Song Clearance Sheet
3 sources citedI Want a New Drug
Rock1980s110BPM
D majKey
More around 110 BPM → · More in D major →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →, Deezer →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters of record (Huey Lewis & Chris Hayes), no dispute over this song’s own rights — it is the source of the “Ghostbusters” dispute, covered on that page.
Quick Facts
Released1984
AlbumSports
GenreRock, Pop Rock, New Wave
LabelChrysalis Records
ProducerHuey Lewis and the News
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — Huey Lewis & Chris Hayes
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — Chrysalis; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
The source of the “Ghostbusters” copyright dispute (this batch); no dispute over this song’s own rights.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriters of record.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
The dispute alleged “Ghostbusters” copied this song (this batch)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Huey Lewis & Chris Hayes
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
The song’s actual meaning
Lewis has explained the “drug” in the title is metaphorical — really about a woman, not literal narcotics — telling Rolling Stone the whole point is that drugs aren’t really part of life, love is. No lyrics reproduced.
Songfacts · read it →
A re-recording for the groove
After the album was finished, Lewis felt the song “wasn’t grooving enough” and convinced the label to let the band re-record it (and three other tracks) using a LinnDrum machine for a tighter, more sequenced feel.
Reybee (Consequence) · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
The source of the “Ghostbusters” dispute
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
ND
Huey Lewis & Chris Hayes (Chrysalis)
The confirmed songwriters of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 23)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass