%20(1).png)
Marianne Faithfull - Working Class Hero 1995 (Live)
Honky Tonk Town Toby Keith Full Concert
Krystal Keith & Toby Keith sing Cabo San Lucas LIVE
Few songs capture the melancholic beauty of youthful sorrow quite like As Tears Go By, the 1965 hit that introduced Marianne Faithfull to the world. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, the song remains one of the defining ballads of the 1960s, cementing Faithfull’s status as an icon of the era.
The Origins of As Tears Go By
Although Marianne Faithfull is most closely associated with As Tears Go By, the song was actually written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham. Originally intended for the Rolling Stones, Oldham suggested giving it to Faithfull, then an 18-year-old unknown, as a potential debut single. The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as Faithfull’s ethereal vocals brought a delicate vulnerability to the song that resonated deeply with listeners.
A Melody of Melancholy
Unlike the raw energy of the Rolling Stones’ early material, As Tears Go By is a tender orchestral ballad that leans into a more baroque-pop sound. The arrangement, featuring a delicate string section, acoustic guitar, and soft percussion, provides a lush backdrop for Faithfull’s wistful delivery. The song’s structure and instrumentation stand in contrast to the rock-heavy landscape of the mid-'60s, making it a standout track of its time.
The Lyrics: A Reflection on Innocence Lost
The lyrics of As Tears Go By are deceptively simple yet deeply evocative:
It is the evening of the day I sit and watch the children play
Lines like these convey a bittersweet sense of nostalgia and detachment, as the narrator observes youthful joy while feeling disconnected from it. The song’s melancholic refrain, underscored by Faithfull’s breathy, emotive performance, adds to the feeling of longing and reflection.
Marianne Faithfull’s Rise to Fame
Following the release of As Tears Go By, Faithfull became a household name, propelled into the spotlight as part of the Swinging London scene. The song’s success led to a string of subsequent releases and a growing association with the Rolling Stones, particularly her high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger. Though initially marketed as a folk-pop chanteuse, Faithfull would later reinvent herself as a raw-voiced, bluesy singer-songwriter, most notably with her critically acclaimed 1979 album Broken English.
The Legacy of As Tears Go By
Even decades after its release, As Tears Go By remains one of Faithfull’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including the Rolling Stones themselves, who eventually recorded their own version in 1966. However, Faithfull’s interpretation continues to stand as the definitive version, celebrated for its fragile beauty and haunting sincerity.
Today, As Tears Go By endures as a classic of the 1960s, a song that encapsulates the fleeting nature of innocence and the inevitability of change. Marianne Faithfull’s evocative performance ensures that its emotional resonance remains just as powerful now as it was nearly 60 years ago.