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.
That's Right Baby
Marianne Faithfull Lyrics
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It seems to me you've won.
Slip tight, baby,
You had a lot of fun.
You tried to make a fool of me
And I'm the fool who just couldn't see.
That's right baby,
Laugh until you cry.
Good night baby,
But may I ask you why?
I gave you everything I had
Babe, that couldn't be so bad?
I wonder why there's no tear in your eye.
I wonder why there's love left for me.
That's right baby
Get it while you can.
Look right baby
You'll see with another man.
While you're waiting all alone
You'll try to call but I won't be home.
In Marianne Faithfull's song "That's Right Baby," the singer addresses someone who has just "won" and "had a lot of fun." It becomes clear that this person has been trying to make a fool of the singer, who admits feeling foolish for not having seen through it all. The singer seems to be saying goodbye, bidding this person good night and questioning why there are no tears in their eyes after everything that has transpired.
The lyrics then become somewhat threatening, warning this person to "get it while you can" and implying that they will see the singer with another man. The final lines are particularly cutting, hinting that this person will be the one left waiting and trying to call after the singer is no longer responsive. Throughout the song, the singer maintains a sense of cynicism and resignation, recognizing the hurt that has been inflicted upon them but also acknowledging their own sense of powerlessness in the situation.
Overall, "That's Right Baby" is a song about a failed relationship and the aftermath of betrayal. Its lyrics are sparse but cutting, conveying a sense of emotional exhaustion and bitterness that will likely resonate with many listeners who have experienced something similar.
Line by Line Meaning
That's right baby,
Affirmation that the situation being discussed is indeed accurate.
It seems to me you've won.
Acknowledgment that the other person has come out ahead.
Slip tight, baby,
Advice to hold on tightly to what has been gained.
You had a lot of fun.
Recognition that the other person enjoyed their actions.
You tried to make a fool of me
Acknowledgment that the other person attempted to deceive the artist.
And I'm the fool who just couldn't see.
Acceptance of being fooled and unaware of the other person's true intentions.
Laugh until you cry.
Description of the other person's emotional state.
Good night baby,
Formal farewell.
But may I ask you why?
Questioning the other person's motive or reasoning for their actions.
I gave you everything I had
Statement of having given their all to the other person.
Babe, that couldn't be so bad?
Suggestion that the other person should appreciate what they were given.
I wonder why there's no tear in your eye.
Curiosity about the other person's lack of emotional response to the situation.
I wonder why there's love left for me.
Surprise that the other person still has feelings for the singer despite their actions.
Get it while you can.
Encouragement to seize opportunities before they are gone.
Look right baby
Direction to pay attention to a specific person or situation.
You'll see with another man.
Prediction that the other person will find someone else.
While you're waiting all alone
Description of future isolation for the other person.
You'll try to call but I won't be home.
Anticipation of the other person's attempt to reconnect and the singer's refusal to engage.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PINEY BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind