Full Fathom Five
Marianne Faithfull · Decca Years 1965-1967 [2007]
My father lies
Of his bones all coral made
Those are pearls that were his eyes
Nothing of him but the fade
That doth suffer a sea change
Into something rich and strange
Seemeth holy ring is know
Hark! I hear them
Ding dong
Ding dong bells.
Full Fathom Five
Marianne Faithfull's 1965 recording of "Full Fathom Five" stands as a haunting centerpiece on her Decca Years album, showcasing her distinctive vocal style that blends baroque pop sensibilities with folk storytelling. The track draws from Shakespeare's The Tempest, yet Faithfull transforms the traditional text into a deeply personal and atmospheric piece that reflects the melancholic mood prevalent in her early work. Her delivery is characterized by a unique, breathy quality that evokes a sense of isolation and introspection, distinguishing her from contemporaries of the era. This recording exemplifies her ability to reinterpret classic material through a lens of emotional vulnerability, cementing her reputation as a singer capable of conveying complex narratives through tone and phrasing alone.