Born in Hampstead, London, Faithfull began her career in 1964 after attending a Rolling Stones party, where she was discovered by Andrew Loog Oldham. Her debut album Marianne Faithfull (released simultaneously with her album Come My Way on April 15, 1965) was a commercial success followed by a number of albums on Decca Records. From 1966 to 1970, she had a highly publicised romantic relationship with Mick Jagger. Her popularity was further enhanced by her film roles, such as those in I'll Never Forget What's'isname (1967), The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968), and Hamlet (1969). However, her popularity was overshadowed by personal problems in the 1970s. During that time she was anorexic, homeless and a heroin addict.
Noted for her distinctive voice, Faithfull's previously melodic and higher-registered vocals (which were prevalent throughout her career in the 1960s) were affected by severe laryngitis, coupled with persistent drug abuse during the 1970s, permanently altering her voice, leaving it raspy, cracked and lower in pitch. This new sound was praised as "whisky soaked" by some critics and seen as having helped to capture the raw emotions expressed in Faithfull's music.
After a long commercial absence, Faithfull made a comeback with the 1979 release of her critically acclaimed album Broken English. The album was a commercial success and marked a resurgence of her musical career. Broken English earned Faithfull a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and is often regarded as her "definitive recording". She followed this with a series of albums, including Dangerous Acquaintances (1981), A Child's Adventure (1983) and Strange Weather (1987). Faithfull also wrote three books about her life: Faithfull: An Autobiography (1994), Memories, Dreams & Reflections (2007) and Marianne Faithfull: A Life on Record (2014).
Faithfull is listed on VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll" list. She received the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Women's World Awards and was made a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the government of France.
Sleep
Marianne Faithfull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a place no one knows
And to seek life under stones
In a place water flows
It is best to find in sleep
The missing pieces that you lost
Best that you refuse to weep
It is strange to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
Strange to shelter under stones
In a place water flows
It is safe to walk with me
Where you can read the sky and stars
Safe to walk upon the sea
In my sleep we can go far
It is safe to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
And to shelter under stones
In a place water flows
It is strange to sleep alone
In a place no one goes
Strange to seek life under stones
In my sleep, no one knows
The lyrics of "Sleep" by Marianne Faithfull deal with the theme of safety and loneliness. The song takes the listener on a journey through the symbolism of places of safety, such as dark and secluded places, forgotten stones, and flowing water. The first stanza establishes that it is safe to sleep alone in a place no one knows, and to seek life under hidden stones and in flowing water. The second stanza suggests that it is possible to find missing pieces in sleep, and that it is better to refuse to weep and accept the ephemeral nature of life. The third stanza touches on the strangeness of sleeping alone in places where no one goes and seeking life under stones.
The fourth and final stanza hints at the idea of the singer being a safe companion who invites the listener to walk with her. She knows the skies and stars, and they can walk upon the sea in sleep. The song ends with a repetition of the first and third stanzas, expressing the same safe and strange feelings of the first three.
Line by Line Meaning
It is safe to sleep alone
Sleeping alone can be safe and peaceful, as it removes distractions and disturbances from others.
In a place no one knows
Sleeping in an unfamiliar place can be calming and refreshing, as it breaks away from monotony and routine.
And to seek life under stones
Exploring new surroundings and discovering new experiences can bring meaning and purpose to life.
In a place water flows
Being close to nature and the elements, like a flowing river, can be grounding and relaxing.
It is best to find in sleep
Sleeping allows for the processing and sorting of thoughts and emotions, leading to clarity and understanding.
The missing pieces that you lost
During sleep, the subconscious mind can help retrieve memories or emotions that may have been buried or forgotten.
Best that you refuse to weep
Crying can be cathartic, but it is important to also find peace and strength within oneself.
Ash to ash, dust to dust
A reminder of the inevitability of death, and the temporary nature of life on earth.
It is strange to sleep alone
Although it can be peaceful, sleeping alone can also feel unfamiliar and foreign to some.
Strange to shelter under stones
Seeking comfort or safety in unconventional or unexpected places can feel odd or unusual.
It is safe to walk with me
Finding a companion can provide comfort and security, and make journeys and experiences more enjoyable.
Where you can read the sky and stars
Being able to interpret and find meaning in the natural world can be enriching and enlightening.
Safe to walk upon the sea
Even in seemingly treacherous or unpredictable situations, there can be a sense of safety and stability.
In my sleep we can go far
Through sharing experiences and dreaming together, we can reach new heights and discover new realms.
And to shelter under stones
Finding security and comfort in places that may seem unorthodox or unconventional can be freeing and empowering.
In a place water flows
Being close to the natural elements, like a flowing river, can be calming and restorative.
It is strange to sleep alone
Although solo sleeping can be enjoyable, it can also feel foreign or unorthodox for some individuals.
In a place no one goes
Exploring uncharted or unconventional territories can be thrilling and exciting.
Strange to seek life under stones
Discovering new experiences and ventures that are unusual or unexpected can feel strange or uncomfortable.
In my sleep, no one knows
Through the dreaming state, one can explore and experience new landscapes and sensations, without judgments or interpretations from others.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANGELO BADALAMENTI, FRANK MCGUINESS, MARIANNE FAITHFULL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Argi Skelton
It is safe to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
And to seek life under stones
In a place water flows
It is best to find in sleep
The missing pieces that you lost
Best that you refuse to weep
Ash to ash, dust to dust
It is strange to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
Strange to shelter under stones
In a place water flows
It is safe to walk with me
Where you can read the sky and stars
Safe to walk upon the sea
In my sleep we can go far
It is safe to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
And to shelter under stones
In a place water flows
It is strange to sleep alone
In a place no one goes
Strange to seek life under stones
In my sleep, no one knows
Argi Skelton
It is safe to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
And to seek life under stones
In a place water flows
It is best to find in sleep
The missing pieces that you lost
Best that you refuse to weep
Ash to ash, dust to dust
It is strange to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
Strange to shelter under stones
In a place water flows
It is safe to walk with me
Where you can read the sky and stars
Safe to walk upon the sea
In my sleep we can go far
It is safe to sleep alone
In a place no one knows
And to shelter under stones
In a place water flows
It is strange to sleep alone
In a place no one goes
Strange to seek life under stones
In my sleep, no one knows
Kathrine Sørlie
Dette er en av de beste låtene til Mariann Faithfull, fordypet i en ubeskrivelig atmosfære....... K. Sørlie. 2018
SWTinFLA
Love this and this album. Love HER! Thanks.
frank barailler
vraiment très belle chanson! à ne pas écouter quand ça va pas bien néanmoins...
soulplumber
We have all secret lifes and sorrow,love her expressions
J Gon
פשוט חזק ומרגש.מעולה.תודה.
:D
Α ρε κοκκινοπουλε, ότι καλύτερο έβαζες πάντα
alfred kampenn
"Σε πρώτο βαθμό" , 10η εντολή, υποθέτω
Boudosaved
Just heard this song in the French film "Son Frere."
Elif Alpar Cannizzo
Depressing film it was