Brain Drain
Marianne Faithfull · Broken English [1990]
Well, I know that you're tired of living this way,
We've been trying to get high without having to pay.
The walls are all empty, it's not a permanent state,
Just let me tell you that it's not too late.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a drain brain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Well, you know I ain't selfish, there's always a way.
If a thing ain't worth having, you're having to pay.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a train brain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Got so much to offer, but I can't pay the rent,
I can't buy you roses 'cause the money's all spent.
Well, you sat in my car, you drank my champagne,
You stole all my silk but you gave me no change.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a train drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Got so much to offer, but I can't pay the rent,
I can't buy you roses 'cause the money's all spent.
Well, you sat in my car, you drank my champagne,
You stole all my silk, you left me no change.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a train drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
We've been trying to get high without having to pay.
The walls are all empty, it's not a permanent state,
Just let me tell you that it's not too late.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a drain brain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Well, you know I ain't selfish, there's always a way.
If a thing ain't worth having, you're having to pay.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a train brain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Got so much to offer, but I can't pay the rent,
I can't buy you roses 'cause the money's all spent.
Well, you sat in my car, you drank my champagne,
You stole all my silk but you gave me no change.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a train drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Got so much to offer, but I can't pay the rent,
I can't buy you roses 'cause the money's all spent.
Well, you sat in my car, you drank my champagne,
You stole all my silk, you left me no change.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a train drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
You're a brain drain, you go on and on like a blood stain.
Brain Drain
Released on Marianne Faithfull's 1990 album Broken English, "Brain Drain" stands as a poignant reflection on the erosion of personal identity and the loss of innocence. The track exemplifies Faithfull's mature vocal style, characterized by a weary yet resilient delivery that underscores themes of displacement and emotional exhaustion. Recorded during a period where she revisited her earlier work with renewed clarity, the song captures the universal experience of feeling drained by life's relentless demands. Its inclusion on Broken English highlights her ability to blend introspective lyricism with a raw, unpolished sound that resonates deeply with listeners seeking authenticity in their music.