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Simply RedSad Old Red
‘Sad Old Red’ is an album track from Simply Red’s first ever album Picture Book, released on 11th October 1985. Retrospectively, the album was described as ”the most accomplished debut of its year” by Nick Duerden in Q Magazine.
‘Sad Old Red’ is an emotive, dramatic jazz/soul track showcasing Mick’s impressive range and expressive vocals. It was written entirely by Hucknall, and since its release in 1985 it has remained a firm staple in Simply Red’s live show. The 2025 Recollections version of the track retains all the rawness of Mick’s original vocals, but sounds smoother and more soulful than ever.
SINGLE CREDITS
Words and music Mick Hucknall
CBS Songs/So What Ltd
LYRICS
I walk on stone, it leads me home
We don’t have streets, just pure concrete
I’m not glad when I get home
I’m sad old red, I don’t wanna be alone
I go whiter in the face, my feet begin to shake
I go upstairs to that heavenly place
I’m not glad when I get home
I’m sad old red, I don’t wanna be alone
Chorus:
Sad old red, sat at home
Sad old red, living on his own
Sad old red, sat at home
Sad old red, let me take you home
It’s a cubic room, two holes peep through
Shadows on the wall of trees so tall
I think of her again, the joy she used to bring
Lay there in bed, two words she said
She said “oh red” (repeat)
Sad old red, that’s what I am
All the time, every night
Sad old red
Live Videos
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BUY RECOLLECTIONS
Simply Red’s latest release, ‘Recollections’, features 40 new recordings of Simply Red classic songs, to celebrate their incredible 40 year legacy, and is available to buy now.
The album includes beautiful but faithful versions of ‘Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)’, ‘Holding Back The Years’, ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’, ‘Stars’, ‘Fairground’ and 35 other fan favourites.
‘Recollections’ is available in three physical formats – a 4 LP vinyl, a 3 CD (both featuring all 40 tracks), and a cut-down double vinyl featuring 20 of their top tracks. All formats include a special booklet containing iconic and rare photos from 1985 onwards.
