Surabaya Johnny
Marianne Faithfull · 20th Century Blues [1997]
When you came up from Burma one day
And you told me to pack up my suitcase
And I did and you took me away
I said, "Do you work nice and steady
Or do you go sailing and roving out to sea?"
And you said, "I have a job on the railroad
And baby, how swell it's all gonna be"
You said a lot, Johnny it was all lies
You sure had me fooled, right from the start
I hate you when you laugh at me like that
Take that pipe out of your mouth, Johnny
Surabaya Johnny, is it really the end?
Surabaya Johnny, will the hurt ever mend?
Surabaya Johnny, ooh, I burn at your touch
You got no heart, Johnny but oh, I love you so much
Thought at first you were kind and gentle
Till I packed up and went off with you
And it lasted two weeks until one day
You laughed at me and hit me too
You dragged me all over the city
Up the river and down to the sea
Now I look at myself in the mirror
And some old woman looks back at me
You didn't want love, Johnny, you wanted money
I gave you all I had you wanted more
Oh, don't look at me that way, I'm only trying to talk to you
Wipe that grin off your face, Johnny
Surabaya Johnny, is it really the end?
Surabaya Johnny, will the hurt ever mend?
Surabaya Johnny, ooh, I burn at your touch
You got no heart, Johnny but oh, I love you so much
When we met I forgot to ask you
Why they called you that funny name
But in every hotel on the seacoast
I found out, and I loved you all the same
I'm tired, I'm worn out
The sea's pounding in my ears
And I reach out my arms to hold you
You're not here and who even cares?
You got no heart, Johnny you're just no good
You going now? Oh, tell me why
I love you after all, Johnny, like that very first day
Don't laugh at me no more, Johnny
Surabaya Johnny, is it really the end?
Surabaya Johnny, will the hurt ever mend?
Surabaya Johnny, ooh, I burn at your touch
You got no heart, Johnny but oh, I love you so much
I love you, I love you so much
Surabaya Johnny
Released on Marianne Faithfull's 1997 compilation 20th Century Blues, Surabaya Johnny stands as a hauntingly atmospheric track that captures the essence of her mid-1960s work. The song features a distinctive, minimalist arrangement that emphasizes vocal delivery over complex instrumentation, characteristic of the era's emerging folk and art rock movements. Faithfull's performance is notable for its raw emotional intensity and unique phrasing, which has become a staple in her discography. The recording reflects the transitional period in her career where she moved away from traditional pop structures toward more experimental and introspective styles. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a specific mood of melancholy and urban isolation, cementing its place as a significant piece in her catalog.
