Photo: Photographer: A. Vente, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/nl/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons
Marianne Gabriel Faithfull was born in Hampstead, London, in 1946. She began her singing career at eighteen, in 1964, as a folk performer. Her first big break came while attending a party that year hosted by The Rolling Stones. The band’s manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, discovered her at this party. Oldham Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote Faithfull’s first major release, “As Tears Go By,” which became a massive success. After releasing several successful singles, she entered a highly publicized relationship with Mick Jagger.
Marianne Faithfull’s life and career worsened after her relationship with Mick Jagger ended in 1970. After losing custody of her son, she became a heroin addict and spent two years living on the streets. She also struggled with anorexia. Despite attempts by friends and peers to help her, Faithfull continued to suffer from addiction throughout much of the next decade, spending most of it in obscurity. Her drug use and heavy smoking altered the sound of her voice, which became much deeper and more cracked. Although she released her first album of new material in a decade with the country album Dreamin’ My Dreams in 1976, it wasn’t until 1979 that she achieved a career comeback with Broken English. This album saw her embracing the contemporary sounds of the punk and new wave movements, and it remains widely considered Marianne Faithfull’s definitive release.
As Marianne Faithfull entered the 1980s, her career may have been revived, but she continued to struggle with personal challenges, including ongoing battles with addiction. She released several more albums throughout the decade, including Rich Kid Blues in 1985, which featured a mix of new and re-recorded songs. In 1987, after finally getting clean, she released the album Strange Weather, for which she did not write any of the material. Despite this, it became her most critically acclaimed album of the decade.
In the years since Marianne Faithfull has continued to be a successful and popular artist. This article looks to showcase a sampling of her recordings.
# 10 – Come My Way – Come My Way
Opening our list of the Top 10 Marianne Faithfull Songs is “Come My Way,” the title track from Faithfull’s bold second studio album released in 1965. Issued simultaneously with her self-titled album, Marianne Faithfull, by Decca Records, Come My Way was the product of a creative tug-of-war between Faithfull and her record label. While Decca pushed for a pop record to capitalize on her burgeoning mainstream appeal, Faithfull insisted on recording an album dedicated to the folk music she loved. Rather than compromise with a mixed-genre album, Faithfull made the audacious decision to release two separate records: Marianne Faithfull, catering to the label’s pop demands, and Come My Way, a testament to her folk roots and artistic independence.
“Come My Way” exemplifies Faithfull’s commitment to authentic folk music, featuring traditional melodies and lyrics that draw on deep themes of longing, nature, and solitude. In the song, Faithfull sings of “the wild mountain thyme that grows around my door” and the “brook that sings and twinkles in the sun,” creating a tapestry of imagery that reflects her yearning for freedom and her affinity with the natural world. Her voice is tender yet resolute, capturing the tension between desire and restraint. The refrain—“I’ve grown weary waiting for love to say, ‘Come my way’”—reveals an aching vulnerability, made all the more potent by Faithfull’s restrained, clear delivery. The song’s sparse arrangement, centered around an acoustic guitar, allows her vocal expression to shine, giving listeners an unfiltered glimpse into her emotional landscape.
Musically, “Come My Way” is a stark contrast to the pop tracks found on Marianne Faithfull, embracing a minimalist folk aesthetic that highlights Faithfull’s roots in the genre. The production by Tony Calder and Andrew Loog Oldham is deliberately stripped back, allowing the simplicity of the acoustic instrumentation and Faithfull’s haunting vocals to carry the song’s emotional weight. Released as part of a strategic artistic pivot, the album challenged the commercial trends of the time and affirmed Faithfull’s dedication to her craft. While Come My Way did not achieve the same commercial success as its pop counterpart, it has since been praised by critics and fans alike for its sincerity and artistry.
# 9 – So Sad – Dangerous Acquaintances
“So Sad,” a standout track from Marianne Faithfull’s 1981 album Dangerous Acquaintances, is a haunting exploration of heartbreak and loss that captures the raw, emotive power of her post-punk renaissance. Recorded at Pathé Marconi Studios in Paris and produced by Mark Miller Mundy, the song showcases Faithfull’s distinctive, gravelly voice against a backdrop of layered guitars, subtle percussion, and minimalist arrangements. Faithfull was joined by a talented lineup of musicians, including Barry Reynolds on guitar, Steve York on bass, and Terry Stannard on drums, all of whom contributed to the album’s rich, textured sound.
Lyrically, “So Sad” delves deep into themes of sorrow and regret, reflecting the inner turmoil that characterized much of Faithfull’s music during this period. The song’s narrative is built around a relationship that has reached its end, with Faithfull lamenting, “It’s so sad when you’re young / To feel that way.” Her delivery is raw and vulnerable, capturing the sense of disillusionment and despair that comes with losing love. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Faithfull eschews melodrama in favor of a quieter, more introspective form of expression, using her voice to convey a sense of resignation and introspection. The simplicity of the lyrics, paired with her evocative delivery, turns “So Sad” into a poignant reflection on the inevitability of loss and the passing of time.
Musically, “So Sad” is anchored by a steady, melancholic rhythm that mirrors the song’s lyrical themes. Barry Reynolds’ guitar work provides a gentle but persistent melody that frames Faithfull’s voice, while Steve York’s bass and Terry Stannard’s drums lay down a subtle but compelling groove. The production by Mark Miller Mundy is intentionally restrained, allowing the emotional depth of Faithfull’s performance to shine through without unnecessary embellishment. Critics praised the track for its stark beauty and emotional honesty, with Rolling Stone noting that it “captures the essence of Marianne Faithfull’s art: a fusion of vulnerability and strength, expressed through a voice that has lived every line it sings.”
# 8 – Summer Nights – Go Away from My World
Released in 1965, “Summer Nights” captures the light-hearted charm and gentle warmth of Marianne Faithfull’s early folk-pop style. Included on the album Go Away from My World, the song reflects Faithfull’s ability to convey a sense of youthful longing with her delicate voice. Recorded at Decca Studios in London and produced by Mike Leander, this track remains memorable for its straightforward yet emotive composition, evoking the simplicity and optimism of mid-1960s love songs.
The lyrics of “Summer Nights” create an intimate scene of romantic escapism, with Faithfull singing of a “little café” where lovers gather, bathed in soft lights and music. She brings to life the magic of a summer evening, where “there’s magic in the air” and “all that matters” is the presence of a loved one. The song’s verses, filled with images of moonlit walks along the bay and quiet moments shared at a café, weave a tapestry of idyllic romance that perfectly captures the innocence and hope of young love.
Musically, “Summer Nights” stands out for its gentle arrangement, allowing Faithfull’s voice to glide over a light acoustic backdrop. The production by Mike Leander is minimal, with subtle instrumentation that enhances the lyrics’ evocative imagery without overshadowing Faithfull’s performance. Critics have noted that “Summer Nights” exemplifies the softer side of the 1960s folk-pop movement, with its understated elegance and focus on melody. The song’s straightforward delivery and relatable themes make it a timeless piece in Faithfull’s early catalog, serving as a testament to her ability to find beauty in simplicity.
# 7 – It’s All Over Now Baby Blue – Rich Kid Blues
“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” from Marianne Faithfull’s 1985 album Rich Kid Blues, is a compelling interpretation of Bob Dylan’s classic, which originally appeared on his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. Faithfull’s version was recorded during a period of artistic reinvention, as she embraced a darker, more introspective style that diverged sharply from her earlier folk-pop roots. Produced by Mike Leander and recorded in the early 1970s—though the album itself was shelved for more than a decade and released later—Rich Kid Blues features Faithfull’s deeply emotive take on Dylan’s enigmatic farewell song, capturing the profound sense of loss and change that defines the original while making it entirely her own.
Faithfull’s rendition of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” is marked by her distinctive voice, which by the 1980s had developed a rougher, deeper timbre, reflecting the hard living and personal battles she had faced over the preceding years. Her delivery is raw and plaintive, imbuing the song with a sense of weary resignation. Lines like “The empty-handed painter from your streets / Is drawing crazy patterns on your sheets” are given new weight and nuance through Faithfull’s interpretation, as her voice hovers between defiance and fragility, capturing the song’s complex emotions. Her performance draws out the themes of departure and finality in Dylan’s lyrics, transforming them into a personal statement that resonates with the emotional honesty that has come to define her later work.
Musically, Faithfull’s version of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” is stripped down, yet layered with melancholy. The arrangement, built around a simple acoustic guitar line with minimal backing, allows her voice to take center stage. Leander’s production is deliberately understated, enhancing the haunting quality of Faithfull’s performance.
# 6 – The Gypsy Faerie Queen feat. Nick Cave
We thought it would be special to share one of her more recent recordings.
“The Gypsy Faerie Queen,” featuring Nick Cave, is a standout track from Marianne Faithfull’s 2018 album Negative Capability. Co-written with Cave and produced by Rob Ellis and Warren Ellis, the song was recorded at La Frette Studios in Paris, capturing a haunting, ethereal quality that seamlessly blends folk, rock, and a touch of mysticism. The collaboration between Faithfull and Cave, two of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music, brings together their shared sensibilities for storytelling, darkness, and poetic lyricism.
Lyrically, “The Gypsy Faerie Queen” explores themes of transformation, loss, and the passing of time through the lens of a mythical, otherworldly figure. Faithfull’s voice, weathered and evocative, delivers lines like, “The Gypsy Faerie Queen / Some things we see, we want to believe / She’s calling to you, ‘Where are you?’” with a sense of yearning and mystery. The song paints a vivid picture of a faerie queen who beckons and guides, a character who could easily have walked out of a folk tale or ancient myth. The interplay between Faithfull’s expressive delivery and Cave’s baritone harmonies adds layers of depth to the narrative, creating a dialogue that feels intimate yet expansive, capturing the timeless struggle between reality and fantasy.
Musically, the song’s arrangement is understated but rich, featuring gentle acoustic guitar lines, subtle strings, and piano that provide a lush yet restrained backdrop. Warren Ellis’s production is spare, allowing the emotional weight of Faithfull and Cave’s vocals to come to the forefront. Critics have praised “The Gypsy Faerie Queen” for its haunting beauty and the seamless way it marries Faithfull’s weathered voice with Cave’s unmistakable presence. Mojo described the song as “a timeless duet that feels like a whispered secret between two old souls.” The collaboration between Faithfull and Cave is a natural fit, with both artists bringing a depth and intensity that elevates the track into something uniquely powerful.
Read More: Top 10 Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Songs
# 5 – Is This What I Get For Loving You? – Love In A Mist
“Is This What I Get for Loving You?” holds a special place in Marianne Faithfull’s catalog as her final charting single of the 1960s, marking the end of an era in her early career. Written by the legendary team of Gerry Goffin, Carole King, and Phil Spector, the song was recorded in 1967 at Decca Studios in London, with Mike Leander handling production. Released during a period when Faithfull was transitioning from her folk-pop beginnings, this track represents a poignant farewell to the initial phase of her musical journey.
The song’s lush orchestration and “Wall of Sound”-influenced arrangement, characteristic of Spector’s style, are key to its emotional impact. With sweeping strings and a soft rhythm section, the music creates a rich, textured backdrop that perfectly complements Faithfull’s haunting vocal performance. Her voice is tender yet filled with emotion, conveying a depth that elevates the song beyond its chart performance. Despite its relatively modest success, reaching number forty-three on the UK Singles Chart, forty-two in Australia, and 125 in the US, “Is This What I Get for Loving You?” showcases Faithfull’s ability to deliver a compelling interpretation filled with vulnerability and emotional complexity.
As the final charting single of Faithfull’s 1960s output, “Is This What I Get for Loving You?” highlights her capacity to capture the nuances of heartbreak and longing, evident in lyrics like “There’s nothing left for me to say or do / Is this what I get for loving you?” Her delivery transforms the song from a straightforward pop tune into a deeply resonant piece that foreshadows the darker, more introspective material she would explore in the decades to come.
# 4 – Something Better
“Something Better,” released in 1968, stands as a captivating piece in Marianne Faithfull’s rich discography, combining her ethereal voice with the songwriting prowess of Barry Mann and Gerry Goffin. Produced by Mick Jagger and arranged by Jack Nitzsche, the track was recorded during a period when Faithfull was closely intertwined with the members of The Rolling Stones, both personally and professionally. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics were brought to life with the accompaniment of a striking arrangement that captured the essence of the late 1960s. “Something Better” gained additional notoriety for its appearance in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, where Faithfull performed it live, preceded by a memorable introduction from Charlie Watts.
Musically, “Something Better” marries folk influences with a lush, orchestrated arrangement that showcases Faithfull’s voice at its most fragile and yearning. The track opens with a soft, contemplative rhythm, building with Nitzsche’s orchestral flourishes that add a sense of depth and drama. Faithfull’s delivery is both wistful and commanding as she navigates lyrics that speak to a yearning for something more than the ordinary confines of life. Lines like “It is absurd to live in a cage / You know there’s got to be something better” resonate with a broader existential questioning that defined much of the era’s counterculture. The song’s production by Jagger and its orchestration by Nitzsche provide a rich, layered backdrop that complements Faithfull’s evocative performance, making it a standout in her catalog.
“Something Better” was released as a single to promote the 1970 Decca compilation The World of Marianne Faithfull, with “Sister Morphine” as its B-side. Although it did not achieve significant chart success at the time, it has since been recognized as a compelling example of Faithfull’s artistry during a pivotal period in her career. The song’s inclusion in The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus video further cemented its place in rock history, with Faithfull’s live performance capturing her magnetic stage presence and the unique timbre of her voice, which seemed to embody the spirit of the 1960s.
Positioned on our list of the top 10 Marianne Faithfull songs, “Something Better” represents a moment when Faithfull was straddling the line between folk-pop ingenue and the darker, more introspective artist she would become. It is a song that offers a glimpse into her evolving style and serves as a bridge between her early hits and the more mature, complex work that would define her later career. “Something Better” endures as a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the search for freedom and meaning, a testament to Faithfull’s ability to convey depth and emotion with remarkable subtlety and grace.
# 3 – As Tears Go By – Marianne Faithfull
“As Tears Go By” stands as a defining moment in Marianne Faithfull’s career, marking her breakthrough into the music world in 1964. Written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the song was recorded at Decca Studios in London under Oldham’s production. Faithfull’s interpretation, with its plaintive, introspective tone, quickly captured the hearts of listeners, climbing to number nine on the UK Singles Chart and reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It remains one of Faithfull’s most enduring tracks and a significant milestone in the landscape of 1960s pop music.
The song’s lyrics, “It is the evening of the day / I sit and watch the children play,” reflect a sense of melancholy and wistful contemplation. Faithfull’s delivery, characterized by her soft and youthful voice, adds a layer of innocence that contrasts with the song’s deeper themes of loss and regret. At just seventeen years old, Faithfull imbues the song with an emotional depth that belies her age, creating a haunting quality that resonated strongly with the public. This juxtaposition between the lightness of her vocal delivery and the heaviness of the lyrics made “As Tears Go By” a compelling listen and a distinctive entry in the catalog of 1960s pop ballads.
“As Tears Go By” not only established Marianne Faithfull as a formidable talent in her own right but also marked the beginning of a musical journey that would see her continually evolve as an artist. Positioned on our list of the top 10 Marianne Faithfull songs, it is a track that captures the essence of her early appeal—combining a haunting melody with a performance that is both tender and compelling. Decades after its release, “As Tears Go By” continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of Faithfull’s unique ability to infuse a pop song with a depth of feeling that is both immediate and enduring.
# 2 – Come And Stay With Me – Marianne Faithfull
“Come and Stay with Me,” one of Marianne Faithfull’s early hits, captures the essence of her emergence as a distinctive voice in the 1960s music scene. Written by Jackie DeShannon and produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, the track was recorded in late 1964 at Decca Studios in London and released in February 1965 as Faithfull’s first single following her initial breakthrough with “As Tears Go By.” The song quickly became a commercial success, reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart and establishing Faithfull as a rising star whose voice could convey both the innocence of the era and a deeper emotional complexity.
The song’s lyrics speak of longing and a desire for genuine connection, themes that Faithfull would continue to explore throughout her career. Her interpretation of DeShannon’s words is marked by a delicate balance between vulnerability and resolve. Singing, “I’ll send away all my false pride / And I’ll forsake all of my lies / Yes, I’ll be as true as true can be / If you’ll come and stay with me,” Faithfull brings a sincerity to the performance that resonated with audiences of the time. Her delivery is tender yet confident, capturing the emotional complexity of love’s plea and giving the song a timeless quality.
Musically, “Come and Stay with Me” is built around a lush arrangement that features acoustic guitars and subtle orchestral backing, reflecting the folk-pop sensibilities that were gaining traction in the mid-1960s. The production by Oldham is crisp and clear, allowing Faithfull’s voice to shine against a backdrop that is both rich and understated. Critics praised the song for its melodic beauty and emotional depth, with NME describing it as “an exquisite balance of folk purity and pop sophistication.” This combination of elements helped cement Faithfull’s place in the pop landscape and showcased her ability to inhabit a song with authenticity and grace.
As the next-to-last entry on our list of the top 10 Marianne Faithfull songs, “Come and Stay with Me” remains a testament to her early artistry and her unique ability to convey complex emotions with a seemingly effortless grace. It marked the beginning of a career that would see her grow from a young pop singer into one of rock’s most enduring and dynamic voices, and it continues to be a beloved classic that highlights her talents as both a singer and an interpreter of song.
# 1 – The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan – Broken English
Closing our list of the Top 10 Marianne Faithfull songs is “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan,” a haunting and unforgettable track from her 1979 album Broken English. Written by poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein, the song was recorded at Matrix Studios in London and produced by Mark Miller Mundy. Faithfull, who was joined by musicians Barry Reynolds (guitar), Steve York (bass), Steve Winwood (keyboards), and Terry Stannard (drums), delivered a performance that would become one of the defining moments of her career. “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is a stunning piece that captures the essence of the late 1970s and the emotional landscape of a woman teetering on the edge. The song was initially recorded by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show in 1974.
At its core, “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is a portrait of a suburban housewife trapped in the monotony and disappointments of everyday life. The lyrics tell the story of Lucy Jordan, who reflects on her lost dreams and unrealized ambitions while enduring the mundane routine of domesticity. Lines like “At the age of thirty-seven, she realized she’d never ride through Paris in a sports car with the warm wind in her hair” convey a profound sense of disillusionment and yearning for something beyond the confines of her current existence. Faithfull’s delivery is raw and evocative, her voice carrying the weight of every unfulfilled desire, every lost hope. Her phrasing and timing add layers of depth to the lyrics, turning the song into a powerful meditation on the unspoken struggles faced by countless women who feel trapped in their roles.
Musically, “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” combines a stark, almost minimalist arrangement with Faithfull’s distinctive, raspy voice to create a haunting atmosphere. The production by Miller Mundy is both sparse and atmospheric, with Steve Winwood’s keyboards providing a mournful backdrop that enhances the song’s sense of melancholy and longing. Barry Reynolds’ guitar work adds a touch of brightness, but it’s Faithfull’s vocals—simultaneously fragile and defiant—that are the heart of the track. Critics have often praised the song for its emotional intensity and stark honesty, with Rolling Stone describing it as “a devastating exploration of longing and the constraints of everyday life.” The song became a defining moment of Faithfull’s career, marking her full transformation from a 1960s pop ingénue to a powerful interpreter of darker, more complex material.
“The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” went on to become one of Faithfull’s most enduring tracks, reaching a broader audience and solidifying her status as a fearless and evocative storyteller. Its inclusion on Broken English—an album that itself marked a bold comeback for Faithfull after years of personal struggle—cemented her place in rock history as an artist who could channel her experiences into something transcendent and timeless. As the final entry on our list, “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is not only a standout track from Faithfull’s career but also a poignant reminder of the power of music to capture the complexities of the human condition, to speak for those who may feel unheard, and to evoke the deepest emotions with simplicity and grace.
Top 10 Marianne Faithfull Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
