Vanilla O'lay
Marianne Faithfull · No Regrets [2008]
We never did follow any rules.
Into your arms and I'm running for cover,
All of my strings I've tied to you.
Can you hear the gypsy turnpike, oh it's calling.
So take our things out to the car.
And as the shades of night are fallin'
You're my bright and guiding star.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Oh my, my, my, my, you're looking better,
Seems like you were never ill.
The doctor, he's gonna send you a letter ¡º
Let the sky up pay the bill.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
John-john the cat, he's getting older
And he can't jump up like we know he should.
So come, put the baby over my shoulder,
We're going out to get some wood.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la lay-la.
Vanilla o'lay, o'lay, o'lay, lay-la.
Vanilla O'lay
Marianne Faithfull's 'Vanilla O'lay' stands as a poignant song in her extensive discography, capturing the raw emotional vulnerability characteristic of her work. Recorded for the 2008 compilation 'No Regrets,' the track exemplifies her ability to blend folk sensibilities with intimate storytelling. Faithfull's delivery is marked by a quiet intensity that invites listeners into a personal narrative, reflecting themes of longing and self-reflection often explored in her career. The song's placement within her broader catalog highlights her commitment to exploring complex human emotions through music, maintaining a distinct voice that resonates across generations of fans. As a standalone piece, it serves as a testament to her enduring legacy as a singer-songwriter who prioritized authenticity over commercial polish.