In the short period between her debut in 1968 and Ballroom streets in 1979, Melanie Safka managed to create a staggering 13 studio albums. Gather me is her fifth, from 1971. A lovely album, of which Brand new key is the best known. It is also known as the roller blade song.
The song is about a girl on roller skates, trying to gain the attention of a boy she fancies. Melanie wrote it after a fasting period of almost a month. She passed the McDonald’s and ate a meat-rich menu with a shake. In her own words, she finished the song as she finished the meal.
It was inspired by a memory of her father helping her to ride a bike. A moment that many of us (especially Dutch) will remember. That moment when your parent is pushing you on the bike, you try and you ride the bike. You trust that your parent is helping you and holding on. When you turn your head to look, it turns out you’re alone. And then of course you fall.