Broken English
Marianne Faithfull · Broken English [1990]
Could have come through anytime, cold lonely, puritan
What are you fighting for? It's not my security
It's just an old war, not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian, don't say it in German
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
Lose your father, your husband, your mother, your children
What are you dying for? It's not my reality
It's just an old war, not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian, don't say it in German
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
Could have come through anytime, cold lonely, puritan
What are you fighting for? It's not my security
It's just an old war, not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian, don't say it in German
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? It's not my security
It's just an old war, not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian, don't say it in German
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
Lose your father, your husband, your mother, your children
What are you dying for? It's not my reality
It's just an old war, not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian, don't say it in German
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
Could have come through anytime, cold lonely, puritan
What are you fighting for? It's not my security
It's just an old war, not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian, don't say it in German
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
Say it in broken English, say it in broken English
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for? What are you fighting for?
Broken English
Released on Marianne Faithfull's 1990 album Broken English, this track stands as a poignant exploration of her enduring vocal prowess and emotional depth. The recording captures a mature Faithfull navigating themes of displacement and the complexities of communication, delivered with a raw, intimate quality that defines her later work. As a staple of her discography, the song reflects her ability to blend folk sensibilities with pop sensibilities, creating a timeless piece that resonates with listeners seeking authenticity in her performance. It remains a significant song in her catalogue, showcasing her continued relevance and artistic evolution decades after her initial rise to fame.