It’s Damian Lewis’ Song of the Week time again — and this one feels particularly special. Because we now know, thanks to a recent interview Damian gave to 9Honey, that his new singles will begin dropping in March, with the full album set for release in June. And this track, Suck My Blood, is one of the new originals we are really hoping makes the album cut. It has already been released on The Radleys soundtrack — but it absolutely deserves a second life on album two.
So today, we’re diving into it.
Here is how Damian introduced his new song “Suck My Blood” to us on Instagram just in time for Halloween in 2023. And then, during the second leg of his Mission Creep UK tour in spring 2024, he brought it to the stage for the first time.
Before performing it, he told us about The Radleys, the vampire film he had recently completed, in which he plays a small-town doctor. He explained how the song was inspired by the film and his role in it. And in Stroud, he absolutely brought the house down when he spotted a man in the front row getting up — presumably for the bar or the loo — and deadpanned:
“Sir, I’m not a real vampire.”
Classic Damian. Perfect timing. People couldn’t stop laughing.
But while he framed the song through the lens of the small-town doctor, I’ve always suspected that “Suck My Blood” isn’t really about that character at all.
It feels darker than that.
To me, this song belongs less to the mild-mannered doctor — and more to his former academic twin brother, the character Damian also plays: Will Radley.
And that’s where things get interesting.
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 Radley 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 playing ‘Suck My Blood’ at Lighthouse in Poole, UK on the second leg of his Mission Creep UK Tour. Enjoy!
