
Jim Adams is the host for Song Lyric Sunday. This week’s theme is New Wave.
It’s New Wave this week, and I’m going for a group from Glasgow: Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. They were a little bit popsy and a lot a bit angsty. And their (non-hit) single, Brand New Friend, ticked both these boxes.
The band also carried off the pouting, floppy-haired look of the mid-eighties, and along with Cole’s witty and often deep lyrics, they were extremely popular among students.
This didn’t lead to major chart success, and the band split up in 1989 after five years, four albums and a handful of singles. Some are pants, some are amazing, and some are just plain bonkers.
Walking in the pouring rain
Walking with Jesus and Jane
Jane was in her turtleneck
I was much happier then
If I were to ask you
What would you do with yourself?
If I were to tell you
Would you just talk to yourself?
Am I asking oh for so much?
I’m not asking to be understood
Am I asking oh for so much?
I’m just looking for a brand new friend
A brand new friend
Walking in the pouring rain
Walking with Jesus and Jane
Jane was in her turtleneck
I was much happier then
Am I asking oh for so much?
You could do anything you wanted to
Am I asking oh for so much?
No, just something that I can hold down
‘Cos it’s all downhill now
So let me count the times that we swore and lied
That we’d tie ourselves to the railway line
Let me count the times when of course we lied
Well we knew no better, it was no crime
Let me count the times [repeat]
I, well I don’t know when I, when I’ll be content
But I do know I need a brand new friend
A brand new friend [repeat to fade]
Songwriters: Blair Gray Cowan & Lloyd Cole
© Warner Chappell Music, Inc