What Have They Done To The Rain
Marianne Faithfull · Marianne Faithfull [2008]
The grass lifts its head to the heavenly sound.
Just a little rain, just a little rain,
What have they done to the rain ?
Just a little boy, standing in the rain,
A gentle rain that falls for years.
And the grass is gone, the boy disappears,
And rain keeps falling like helpless tears
And what have they done to the rain ?
Just a little breeze out of the sky,
The leaves nod their head as the breeze blows by.
Just a little breeze with some smoke in its eye,
What have they done to the rain ?
Just a little boy, standing in the rain,
A gentle rain that falls for years.
And the grass is gone, the boy disappears,
And rain keeps falling like helpless tears
And what have they done to the rain ?
And what have they done to the rain ?
What Have They Done To The Rain
Released on Marianne Faithfull's 2008 compilation, this track stands as a haunting centerpiece of her early career, originally recorded in 1963. The song explores themes of existential dread and the erosion of innocence, utilizing a distinctive, minimalist arrangement that blends folk sensibilities with emerging psychedelic influences. Its haunting melody and Faithfull's ethereal vocal delivery have cemented its status as a defining piece of British Invasion music, influencing countless artists who followed. The recording captures a specific moment in musical history where intimate storytelling met experimental soundscapes, creating an enduring atmosphere of melancholy that resonates across generations of listeners.