It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
Marianne Faithfull · True [2000]
Well, I've been up all night, leanin' on the window sill
Well, if I die on top of the hill
And if I don't make it, you know my baby will
Don't the moon look good, mama shinin' through the trees?
Don't the brakeman look good, mama flagging down the "Double E"?
Don't the sun look good going down over the sea?
But don't my gal look fine when she's comin' after me?
Well, the wintertime is coming the windows are filled with frost
I went to tell everybody but I could not get across
Well, I wanna be your lover, baby I don't wanna be your boss
Don't say I never wanted you when your train gets lost
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
Released on Marianne Faithfull's 2000 compilation True, this track reimagines her 1966 classic with a modern production approach while retaining its raw emotional core. The song stands as a defining piece of her early career, blending folk and pop sensibilities to explore themes of heartbreak and resilience. Faithfull's distinctive vocal delivery, characterized by its intimate and slightly melancholic tone, remains the focal point of the recording. As a staple of her discography, the song has become an enduring anthem for those navigating emotional turbulence, capturing a specific era of British singer-songwriting that prioritized personal vulnerability over polished perfection. Its enduring popularity underscores Faithfull's ability to translate complex feelings into accessible, timeless music.