Oh Look Around You
Marianne Faithfull · Decca Years 1965-1967 [2007]
Tell me what do you see ?
Do you see the yellow morning
And the green land so free ? "
"oh no, I see no morning
But lands of dark and grey
And they tell me the green land
Has long gone away,
Has long gone away."
"once more look around you,
Tell me what do you see ?
Do you see the clear wave laughter
And the deep blue sea ? "
"oh no, there is no sorrow
Where the laughing tree stood
And they tell me the blue sea
Has long turned to blood,
Has long turned to blood."
"no more look around you,
Say no more what you see.
But give me your cold hand
And lay beside me.
And there, oh my darling,
You will never worry
And we, like the others,
Will forget in our sleep,
Will forget in our sleep."
Oh Look Around You
Released on Marianne Faithfull's 2007 compilation Decca Years 1965-1967, "Oh Look Around You" stands as a defining track from her early career, capturing the raw, confessional spirit of mid-1960s British singer-songwriting. The recording showcases Faithfull's distinctive vocal style, characterized by its intimate delivery and emotional vulnerability, which became a hallmark of her work during this pivotal era. As one of the standout tracks on the album, the song reflects the personal turmoil and artistic exploration that defined her transition from a pop performer to a serious musician. Its inclusion in the Decca Years collection highlights its significance within her discography, serving as a testament to her ability to convey complex human experiences through music. The track remains a key example of the genre's evolution in the UK during the 1960s, influencing subsequent artists who sought to blend pop sensibilities with deeper lyrical content.