Signed to Polydor in 1984, the band was known for combining Clark's twangy guitar style with Cole's low-key singing style. Particularly notable were Cole's literary lyrics (he was studying Philosophy at the University of Glasgow when the band started) and name-dropping the likes of Norman Mailer, Arthur Lee, Grace Kelly, Truman Capote, Eva Marie Saint, Simone de Beauvoir, and Nancy Sinatra.
For a period in the mid 1980s the band was one of the most successful indie acts in Britain, vying with The Smiths. The band broke up in 1989 amid reports of personality clashes between members, and Cole moved to New York City to pursue a successful solo career. The band reformed in 2004 to perform a 20th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland.
Band members
Lloyd Cole (born 31 January 1961) - vocals, guitar, lyricist
Blair Cowan (born 1960?) - keyboards
Lawrence Donegan (born 13 July 1961) - bass guitar
Neil Clark (born 3 July 1955) - guitar
Stephen Irvine (born 16 December 1959) - drums
Brand New Friend
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
'Cause it's all downhill now
So let me count the times that we swore and lied that we'd
Tie ourself 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
I, well I don't know when I, when I'll be content
But I do know I need a brand new friend
The lyrics of Brand New Friend by Lloyd Cole and The Commotions present a sense of nostalgia and yearning for something new. The song starts with the singer walking in the pouring rain with two companions, Jesus and Jane. Jane's turtleneck is mentioned, bringing forth an image of the 80s. The singer then poses a series of questions, asking what would happen if he were to ask or tell something, wondering whether he would be understood or just talk to himself. The chorus repeats the line "A brand new friend," suggesting that the singer is looking for a new connection or a fresh direction in life.
The second verse starts with the same setting - walking with Jesus and Jane in the rain - but continues with a tone of resignation. The singer acknowledges that things are going downhill and that he is not asking for much. He just wants something he can hold down, something stable in his life. The third part of the song is a reflection on the past, counting the times they lied to themselves about tying themselves to the railway line. The singer admits they knew no better, but the memory is bittersweet. The song ends with a sense of uncertainty, with the singer not knowing when he will be content, but knowing that a brand new friend is what he needs.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking in the pouring rain
The singer is walking outside in heavy rain.
Walking with Jesus and Jane
The singer is walking with two individuals named Jesus and Jane.
Jane was in her turtleneck
Jane is dressed in a turtleneck shirt.
I was much happier then
The singer was feeling happier in the past.
If I were to ask you
The singer is about to ask a question.
What would you do with yourself?
The question the singer would ask.
If I were to tell you
The singer is about to make a statement.
Would you just talk to yourself?
The singer wonders if the listener would respond or ignore their statement.
Am I asking oh for so much?
The singer is unsure if they are asking for too much from the listener.
I'm not asking to be understood
The singer is not expecting the listener to fully understand their request.
I'm just looking for a brand new friend
The singer desires a new companion to spend time with.
Walking in the pouring rain
The singer is still outside in the heavy rain.
Walking with Jesus and Jane
The singer is still walking with their two companions.
Jane was in her turtleneck
Jane is still wearing her turtleneck shirt.
I was much happier then
The singer is reminiscing about a happier time.
You could do anything you wanted to
The singer believes the listener is capable of doing anything.
No, just something that I can hold down
The singer wants a reliable and trustworthy friend.
'Cause it's all downhill now
The singer believes things are getting worse or reaching a low point.
So let me count the times that we swore and lied that we'd
The singer is reflecting on past times of dishonesty.
Tie ourself to the railway line
The singer is remembering a reckless or dangerous action they took.
Let me count the times when of course we lied
The singer is continuing to reflect on their past dishonesty.
Well we knew no better, it was no crime
The singer believes they were not fully aware of the consequences of their actions and that it was not necessarily a crime.
Let me count the times
The singer wants to continue reflecting on their past experiences.
I, well I don't know when I, when I'll be content
The singer is uncertain when they will feel content in life.
But I do know I need a brand new friend
The singer is certain they need a new friend to form a meaningful connection with.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BLAIR GRAY COWAN, LLOYD COLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@VitaMortisCarree
Walking in the pouring rain walking with jesus and jane
Jane was in her turtle neck I was much happier then
If I were to ask you what you would 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
Walking in the pouring rain walking with jesus and jane
Jane was in her turtle neck 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
Because 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
Now Let me count the times when of course we lied
Well we know no better it was no crime
Let me count the times
I well I don't know when I when i`ll be content
But I do know I need a brand new friend
@carterlaga
Let me count the times this song put me in a good mood!
@fernandoaugustofilho397
This song makes me remember my wife. She passes away to heaven as 07/04/2001. She leaves me with 3 children carry on.
She loved this song.
@mauricepatrickoconnor5634
God bless you and your family.
@mexicanfries5336
God bless you and keep you all the days of your life.
@hounsdown1977
Very sad I wish you well she will always be with you good luck to you and your family
@cquilty1
@Fernando marcoss Augusus glooop Filo pastry
Not sure what's worse: your lies/fake emotive crapp or illiteracy. Upload another crapp video - maybe you'll feel better.
@jamuga60
Bless you and your memories...................she had good taste.
@dagsterblaster4973
I worked in meat packing plant back in sweden 1986, this was a popular song. The 80's were such a great time to be a teen!
@robbiethepict2783
I seen them in Aberdeen 1989. That was the highest.
@damselfly8
Absolutely love and adore this album and this song. Reminds me of time spent with a good friend.