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.
This Time
Marianne Faithfull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you want me to come back
It's up to you,
But remember
I want a lot other things you used to do
You're gonna have to toe the mark and walk the line.
This time will be the last time.
If I should feel unwanted
I won't stay.
Each tomorrow
Will depend on the love you give today.
It's all up to you to stand by.
This time will be the last time.
If this time should be
Anything like the other time
This time will be the last time.
This time
If you want me to come back
It's up to you,
But remember
I want a lot of things you used to do.
You're gonna have to toe the mark and walk the line.
This time will be the last time.
If this time should be
Anything like the other time
This time will be the last time.
Marianne Faithfull's song "This Time" is a warning to her lover that if he wants her to come back, he needs to change his ways. The lyrics suggest that Marianne has left her lover before and is giving him one last chance to make things right. She is clear in her message that she wants him to fulfill the promises he made before and do the things he used to do that won her heart. In the chorus, she makes it clear that if her lover lets her down again, she won't stay.
The lyrics of the song are a representation of the frustration and pain that comes with a love that's not reciprocated. Marianne is trying to make her lover understand that love is not just about words, but about actions. She's using the lyrics of the song to make her point that she's not willing to put up with the same old patterns anymore, and that if things don't change this time, it will be the last.
Overall, "This Time" is a powerful song that captures the essence of heartbreak and the ultimatums that come with it. Marianne uses a simple melody to create a haunting atmosphere that is perfectly complemented by the powerful lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
This time
Starting off, the singer emphasizes that the situation at hand is different than before.
If you want me to come back
The singer leaves the decision up to the other person, letting them know that their actions will determine the outcome.
It's up to you,
The singer reiterates that the decision lies with the other person, and that their actions will matter going forward.
But remember
However, the singer reminds the other person that they have certain expectations that must be met.
I want a lot other things you used to do
The singer is straightforward in stating her desires, and what she expects from the other person's behavior.
You're gonna have to toe the mark and walk the line.
The singer demands that the other person must behave as expected, and stay within certain boundaries for the relationship to work.
This time will be the last time.
The singer makes it clear that she will not tolerate any further deviation from the expected behavior, and that this is the last chance for the relationship to work out.
If I should feel unwanted
The singer warns that if she feels unwelcome, she will not hesitate to leave the relationship.
I won't stay.
Emphasizing her resolve, the singer asserts that she will not remain in a relationship where she feels unwanted.
Each tomorrow
The singer highlights that the future is uncertain, and that the person's behavior today will determine what happens tomorrow.
Will depend on the love you give today.
The singer is clear in stating that the other person's actions today will directly impact what happens in the future.
It's all up to you to stand by.
Once again, the singer emphasizes that the other person's behavior is what will sustain the relationship.
If this time should be
Returning to the opening line, the singer reiterates that this time is different than the past, and that the outcome will depend on the other person's actions.
Anything like the other time
The singer acknowledges the possibility that things could play out the same way as before.
This time will be the last time.
However, once again, the singer highlights that there will be no further chances beyond this one, and that the relationship will end if things don't work out.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LEE LOUGHNANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mamalion730
As I rapidly approach 70 years old, this song has a more profound meaning to me.
@bionsjazznblues
Same goes for me. I'm 77 approaching 21.
@grimvian
Just turned 67 and my parents had a pub in the years 60-79, where the jukebox played all those wonderful music records. At that time I almost did not understand a single word of english. The old man thought school was a vaste of time and not real work.
@CrankCase08
@@bionsjazznblues Even at ten years younger, I know how that feels!
@dicklindner3592
I am 77 years and feel the same!
@trevorhart545
As my Uncles always told me "Middle Age is 15 years older than you, so you never reach it!" Still true after 60+ years, something to look forward to. @@bionsjazznblues
@BenSHammonds
am listening to this today, on her 77th birthday, Happy Happy Birthday to Marianne Faithfull
@MaxFeng
As Tears Go By was one of the first English songs I heard and long remembered since 1967 and is 56 years ago. I am now 72. Thank you Marianne❤
@philiphamer5959
Beautifully lyrical. Mick and Keith gave it to her and it was huge hit for her.
@maelcaha5111
She was hospitalized today with Corona Virus. Wishing her strength and support.