The poet Shel Silverstein wrote this song in 1974, five years before Marianne Faithfull recorded it in 1979. Steve Winwood plays the synthesizer on this song, what could be called very early synth-pop. The song was written before the invention of answering machines or voice mail, when an unanswered telephone would ring and ring and ring until the caller gave up. The lyrics don't say or even hint at who was calling, but the detail that the phone kept ringing meant they were urgently trying to reach her. My guess is that they were worried about her well being. The line about climbing on to the roof suggests she was at risk of jumping off during a psychological break with reality. Marianne Faithfull endured similar difficulties in real life. She broke up with Mick Jagger, lost custody of her son, attempted suicide, and wound up addicted to heroin and living on the streets for two years. It was during that time when she recorded a cover of Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" that really stands out for its grit. But it wasn't released for another fifteen years!
Oh yes, a nursery rhyme describing a middle-aged woman who went slowly insane. Try "Broken English" next...it's a haunting song about the "Cold War" between the east and west.
I fear you´ve got it wrong, Faye. The man in the limo is a bright illusion while Lucie stands on the rooftop ready to take the final exit. I recommend live shows of Mrs. Faithfull like this one here on the tube - ua-cam.com/video/PRnKwk8b27w/v-deo.html. Raspy voice but brilliant performance. Let´s not forget the piano guy.
Don't want to be too morbid but I've always thought she jumped from that rooftop in the final verse. Thus setting her free from the drudgery of her life. I hope I'm wrong.
The poet Shel Silverstein wrote this song in 1974, five years before Marianne Faithfull recorded it in 1979. Steve Winwood plays the synthesizer on this song, what could be called very early synth-pop. The song was written before the invention of answering machines or voice mail, when an unanswered telephone would ring and ring and ring until the caller gave up. The lyrics don't say or even hint at who was calling, but the detail that the phone kept ringing meant they were urgently trying to reach her. My guess is that they were worried about her well being. The line about climbing on to the roof suggests she was at risk of jumping off during a psychological break with reality. Marianne Faithfull endured similar difficulties in real life. She broke up with Mick Jagger, lost custody of her son, attempted suicide, and wound up addicted to heroin and living on the streets for two years. It was during that time when she recorded a cover of Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" that really stands out for its grit. But it wasn't released for another fifteen years!
😮i love your take on the song what you see is a reflection on your beutiful character
Aww! Thank you 😊
Oh yes, a nursery rhyme describing a middle-aged woman who went slowly insane. Try "Broken English" next...it's a haunting song about the "Cold War" between the east and west.
Love this song, glad you've done it!
Welcome, it's a beautiful song, and I'm glad I got to listen to it
I fear you´ve got it wrong, Faye. The man in the limo is a bright illusion while Lucie stands on the rooftop ready to take the final exit.
I recommend live shows of Mrs. Faithfull like this one here on the tube - ua-cam.com/video/PRnKwk8b27w/v-deo.html. Raspy voice but brilliant performance. Let´s not forget the piano guy.
It was in her imagination that she drove through Paris, she was on her way to the mental hospital. The lyric captions weren't very good.
Wow! I got it all wrong. Thanks for this interpretation 🙏❤️
Don't want to be too morbid but I've always thought she jumped from that rooftop in the final verse. Thus setting her free from the drudgery of her life. I hope I'm wrong.
Dont go back to the roof please. All of you. Pick up the phone or visit someone.
🤣