The Absent Touch

Marianne Faithfull · Other Songs - Marianne Faithfull

The cat sleeps in the red chair

My lover combs her jet black hair

There's mystery in a way of walking

It's witching hour no need to talk

And there are diamonds in our bed

I put your hands about my head

My lover worships the sun

Her body is the amazon

My lover is of royal birth

My lover smells of the good earth

I give my love my life to wear

I taste my life in that black hair

At three o'clock it's time to say

Rest you love till break of day

Rest you love till break of day

Though I won't phone nor will I write

I wish you happiness tonight

I thank you for this witching hour

I give you love, I give you power

I run my fingers through your soul

I know my love you make me whole

Forgive me if I say too much

I am in love with absent touch

The Absent Touch

Released by Marianne Faithfull, "The Absent Touch" stands as a poignant example of her mid-1960s work, blending folk and pop sensibilities with a distinct melancholic atmosphere. The track captures the emotional vulnerability characteristic of her recordings from this era, often exploring themes of longing and introspection. Faithfull's voice delivers a raw, intimate performance that defines the song's enduring appeal within the British Invasion landscape. While the specific album placement varies in different releases, the recording remains a significant song in her discography, showcasing her ability to convey deep feeling through simple yet effective composition. The song reflects the personal and artistic growth Faithfull experienced during her transition from pop star to a more serious, literary-influenced artist, cementing her reputation as a vocalist of genuine emotional depth.