The Damned – New Rose (1976)

The Damned are a London Punk Rock band formed in 1976. New Rose was the not only the bands first single, but also the first single from a UK punk band. It was released on 22 October 1976 on the Stiff label, the b side being Help! Yeah that Help. They covered The Beatles. It was later included on their debut album also on Stiff, Damned, Damned, Damned, released on 18 February 1977.

The originalband line up was formed by Dave Vanian (David Letts) (Vocals), Captain Sensible (Raymond Burns) (Bass / Guitar), Brian James (Brian Robertson) (Guitar) and Rat Scabies (Chris Millar) (Drums). This changed over the years, with Dave Vanian and Captain Sensible being the only original members still with the band.

The Damned – New Rose – Lyrics

Is she really going out with him?

I got a feeling inside of me
It’s kind of strange like a stormy sea
I don’t know why, I don’t know why
I guess these things have got to be

I gotta new rose, I got her good
Guess I knew that I always would
I can’t stop to mess around
I got a brand new rose in town

See the sun see the sun it shines
Don’t get too close or it’ll burn your eyes
Don’t you run away that way
You can come back another day

I got a new rose I got her good
Guess I knew that I always would
I can’t stop to mess around
I got a brand new rose in town

I never thought this could happen to me
Oh this is strange why should it be
I don’t deserve somebody this great
I’d better go or it’ll be too late

I got a feeling inside of me
It’s kind of strange like a stormy sea
I don’t know why, I don’t know why
I guess these things have got to be

I got a new rose I got her good
Guess I knew that I always would
I can’t stop to mess around
I got a brand new rose in town

(Taken from The Damned – New Rose Lyrics)