Feb 16 2008
Marianne Faithfull: Times Square
I already mentioned that beside Leonard Cohen from the male perspective it is Marianne Faithfull whom I trust most to phrase human encounters of love (and hate of course). Let me introduce Marianne with a song that at least at first view has nothing to do with this topic: “Times Square“. In her introduction she relates it to her experience as a drug addict. Something I am luckily unable to share. For me the lyrics of “Times Square” will never be completely understood but they induce an intense mood and feeling every time I hear them. That is what only excellent poetry can express and reach.
[youtube RMq9juCsGxw]
In a tired part of the city
Waiting for some fast talk
Watch ‘Don’t walk’ to ‘Walk’
Easy when you’re dreaming
Standing in a circle,
Staring at the movies
laughing at the wrong time.Alcohol could take me there.
I’d take a shot a minute
And be there by the hour.Take a walk around Times Square
With a pistol in my suitcase
And my eyes on the TV.In a car taking a back seat
Staring out the window
Thinking about danger.
Playing in a wrong court
Fighting — but I’m not free.
Talking on the telephone
Talking about you and me.Jesus Christ could take me there
I’d fall down on my knees,
Have no questions to His answers.Take a walk around Times Square
With a pistol in my suitcase
And my eyes on the TV.And if I die gaining my senses
Wake up in a hotel
Staring at the ceiling.
Hier also Marianne Faithfull, neben Leonard Cohen meine beste ExpertIn für Liebe (und natürlich: Hass). Das leistet nur gute Lyrik: etwas ausdrücken, das man nie ganz erfasst oder klar versteht und doch als Wahrheit erspürt zwischen den Zeilen.
