Marianne Faithfull - Come My Way (1965)

Marianne Faithfull - Come My Way (1965)


Tracklist front / back album covers

1. "Come My Way"
2. "Jabberwoc"
3. "Portland Town"
4. "House of the Rising Sun"
5. "Spanish Is a Loving Tongue"
6. "Fare Thee Well"
7. "Lonesome Travelers"
8. "Down in the Salley Garden"
9. "Mary Ann"
10. "Full Fathom Five"
11. "Four Strong Winds"
12. "Black Girl"
13. "Once I Had a Sweetheart"

14. "Bells of Freedom"

Come My Way is the second studio album by English singer Marianne Faithfull. It was released simultaneously with her album Marianne Faithfull on 15 April 1965 by Decca Records. The double release was a result of different creative directions. While the record label pressed Faithfull to record a pop album, she wanted to record an album of folk songs. Even after the label suggested an album containing both genres, Faithfull decided to make two separate albums instead; Marianne Faithful as the pop album and Come My Way as the folk album.

The album was arranged by acoustic guitarist Jon Mark. Martin Haines was the engineer. The cover photography is by Gered Mankowitz and the design is by Chris O'Dell. It was taken in The Salisbury public house, Covent Garden, London.

Marianne Faithfull and Come My Way (1965): A Folk Music Debut Full of Poise and Promise

Marianne Faithfull is one of the most distinctive voices in British music, known for her ethereal vocals, emotive delivery, and remarkable career spanning folk, rock, and pop. Her debut album, Come My Way (1965), showcased her folk roots and lyrical sensitivity, setting the stage for a career that would intertwine music, film, and cultural iconography.

Mini Biography of Marianne Faithfull

Born Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, Faithfull rose to fame in the early 1960s as part of the British folk revival. She began performing in London clubs and quickly attracted attention for her soft, expressive voice and nuanced interpretations of traditional folk songs.

Faithfull’s career was propelled by her association with the Rolling Stones, particularly her high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger, which made her a fixture of 1960s pop culture. Despite personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and tumultuous relationships, Faithfull reinvented herself multiple times, moving from folk to rock to avant-garde music, earning critical acclaim across decades.

Come My Way (1965): A Gentle Folk Debut

Released in 1965, Come My Way was Marianne Faithfull’s first studio album, presenting a collection of traditional folk songs and original material with a focus on acoustic simplicity and vocal clarity. Unlike the pop-oriented Marianne Faithfull (1965), which emphasized her connection to the contemporary music scene, Come My Way highlighted her interpretive ability and affinity for classical folk arrangements.

Songs such as “Come My Way,” “Green Are Your Eyes,” “This Little Bird,” and “She Moved Through the Fair” demonstrate Faithfull’s delicate phrasing and emotional resonance. The sparse instrumentation—primarily acoustic guitar—allows her voice to take center stage, offering listeners an intimate and timeless experience.

While the album did not achieve massive commercial success upon release, it was warmly received by folk enthusiasts and critics, establishing Faithfull as a serious artist capable of blending authenticity with subtle sophistication.

Marianne Faithfull Discography Timeline (Selected)

• 1965 – Marianne Faithfull

• 1965 – Come My Way

• 1966 – Faithfull Forever

• 1969 – Love in a Mist

• 1979 – Broken English

• 1987 – Strange Weather

• 2005 – Before the Poison

• 2014 – Give My Love to London

This timeline highlights her evolution from folk singer to avant-garde and rock icon, with Come My Way marking the beginning of her recorded legacy.

Top-Selling and Most Influential Albums

While Come My Way remains a niche classic, Marianne Faithfull’s career boasts several widely recognized and influential releases:

• Broken English (1979) – Critically acclaimed comeback with a darker, rock-influenced sound

• Marianne Faithfull (1965) – Pop and folk crossover that brought her early fame

• Before the Poison (2005) – Collaborations with contemporary songwriters including PJ Harvey and Nick Cave

• Give My Love to London (2014) – Mature reflections blending folk, rock, and literary lyricism

Come My Way remains celebrated for its purity and historical significance within the 1960s folk revival.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• The album title, “Come My Way,” comes from a traditional folk song Faithfull interpreted with a haunting intimacy.

• Come My Way was recorded while Faithfull was only 18 years old.

• Some songs on the album were adapted from Renaissance-era folk melodies.

• Marianne Faithfull has had a career spanning over six decades, performing on stage, screen, and recording critically acclaimed albums.

• In 1965, she toured with The Rolling Stones, helping cement her early reputation in the music industry.

The Legacy of Come My Way

Come My Way stands as an elegant and understated debut, capturing Marianne Faithfull’s early charm and talent. Its subtle arrangements and heartfelt delivery make it a favorite among folk purists and collectors, and it remains an essential entry point for understanding her evolution as an artist.

For those exploring the roots of British folk music or the beginnings of Marianne Faithfull’s storied career, Come My Way is a delicate, haunting, and timeless listen—proof that some voices are unforgettable from the very first note. 🎶