, 'Melanie, that's a hit.' I'd say, 'No, it can't be.'" (Songfacts.com)
old time skates clamped onto your shoes. It took a "key" to tighten them onto your shoes. This song was included in "Boogie Nights" and it was re-introduced to the mases again. This is a classic, and a wonderful story telling song.
She has an interview online where she talks about playing the Isle of Wight festival. As she recalls it, the Doors did not want to go on after the Who (who would?) so she was sent out there to a crowd that had just sat through an epic rock set, sat down all by herself, and played and sang her songs, and the audience loved her.
Melanie Safka had a song called 'Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) that she wrote and sang about Woodstock. She really belts it out in the live version. It'll knock your socks off!
I too just learned that Melanie has left us and posted on FB a link to "What Wondrous Love" as a tribute ... It's an incredible rendition, such and underrated and underappreciated artist ...
You should really do "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)" by Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins Singers! An Absolute Great song about the Woodstock experience. Amber, you will simply Adore it. It's so Powerful! 👍✌️
I immediately thought of this song too. ruclips.net/video/VlrKETxwRvM/видео.html . I saw her live at the Hollywood Bowl back in the day opening for Grateful Dead (along with Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen). One more that to mind from the same era is “Chuck E’s In Love” by Ricky Lee Jones ruclips.net/video/D0SrfF4DBfM/видео.html
Melanie is just pure joy. I saw her at an impromptu concert about 50 years ago, and then again just 3 years ago, and while her voice has dropped a little she’s still the same bright, engaging, hippie personality personality. She’s one of just 3 women who performed at Woodstock, and as others said her song Lay Down (Candles in the Wind) is essential. I’d also recommend her cover of Ruby Tuesday, which for me surpasses the original by The Rolling Stones.
Oh, Melanie kept growing as an artist long after the hits stopped. "Cyclone", "I'm So Blue", "Running After Love", "Rock And Roll Heart", "I'm Not In Love Anymore", "And We Fall", "I Tried To Die Young" and, especially, "Extraordinary" are all brilliant. And her cover of "California Dreaming" is fantastic.
Amber will love this: when Melanie was invited to perform at Woodstock at the age of 22, the first person she ran into in the lobby of the hotel for the performers was Janis Joplin. Although she was awestruck at first, Janis put her at ease and the two became friends and hung out together at the festival and I believe occasionally afterwards.
Melanie played an unscheduled performance at Woodstock. She played without additional accompaniment-one of only three performers at Woodstock to do so, and the only woman-and the festival was the largest audience of her career. Melanie has some great songs, but probably her biggest hit was "Lay Down" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers (choir) backing her up. She's definitely worth exploring more of her music! Thanks for this reaction! 💙✌ Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) - ruclips.net/video/MaiT8gATzxc/видео.html
Melanie Safka is still going at it, age 75 years old (she was 21 when she recorded this, a song she said she wrote in only 15 minutes). She is of Ukrainian-Italian heritage, born in NYC. This was her only #1 hit, but she had a bunch of other good ones. "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" should be your next one. She also did some great covers.
Melanie is the same age as me, and I have always been a big fan of hers. I just love her voice. I was lucky enough to see her perform live some years ago at a '60s revival concert that was held outdoors and was called "Hippiefest"
She wrote this at age 15--her first song. Says she had a crush on a guy who already had another girl-friend. she skated everywhere in her imagination, and no doubt dreamt of roller skating with him; he had the key (to her heart?)---roller skate keys were needed to latch/tighten & loosen the skate to the soles of your shoes...her video recording showed all this. Janis Joplin also sang this song.
I can't ever listen to this song without thinking about the version by The Wurzels. In the UK they did a sort of parody of it that got to number 1, called Combine Harvester. Instead of roller skating, it is about farming.
Melanie commented on your video about her friend Janis Joplin. It's on your "Cry Baby" reaction comments! She is a wonderful performer and has written songs that define the Woodstock generation. Lay Down with the Edwin Hawkins singers is so inspiring. "Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown" I remember being a little girl and my sweet hippie auntie singing it to me in the 70's.
Roller skates are a euphonism for what the teenage girl has that is new while the key is what the boy has that is new and his interest in putting his new thing in her new thing.
This was, I think, her 'quirkiest' tune. And, she is still with us and performing. "Lay Down" was in the comments. Amber, I think the power in her voice in that performance will amaze you.
Back in the day each pair of metal roller skates came with a key. To make sure that they were tight enough to skate with, you had to tighten them using this skate key.
Ass soon as she started singing, I fell out laughing because I said to myself, THEY HAVE NO IDEA what she is talking about. You two are so cute, and young. Love it,
she is talking about street skates, they were made out of steel with steel wheels and strapped to the soles of your shoes. the front of the skates clamped to the toes of your shoes and needed a key (wrench) to tighten them. they were common from the '50s to the early '80s. of course, in the song, it's a metaphor. if you are interested look online for examples of the old skates.
A true classic piece of the 60s, and a great little tune - nice choice! You should definitely check out 'Lay Down (Candles In the Rain) that she wrote after being at Woodstock - but be sure it's the live version from Dutch TV, it's stellar stuff and Amber will love it. Peace and love from Canada!
The quartet you are referring to is known as a "Barbershop Quartet". They often sing acapella (with no musical instruments} and in perfect 4 part harmony. Nice back up sound on this song.
We, as 10 year olds in 4th grade, would sing this song during recess or wherever. Really is a catchy tune, and it was played all the time, too. She has another song you should hear, "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and catch a lyric vid if you can, it has a cool and kind of spooky vibe. Enjoyed the nostalgia here!
FYI. Back in the old days roller skates fit over your shoes they were one size fits all and you needed a key to adjust them to your size. Folks over the years have interpreted the lyrics to mean various other things but Melanie claims she never intended it to be interpreted any other way,
FINALLY! I've been waiting for Melanie to be reviewed. Have suggested her a number of times in the past. Her live performance with The Edwin Hawkins Singers of "Lay Down'" is my favourite female live performance ever. She performed at Woodstock and "Lay Down" is about her experience at that iconic event.
Speaking of Woodstock, she wasn't scheduled to perform. She just showed up, and they let her perform. Edwin Hawkins Singers are the first, if not the only, choirs groups to win a Grammy. Their song, Oh Happy Days, was featured in the movie- Secretariat.
She’s wonderfully quirky. A couple other favorites by her: “Look What They Done To My Song, Ma” and also “Animal Crackers”. Look for live performances. Another very fun song from same era, and also for Female Friday, is by Carly Simon and her then husband, James Taylor called “Mockingbird” (performance from “no nukes” concert is the version to watch. Great stuff.
It's an absolutely delightful song, isn't it? You also need to hear her hit, "What Have They Done to My Song Ma". It's been covered by many artists, including Ray Charles, but her original version is the best.
I remember a character in the movie boggie nights, listened to this song on a loop , called herself roller girl., and this song played when she was on screen.
Lay Down ( Candles in the Rain ) Is an Epic Anthem of the Woodstock Era as much as Age Of Aquarius,, the diference between Brand New Key And Lay Down ( Candles in the Rain ) is crazy huge with the latter being a Heavy Slap in the face song... good lord she was beautiful, Melanie, Joan Baez and Mama Cass ( Cass Elliot ) left a mark on my life through my mother's Music
I was 5 or 6 when this song came out. It was many, many years before I took the lyrics as anything but literal. "Look What They've Done to My Song Ma" is a really good one too.
The older roller skates use to be like a metal sole plate with metal wheels, and they were ajustable to fit onto your own shoes, but you needed to have a key.
When I hear this I don't think of it as a performance. I just picture someone just skipping down the sidewalk singing this and I love it. Thank you both for sharing this with me.
1971...I was eight & loving this song. Back in the day Roller skates had a key...but it's also about a girl who likes a boy and is coming around to get his attention.
Melanie Safka was huge back in the Woodstock era. My college friends from New York loved her. Many have suggested Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) which features the Edwin Hawkins Singers (gospel choir) and it is awesome. Other selections would include What Have They Done to My Song Ma, Ruby Tuesday (Stones cover), or a deep track personal favorite the satirical Psychotherapy. Keep up the great work Jay and Amber.
Besides Lay Down, which is an absolutely amazing song and should be next, Melanie also had hits with The Nickel Song and Look What They Done To My Song Ma, both classics. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane!
I saw Melanie in person some years ago. I always thought the lyrics were suggestive and when she said the song meant exactly what we thought everyone laughed.
Back in the day you had to use a metaphor or they wouldn't play it on the radio. Once again Amber has nailed it! That piano style is Ragtime even more back in the day.
I am hoping either of you will come back to read this comment. I remembered a song by Melanie that I strongly feel is a must listen and perfectly personified the whole meaning of the Woodstock era. The version to listen to is LAY DOWN (candles in the rain) FULL RECORDING Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins singers (70) thank you both for bringing a smile to my face every day 😊 much love robsquad family ❤
I don't know when this song came out but I was born in 66 . My uncle was down syndrome and I can remember this song... none of his records had sleeves. But if you asked him what record you wanted to hear he would pull it out of the foot high stack of albums and play it. But this man could not read.. This is a song your kids will remember .
Her song "Lay Down" is about her experience at Woodstock. Her song "Look What They Done to My Song Ma" is about her experiences with record producers. Her whole name is Melanie Safka.
I just posted a RIP Melanie on my Facebook page. I was 19 when she was at Woodstock. About 40 years ago my sister had the radio on and and this was playing. My dad was doing some work and listening in the background. When the song gets to " I been all around the world." He yells out "OH JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".
Jay & Amber, saw Melanie at Woodstock 1969 she didn't sing this song but she was cool, it was her coming out party, everybody loved her cause she was quirky. and different. was a good time, waiting for a big band to play.
Great underrated singer, not her best song, but it's a start, her cover of The Rolling Stones Ruby Tuesday is an absolute must, but also Lay Down, Peace Will Come, Beautiful People
My dad had a band, and was a country music promoter in north Georgia. He organized benefit shows for people in need. I loved rock, so he had me sing this song on stage - when I was 12. A good song for a 12 year old. People would applaud when I sang the high notes, but I was too scared to sing more than one song, and a duet with him. When I was in the audience at shows, People would ask me to sing “the roller skate song”. I never learned to skate, and never found the key - but I rode my bicycle everywhere!My dad was later inducted into the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame!! Stage fright can ruin a career.
Amber and Jordan, you bring back a lot of memories. I would like you to try Shirley Ellis,-(Name Game)65 the girls will love it. Keep up with the good work 😎👍
Back in our day roller skates had keys. You wore your shoes and the key let you open it up or closed it to fit your shoes. You really need to hear her song Lay down. It's beautiful! It's about Woodstock. ✌️❤️
Yep. I had a pair of those roller skates when I was about eight. What a fun song; so glad they listened.
I had some of those skates with a key in the 1960s!
My sister and I only had 1 pair that we had 2 share in the early 70s and we fought consistently over them 2 the point my mother held the key hostage 😅😅😅
Man those were the days.
So if you are looking for a metaphor you might say that she has most of what she needs but who she was singing about would make it complete...in a nice innocent way. For me I enjoyed hearing this the first fifty times when I was young, but the next day it became too much, (here it was played every 30 to 45 minutes on AM radio for the entire summer.
Amber has to see Melanie sing "Lay Down~Candles In The Rain", live version. Amber, you'll love it deep in your sweet Hippie soul.
💙☮💙☮💙☮💙☮💙☮💙
Agreed! Melanie's most significant song!
Agree. Way superior to this one. Second one I'd pick would be Look What They've Done to My Song Ma. There's a good duet of it with Molly Cyrus.
That is my favorite Melanie song.
Must be the live version in this case, yes.
@@JayCross Especially when she is accompanied by the Edward Hawkins Singers
R.I.P. Melanie. I just found out that at 76 Melanie passed away. I grew up in the 60s and 70s and just loved all the music of that era.
RIP Melanie😢u did alright 4 a girl🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
If you don’t know, older style metal roller skates had keys that were used to adjust fit.
"Look what they've done to my song", "Beautiful People", "lay Down-Candles in the rain", Leftover Wine", I don't eat animals", are just some of her songs. A real talent for sure!
Also songs " Living Bell" and "Look What They Done" are great songs of Melanie's.
Peace Will Come (According to Plan) .They opened up a can of worms.. wonderful artist.
what....no mention of alexander beatle ??? shame on you 😜
and don't forget "Good Book".
@@easyrolling
I love that silly little song too!
"Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma" and "Lay Down" are both wonderful!
I liked Ray Charles' version of Look What They've Done to my Song. I thought Melanie was trying to sound too much like Janis Joplin.
There's a great version of "Lay Down" out on the youtubes ... ruclips.net/video/IZ52lk9wjZI/видео.html had the biggest childhood crush on her.
Melanie just passed away. I remember the song Brand New Key in my young childhood days. It was released a few years (1968) after Mary Hopkin's tune Those Were the Days, My Friend. I specifically came here to see how "second cousins" on the Rob Squad reacted to it. Love you!!
I know! It broke my heart.
The point is a rollerskate has a slot to stick in a key to adjust it. So Melanie is saying she wants that boys key to stick in her slot. Get it ha ha
Now that you’ve been introduced to Melanie, you need to listen to candles in the rain
Isn’t this song so cute… I loved it ! Our roller skates back then had keys ……slide into and lock with a key! I sang it constantly!
FYI: Melanie's last name is Safka.
So... Melanie died a few days ago... This song always brings back a remembrance of youth, of innocence lost... when I first heard it in early '72 I had just gottten out of the Marines so... there was precious little innocence left. It was sweet, it was hopeful to me, it helped me.
RIP dear Melanie.
Thank you for picking Melanie. Can't believe she died today - 76 yrs. old. So sad.
In this song, Melanie has new pair of roller skates, which she uses to skate over to a boy's house because he's "got something I need." She's quite persistent but it seems he's never home. Finally, his mom answers the door and tells her he's with another girl. This is when it dawns on her that he might be avoiding her.
The "key" Melanie sings about is a skate key. At the time, roller skates were metal contraptions that required an adjustment tool (the skate key) to fit them to the foot.
The story about the girl looking for the boy so he could use his brand new key had plenty of connotation, which was striking because it was placed in such an innocent setting. Melanie claimed she wrote the lyrics in a stream-of-conscious style in just minutes, and any deeper meaning was unintentional. "It was not anything that I thought about or even worried about making sense," she said.
This song has a very unusual origin story. Melanie's search for enlightenment inspired her to go on a 27-day fast, during which she drank nothing but distilled water. Coming off the fast, she was eating transitional food like carrots when she felt an overwhelming urge to get a McDonald's hamburger and fries. Figuring it was some kind of spirit voice guiding her, she gave in. On the way back to her house from McDonald's, she started to write the song. >>
After Melanie wrote this song, she figured it would make a nice interlude on the album and could be a lighthearted novelty to perform between her more earnest material. Her husband, Peter Schekeryk, who was also her producer, had other ideas. After she recorded the song at Allegro Studios in New York City, she left for California. When she returned, Schekeryk had put jaunty doo-wop backing vocals on the song and it was super catchy.
"I'm sure if 'Brand New Key' had lived its life before my husband recorded it, it would have come out as a blues, swampy thing and nobody would have ever heard it," Melanie said in a Songfacts interview. "That would have been that. But he'd say, 'Melanie, that's a hit.' I'd say, 'No, it can't be.'"
(Songfacts.com)
nicely done Randy
That’s the same as the story of Buddha’s enlightenment, except with McDonalds instead of rice pudding.
old time skates clamped onto your shoes. It took a "key" to tighten them onto your shoes. This song was included in "Boogie Nights" and it was re-introduced to the mases again. This is a classic, and a wonderful story telling song.
Rollergirl! ❤ Heather Graham
One of the best scenes in cinema history.
Storytelling? I guess you can call it that. 🤣🤣🤣
Yes, that was my father's Sex talk. 😁😁
She has an interview online where she talks about playing the Isle of Wight festival. As she recalls it, the Doors did not want to go on after the Who (who would?) so she was sent out there to a crowd that had just sat through an epic rock set, sat down all by herself, and played and sang her songs, and the audience loved her.
I was there so I know that is true. Melanie just grabbed our heart strings.
My mother LOVED this song. Still has her skate key in her jewelry box.
This made me smile!
Thanks guys!
~Red
Melanie Safka had a song called 'Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) that she wrote and sang about Woodstock. She really belts it out in the live version. It'll knock your socks off!
Dutch TV.....
With The Edwin Hawkins Singers. A very gospel feel.
That's a great song!
Back, wayyyy back, before my time, when my parents were kids and roller skating first became popular you needed a "key" to adjust your skates. :)
She passed away today. Rip Melanie
Melanie is the definition of 'HIPPIE', she is so good. As others have stated, 'Candles in the Rain (Lay Down). Make sure you do the live version
Her crowning glory is "Lay Down" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. It's a song she wrote about Woodstock. HAS to be the video.
The live, Dutch concert appearance.
Yes! ruclips.net/video/IZ52lk9wjZI/видео.html
#1 for 3 weeks in Dec '71 - Jan '72. Very unique song.
I too just learned that Melanie has left us and posted on FB a link to "What Wondrous Love" as a tribute ... It's an incredible rendition, such and underrated and underappreciated artist ...
Class of 71.
I can still roller-skate..🎼🎶🎶🎵
You should really do "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)" by Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins Singers! An Absolute Great song about the Woodstock experience. Amber, you will simply Adore it. It's so Powerful! 👍✌️
If you like her voice, you'll undoubtedly like Maria Muldaur. "Midnight at the Oasis" was her most popular hit.
🎵 send your camel to bed 🎵
Yes, Midnight is great!
That's a great choice!!!
Yes, do the live version.
I immediately thought of this song too. ruclips.net/video/VlrKETxwRvM/видео.html . I saw her live at the Hollywood Bowl back in the day opening for Grateful Dead (along with Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen). One more that to mind from the same era is “Chuck E’s In Love” by Ricky Lee Jones ruclips.net/video/D0SrfF4DBfM/видео.html
Melanie is just pure joy. I saw her at an impromptu concert about 50 years ago, and then again just 3 years ago, and while her voice has dropped a little she’s still the same bright, engaging, hippie personality personality. She’s one of just 3 women who performed at Woodstock, and as others said her song Lay Down (Candles in the Wind) is essential. I’d also recommend her cover of Ruby Tuesday, which for me surpasses the original by The Rolling Stones.
Her RUBY TUESDAY is just beautiful....
Melanie Safka has appeared in this chat before as a viewer. I remember it clearly.
R.I.P. Melanie passed at 76 yesterday
It's before my time but roller skates used to be metal and come in one standard size and a key was used to adjust the size of the roller skates.
Please listen to "Waiting for a Star to Fall" from BOY MEETS GIRL.
One of my faves from her was "Look What They've Done To My Song", As a young kid, I learned a little French from that song! :-)
Oh, Melanie kept growing as an artist long after the hits stopped. "Cyclone", "I'm So Blue", "Running After Love", "Rock And Roll Heart", "I'm Not In Love Anymore", "And We Fall", "I Tried To Die Young" and, especially, "Extraordinary" are all brilliant. And her cover of "California Dreaming" is fantastic.
When we were kids we could not get this song out of our heads--and you would just find yourself singing the refrain over and over again.
Fact!
Amber will love this: when Melanie was invited to perform at Woodstock at the age of 22, the first person she ran into in the lobby of the hotel for the performers was Janis Joplin. Although she was awestruck at first, Janis put her at ease and the two became friends and hung out together at the festival and I believe occasionally afterwards.
“What Have They Done to my song MA” is another great listen and many others too
Melanie played an unscheduled performance at Woodstock. She played without additional accompaniment-one of only three performers at Woodstock to do so, and the only woman-and the festival was the largest audience of her career. Melanie has some great songs, but probably her biggest hit was "Lay Down" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers (choir) backing her up. She's definitely worth exploring more of her music! Thanks for this reaction! 💙✌
Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) - ruclips.net/video/MaiT8gATzxc/видео.html
Melanie Safka is still going at it, age 75 years old (she was 21 when she recorded this, a song she said she wrote in only 15 minutes). She is of Ukrainian-Italian heritage, born in NYC. This was her only #1 hit, but she had a bunch of other good ones. "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" should be your next one. She also did some great covers.
Melanie is the same age as me, and I have always been a big fan of hers. I just love her voice. I was lucky enough to see her perform live some years ago at a '60s revival concert that was held outdoors and was called "Hippiefest"
Jay & Amber, "Lay Down(Candles In the Rain)" was another hit for her!!
She wrote this at age 15--her first song. Says she had a crush on a guy who already had another girl-friend. she skated everywhere in her imagination, and no doubt dreamt of roller skating with him; he had the key (to her heart?)---roller skate keys were needed to latch/tighten & loosen the skate to the soles of your shoes...her video recording showed all this. Janis Joplin also sang this song.
I can't ever listen to this song without thinking about the version by The Wurzels. In the UK they did a sort of parody of it that got to number 1, called Combine Harvester. Instead of roller skating, it is about farming.
Street skates then strapped on your sneakers and were tightened with a “key”
Another great song from that era that I think you would love is, Midnight at the Oasis by Maria Muldaur. If you've already reacted to it, forgive me!
Melanie commented on your video about her friend Janis Joplin. It's on your "Cry Baby" reaction comments! She is a wonderful performer and has written songs that define the Woodstock generation. Lay Down with the Edwin Hawkins singers is so inspiring. "Let your white birds smile up at the ones who stand and frown" I remember being a little girl and my sweet hippie auntie singing it to me in the 70's.
Yes, Melanie did comment that video... I've emailed Amber a couple of times mentioning this, when I suggested
Melanie to her.
I sent a message aswell, and requested Melanie numerous times.
Roller skates are a euphonism for what the teenage girl has that is new while the key is what the boy has that is new and his interest in putting his new thing in her new thing.
This was, I think, her 'quirkiest' tune. And, she is still with us and performing.
"Lay Down" was in the comments. Amber, I think the power in her voice in that performance will amaze you.
Back in the day each pair of metal roller skates came with a key. To make sure that they were tight enough to skate with, you had to tighten them using this skate key.
Ass soon as she started singing, I fell out laughing because I said to myself, THEY HAVE NO IDEA what she is talking about. You two are so cute, and young. Love it,
she is talking about street skates, they were made out of steel with steel wheels and strapped to the soles of your shoes. the front of the skates clamped to the toes of your shoes and needed a key (wrench) to tighten them. they were common from the '50s to the early '80s. of course, in the song, it's a metaphor. if you are interested look online for examples of the old skates.
A true classic piece of the 60s, and a great little tune - nice choice! You should definitely check out 'Lay Down (Candles In the Rain) that she wrote after being at Woodstock - but be sure it's the live version from Dutch TV, it's stellar stuff and Amber will love it. Peace and love from Canada!
That was my first thought when I saw "Melanie" in the post. Great performance!
Yes, a great version with The Edwin Hawkins Singers!
David- song came out in 1971.
@@Sam-lx9sc You're absolutely right, I seem to always have that in my head as '69. Cheers!
Love that version!
You have to give her great song Lay down it will move you. The live version would be fabulous.
The quartet you are referring to is known as a "Barbershop Quartet". They often sing acapella (with no musical instruments} and in perfect 4 part harmony. Nice back up sound on this song.
We, as 10 year olds in 4th grade, would sing this song during recess or wherever. Really is a catchy tune, and it was played all the time, too. She has another song you should hear, "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and catch a lyric vid if you can, it has a cool and kind of spooky vibe. Enjoyed the nostalgia here!
Lay Down is her best song. Look What They've to my Song, Ma is really good too.
FYI. Back in the old days roller skates fit over your shoes they were one size fits all and you needed a key to adjust them to your size. Folks over the years have interpreted the lyrics to mean various other things but Melanie claims she never intended it to be interpreted any other way,
Lay down is an absolute must Melanie is one of the best folk singers ever!
I was about 4 or 5 when this song played regularly on the radio. I remember playing with my dolls singing this.
FINALLY! I've been waiting for Melanie to be reviewed. Have suggested her a number of times in the past. Her live performance with The Edwin Hawkins Singers of "Lay Down'" is my favourite female live performance ever. She performed at Woodstock and "Lay Down" is about her experience at that iconic event.
So, you're the other one. I've been plugging for her for months too.
Agreed, The Dutch Television version in black and white is the one you want to see and experience. She and the vocal group moved those Dutch folks.
@@richardjakubiszak1139 I'm another one...I've suggested Melanie a few times in the past year and a half.. FINALLY.....
And I’m another one who’s been suggesting this as well . Amber will love it .
Live with the Edwin Hawkins Group is faaaannnntastic. Love it ✌️
Speaking of Woodstock, she wasn't scheduled to perform. She just showed up, and they let her perform.
Edwin Hawkins Singers are the first, if not the only, choirs groups to win a Grammy. Their song, Oh Happy Days, was featured in the movie- Secretariat.
This song brings back so many memories ❤
She’s wonderfully quirky. A couple other favorites by her: “Look What They Done To My Song, Ma” and also “Animal Crackers”. Look for live performances.
Another very fun song from same era, and also for Female Friday, is by Carly Simon and her then husband, James Taylor called “Mockingbird” (performance from “no nukes” concert is the version to watch. Great stuff.
It's an absolutely delightful song, isn't it? You also need to hear her hit, "What Have They Done to My Song Ma". It's been covered by many artists, including Ray Charles, but her original version is the best.
I remember a character in the movie boggie nights, listened to this song on a loop , called herself roller girl., and this song played when she was on screen.
She also had a hit song called “Look What They Done to My Song, Ma.”
Lay Down ( Candles in the Rain ) Is an Epic Anthem of the Woodstock Era as much as Age Of Aquarius,, the diference between Brand New Key And Lay Down ( Candles in the Rain ) is crazy huge with the latter being a Heavy Slap in the face song... good lord she was beautiful, Melanie, Joan Baez and Mama Cass ( Cass Elliot ) left a mark on my life through my mother's Music
I was 5 or 6 when this song came out. It was many, many years before I took the lyrics as anything but literal. "Look What They've Done to My Song Ma" is a really good one too.
Her other hit, "Lay Down (Candle In The Rain) is worth a listen as well.
The older roller skates use to be like a metal sole plate with metal wheels, and they were ajustable to fit onto your own shoes, but you needed to have a key.
Look what they done to my song ma is another good Melanie tune. She was definitely a flower child.
When I hear this I don't think of it as a performance. I just picture someone just skipping down the sidewalk singing this and I love it. Thank you both for sharing this with me.
Oh yes! Y'all have to do Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)! ♥
1971...I was eight & loving this song. Back in the day Roller skates had a key...but it's also about a girl who likes a boy and is coming around to get his attention.
Me too!
Or his “key.” 🤣🤣🤣
That's why I said ALSO
Love Melanie. She can blow the roof off the place with just her voice when she wants to. Quirky songs. Wonderful delivery.
Melanie Safka was huge back in the Woodstock era. My college friends from New York loved her. Many have suggested Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) which features the Edwin Hawkins Singers (gospel choir) and it is awesome. Other selections would include What Have They Done to My Song Ma, Ruby Tuesday (Stones cover), or a deep track personal favorite the satirical Psychotherapy. Keep up the great work Jay and Amber.
best rendition of Lay Down is with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. I'm so fortunate to have it in an album.
Love, love, love psychotherapy
Besides Lay Down, which is an absolutely amazing song and should be next, Melanie also had hits with The Nickel Song and Look What They Done To My Song Ma, both classics. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane!
Now that’s really brings back a lot of memories of Melanie. Great music on this channel. I love it. ❤️
I saw Melanie in person some years ago. I always thought the lyrics were suggestive and when she said the song meant exactly what we thought everyone laughed.
I have heard that many, many times. When I was listening to it as a kid, of course I had no idea.
She was at Woodstock (she was 22). She looked so young that they tried to kick out of backstage thinking she was a groupie.
Back in the day you had to use a metaphor or they wouldn't play it on the radio. Once again Amber has nailed it! That piano style is Ragtime even more back in the day.
I came here to say this!
Just like Peter, Paul, & Mary sang in "I Dig Rock and Roll Music."
You mean this is about more than just skating ? I never knew. 😁😁😁
@@Laceykat66 🤣
One of my favorite songs from my childhood! I was about 6 when I heard this song. 👍🏻🤣💜
I am hoping either of you will come back to read this comment. I remembered a song by Melanie that I strongly feel is a must listen and perfectly personified the whole meaning of the Woodstock era. The version to listen to is LAY DOWN (candles in the rain) FULL RECORDING Melanie and the Edwin Hawkins singers (70) thank you both for bringing a smile to my face every day 😊 much love robsquad family ❤
Rest in Peace Beautiful Lady
She has such a lyrical voice! So beautiful!
Her best song is Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) Amber especially love it! She wrote it at or right after Woodstock about her experience there.
I don't know when this song came out but I was born in 66 . My uncle was down syndrome and I can remember this song... none of his records had sleeves. But if you asked him what record you wanted to hear he would pull it out of the foot high stack of albums and play it. But this man could not read.. This is a song your kids will remember .
Raise, raise your candles high for Melanie.
Love this song, reminds me of my younger days….;) AND I totally agree that the next one has to be”Lay Down Candles In the Rain”…it’s a masterpiece!
Her song "Lay Down" is about her experience at Woodstock. Her song "Look What They Done to My Song Ma" is about her experiences with record producers. Her whole name is Melanie Safka.
I just posted a RIP Melanie on my Facebook page. I was 19 when she was at Woodstock. About 40 years ago my sister had the radio on and and this was playing. My dad was doing some work and listening in the background. When the song gets to " I been all around the world." He yells out "OH JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".
I laughed because I knew you wouldn’t know what a roller skate key was. The key helped the skate fit your shoes.
Beautiful!! Fingers crossed for Allison Krauss!!🤘🔥
Allison Krauss and Robert Plante "Gone, Gone Gone"
At a rock concert back in '69, she was one of the headline acts. The song was all over the Top 40 stations.
Jay & Amber, saw Melanie at Woodstock 1969 she didn't sing this song but she was cool, it was her coming out party, everybody loved her cause she was quirky. and different. was a good time, waiting for a big band to play.
Great underrated singer, not her best song, but it's a start, her cover of The Rolling Stones Ruby Tuesday is an absolute must, but also
Lay Down, Peace Will Come, Beautiful People
Melanie...she's amazing. Watching her on stage with her guitar. So much talent.
You'd love "Alexander Beetle" too.
Alexander Beetle would be great for their girls to listen too.
@@tomst.antoine7742 :) exactly
My dad had a band, and was a country music promoter in north Georgia. He organized benefit shows for people in need. I loved rock, so he had me sing this song on stage - when I was 12. A good song for a 12 year old. People would applaud when I sang the high notes, but I was too scared to sing more than one song, and a duet with him. When I was in the audience at shows, People would ask me to sing “the roller skate song”.
I never learned to skate, and never found the key - but I rode my bicycle everywhere!My dad was later inducted into the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame!! Stage fright can ruin a career.
The Melanie song to check out is "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)." This one is silly, but that one is tremendous.
Amber and Jordan, you bring back a lot of memories. I would like you to try Shirley Ellis,-(Name Game)65 the girls will love it. Keep up with the good work 😎👍
Old roller skates used a key(tool) to adjust skate that fit over shoe.
Glad you discovered Melanie Safka. Take the time to find some of her LIVE performances from back in the day - on RUclips. She's a genuine jewel.
Malvina Reynolds( little boxes )It's a must listen to. Definitely a inspiration for melanie
Another great song Lay Down(Candles in the Rain) Melanie and the Edwin Hawkin singers