The Action – I Can’t Make a Friend (1967)

Though they share the same name, this group was not the same The Action from England. This group was formed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1966. They were popular at many of the local clubs with a soul-influenced pop noise. Many of their records featured an A-side that wasn’t soul-influenced, thinking it would help broaden their popularity. After establishing themselves in the Sydney music scene in Australia, the group disbanded in 1968.

This song was from a single released in 1967 that featured the B-side “Romeo and Juliet”. It was sung by Evan Silva, who joined the band after leaving the group Nobody’s Children earlier that year. This was one of those A-sides previously mentioned that didn’t have as much of the soul-sound that the band was used to playing at their local gigs. Fortunately for us, it’s a great song.



The Action – I Can’t Make a Friend (1967)

Loading the ABLYAM player...(Might not work on mobile devices)

Lyrics:

No one wants to live a lie
Being lonely day and night
I won’t go without a fight

Every day it’s the same
Along their field and chain
I’m a man with no one close
I’m tired of the pain

‘cause I can’t make a friend
(That’s what they told me)
No, I can’t make a friend
(No, no, baby)

Livin’ alone and feelin’ down
In my room, not makin’ a sound
I’m tellin' ya that there’s no one around

I just walk the floor
And sit up all alone
Why do they hide from me?
I want to be known

‘cause I can’t make a friend
(Tell me the truth)
No, I can’t make a friend

How can I expect to laugh?
What makes ya smile and then walk past?
My weak mind is goin’ fast

No one wants to live a lie
Being lonely day and night
I won’t go without a fight

‘cause I can’t make a friend
No, I can’t make a friend

How can I expect to laugh?
What makes ya smile and then walk past?
My weak mind is goin’ fast

‘cause I can’t make a friend
(Alright, baby)
No, I can’t make a friend
(No, no, no)
‘cause I can’t make a friend