Here is how Damian introduced his new song ‘Suck My Blood’ to us on Instagram just in time for Halloween in 2023. And on the second leg of his Mission Creep UK tour in spring 2024, he debuted the song on stage. He shared with us, the audience, about The Radleys, a vampire movie that he recently made, in which he played a doctor and he introduced the song he wrote inspired by the movie and his role in it. And he definitely brought the house down with laughter in Stroud when he addressed a man in the front row leaving his seat for the bar or the loo.
“Sir, I’m not a real vampire.”
And while Damian talked about his role as a small-town doctor before debuting his new song, I think the song is less about the doctor he plays, and more about the doctor’s former academic twin brother that he also plays — Will Radley.
The Radleys is a darkly funny, coming-of-age story about a seemingly normal suburban family… who happen to be vampires. But don’t worry—it’s not your usual scary vampire movie. The Radleys are just trying to live ordinary lives, and that’s where the comedy—and chaos—begins.
Peter and Helen Radley are “abstainers”—vampires who don’t drink blood. Their kids, Clara and Rowan, think they’re just a little odd… until their wild uncle Will shows up. Uncle Will is everything Peter is not: reckless, confident, flirtatious, and completely comfortable with giving in to his desires. He turns the Radleys’ carefully controlled world upside down…
Here’s where Damian Lewis’ song Suck My Blood comes in. If you’ve listened to it, you know it starts with Will talking to Rowan about the experience of drinking someone else’s blood..
Is what amazing?Oh you mean drinking someone else’s bloodIt’s so fucking good there are no words to make you understand.
The “patient” in Suck My Blood is clearly a “practicing” vampire, and the lyrics drop hints about him—he’s very pale, just like the Radleys family, since vampires don’t do well in the sun. The “patient” may be Will.
And if you listen closely, it’s also easy to imagine that the “patient”may not be talking to just any doctor — he may be talking to his own brother. Suck My Blood feels like Will addressing Peter directly, teasing him, and tempting him to be a practicing vampire again – which he does in the movie. So the song becomes a clever, cheeky conversation between two halves of the same person: the brother who lives for pleasure, and the one trying to keep it under control.
At first, the narrator politely asks for help, almost playfully. But as the song goes on, he becomes more assertive, even demanding, until the final section turns into a full-on transaction:
Oh pleaseGimmie your blood
Oh pleaseGimmie your bloodGimmie your bloodGimmie your bloodGimmie your blood
Oh pleaseSuck my blood
The Radleys isn’t just about vampires. The story is really about family, identity, and human cravings. Being a vampire is a metaphor for any kind of temptation or addiction. Peter and Helen work hard to protect their kids from it, while Will shows them how exciting it can be to explore who they really are. The song hits that same note—fun, rebellious, and freeing.
I’m flying so highLike I am a sky-y-yReading everyone’s mindsand yours
Oh I am so highOh I am a sky-y-yAll the night is mineAnd yoursAnd yours
In short, The Radleys and Suck My Blood are two sides of the same story. The movie shows the chaos that comes from temptation, family, and secrets. The song lets you revel in it. Together, they’re darkly funny, naughty, and totally entertaining.
So, whether you’re watching the movie, listening to the song, or just daydreaming about vampires, put your fangs on and enjoy the ride. Will Radley—and Damian Lewis—have got you covered.
And here is Damian Lewis playing ‘Suck My Blood’ at Lighthouse in Poole, UK on the second leg of his Mission Creep UK Tour. Enjoy!
