Background
Marianne Faithfull, an English singer and actress, released “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” in 1979. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was Faithfull’s biggest commercial success, and it remains one of her most recognizable songs.
Writing and Recording:
The song was written by Roger Waters, the bassist and vocalist of the rock band Pink Floyd. Waters had been inspired by a news story about a woman who had been murdered by her lover. He wrote the song as a tribute to her, and he gave it to Faithfull to record.
Release and Reception:
“The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” was released as a single in 1979. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in the UK and number three in the US. The song was a critical success, with many reviewers praising Faithfull’s haunting performance.
Musical Style
“The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is a haunting ballad. It is characterized by its slow tempo, mournful melody, and introspective lyrics. The song features a simple arrangement with Faithfull’s vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, piano, and strings.
Melody and Harmony:
The melody of the song is both beautiful and haunting. It is characterized by its descending phrases and repeated motifs. The harmony is simple and effective, with a consistent use of major and minor chords. The song’s key is G major, which gives it a sense of melancholy and longing.
Rhythm and Tempo:
The rhythm of the song is steady and consistent. The tempo is slow, which contributes to the song’s mournful atmosphere. The drummer plays a simple pattern with a steady beat, providing a solid foundation for the other instruments.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” are deeply personal and introspective. They tell the story of a woman who has been betrayed by her lover. Lucy is a tragic figure, and the lyrics paint a picture of her loneliness and despair.
Theme of Betrayal:
The central theme of the song is betrayal. Lucy is betrayed by her lover, who leaves her for another woman. She is devastated by his actions, and she feels lost and alone.
Imagery:
The lyrics of the song are filled with vivid imagery. Lucy is described as a “broken doll,” and her lover is portrayed as a “heartless man.” The imagery is powerful and evocative, and it helps to create a sense of sympathy for Lucy.
Emotional Impact:
The lyrics of the song are emotionally powerful. They capture the raw pain of betrayal and loss. Faithfull’s voice is filled with emotion, and she conveys the depth of Lucy’s feelings.
Cultural Impact
“The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” has had a significant cultural impact. It is considered to be one of the greatest ballads of all time. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Kenny Rogers. It has also been featured in several movies and television shows.
Legacy:
The song’s legacy is secure. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a testament to Waters’ songwriting talent and Faithfull’s powerful performance.
Influence on Other Artists:
“The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” has influenced countless other artists. It has set the standard for the genre in terms of its emotional depth and lyrical sophistication.
Conclusion
“The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is a masterpiece of songwriting and performance. It is a beautifully crafted song that captures the pain of betrayal and loss. The song’s impact is undeniable, and it continues to be a beloved classic. Marianne Faithfull’s performance is both powerful and moving, and the song’s lyrics are timeless. “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is a song that will be remembered for generations to come.
Lyrics
The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan – Marianne Faithfull
Written by：Shel Silverstein
The morning sun
Touched lightly on
The eyes of Lucy Jordon
In her white suburban bedroom
In her white suburban town
As she lay there
Neath the covers
Dreaming of a thousand lovers
Till the world turn to orange
And the room went spinning round
At the age of thirty seven
She realized
She’d never ride
Through Paris
In a sports car
With the warm wind
In her hair
And she left that phone
Keep ringing
As she sat there softly singing
Pretty nursery rhymes
She’d memorize
In her daddy’s easy chair
Her husband
Was off to work
And the kids were off to school
There were also many ways
For her to spend the day
She could clean the house for hours
Or rearrange the flowers
Or run naked through the shady street
Screaming all the way
At the age of thirty seven
She realized
She’d never ride
Through Paris
In a sports car
With the warm wind
In her hair
And she left that phone
Keep ringing
As she sat there softly singing
Pretty nursery rhymes
She’d memorize
In her daddy’s easy chair
The evening sun touched gently on
The eyes of Lucy Jordon
On the rooftop
Where she climbed
When all the laughter
Grew too loud
And she bowed and curtsied to the man
Who reached than offered her his hand
And took her down
To the long white car
That waited pass the crowd
At the age of thirty seven
She knew she’d found forever
As she rode along
Through Paris
With the warm wind in her hair