Sunny Goodge Street
Marianne Faithfull · Decca Years 1965-1967 [2007]
A violent hash-smoker shook a chocolate machine
Involved in an eating scene
Smashing into neon streets in their stillness
Smearing their eyes on the crazy kali goddess
Listening to sounds of mingus mellow fantastic.
"my, my", they sigh.
In dull house rooms with coloured lights swinging
Strange music boxes sadly tinkling
Drink in the sun shining all around you.
"my, my", they sigh.
The magician, he sparkles in satin and velvet,
You gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet.
I tell you his name is love, love, love.
"my, my", they sigh.
"my, my", so high.
"my, my" they sigh.
Hmm, hmm.
Hmm, hmm.
Hmm, hmm.
Sunny Goodge Street
Recorded in 1966, Marianne Faithfull's 'Sunny Goodge Street' stands as a defining track of her early solo career, capturing the raw vulnerability and urban grit of London life. Featured on the compilation 'Decca Years 1965-1967', the song showcases her distinctive falsetto and introspective songwriting, themes that would characterize her work throughout the 1960s. The recording reflects the post-war social landscape of England, blending folk and pop sensibilities with a narrative focus on personal struggle and resilience. As one of her most recognizable hits, the track remains a testament to her ability to translate complex emotional states into accessible, resonant melodies that influenced countless subsequent artists in the British Invasion and folk revival movements.