If Love Were All
Marianne Faithfull · Other Songs - Marianne Faithfull
For a humble deserves
One can betray ones troubles never
Whatever occurs.
Though I never really grumble,
Life's a jumble indeed
And in my efforts to succeed
I've had to formulate a creed.
I believe in doing what I can
In crying when I must
In laughing when I choose
Hey ho, if love were all
I should be lonely.
I believe the more you love a man,
The more you give your trust,
The more you're bound to lose.
Although when shadows fall
I think if only
Somebody splendid really needed me
Someone affectionate and dear
Cares would be ended if I knew that he
Wanted to have me near.
But I believe that since my life began
The most I've had is just a talent to amuse.
Hey ho, if love were all.
Frequently I put a bit by, save for a rainy day
Nobody here can say to what indeed
The years are leading
Though fate often treats me meanly
I serenely persue
A little mirage in the blue
Determination helps me through
But I believe that since my life began
The most I've had is just a talent to amuse.
Hey ho, if love were all.
If Love Were All
Released in 1966, Marianne Faithfull's 'If Love Were All' stands as a poignant exploration of romantic disillusionment. The track features her distinctive, breathy vocal delivery, characteristic of her early work during the height of her fame following her association with Mick Jagger. While often associated with the broader London scene of the mid-60s, the song captures a specific mood of melancholy and introspection that defined her solo recordings. It serves as a testament to her ability to convey complex emotional states through minimal instrumentation, highlighting her status as a significant figure in British pop history. The recording remains a key example of her transition from a tabloid celebrity to a respected artist capable of nuanced songwriting and performance.