Broken English

Marianne Faithfull

About Broken English

"Broken English" is a song recorded by English singer Marianne Faithfull for her seventh studio album Broken English (1979). It was released as the second single from the album on 25 January 1980 by Island Records. Written by Faithfull, Barry Reynolds, Joe Mavety, Steve York and Terry Stannard, the song's lyrical theme revolves around terrorism. The inspiration behind the song was Ulrike Meinhof, a co-founder of the terrorist group Baader-Meinhof Gang. Faithfull allegedly got the idea for the song after watching a documentary about the group and was intrigued by its subtitle "broken English. .. spoken English". Musically, "Broken English" is a mid-tempo rock song with a strong influence of new wave music. It is built around a simple rhythm guitar beat with synthesizer sound effects. It shows Faithfull's vocals cracked and lower in pitch compared to her earlier work as a result of severe laryngitis coupled with heavy smoking and drug abuse during the 1970s. "Broken English" received positive reviews from music critics who praised Faithfull's new musical direction as well as the political theme of the song. Despite the positive reception, it failed to chart in both United Kingdom and the United States. However, it managed to peak inside the top forty in other countries, such as Germany, New Zealand and Sweden. 


Year:
2001
49 

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Could have come through anytime
Cold lonely, puritan
What are you fighting for?
It's not my security

It's just an old war
Not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian
Don't say it in German
Say it in broken English
Say it in broken English

Lose your father, your husband
Your mother, your children
What are you dying for?
It's not my reality

It's just an old war
Not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian
Don't say it in German
Say it in broken English
Say it in broken English

What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?

Could have come through anytime
Cold lonely, puritan
What are you fighting for?
It's not my security

It's just an old war
Not even a cold war
Don't say it in Russian
Don't say it in German
Say it in broken English
Say it in broken English

Say it in broken English
Say it in broken English

What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?
What are you fighting for?

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Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Evelyn Faithfull (born 29 December 1946) is an English singer, songwriter and actress whose career has spanned five decades. more »

3 fans

Written by: Marianne Faithfull, Dave Genn, Matthew Good, Joe Mavety, Barry Reynolds, Terence Stannard, Stephen York

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Broken English" Song Basics
"Broken English" is a song by English singer Marianne Faithfull. The song comes from her 1979 album with the same name, which marked a major comeback in her musical career.
Marianne Faithfull's Transformation
Prior to recording "Broken English", Marianne Faithfull was known more for her folk music. However, the song showcased a drastic transformation from her previous style, exhibiting dark, rock influences instead.
Album's Political Influence
The album "Broken English" has been noted for its political overtones, aiming at passionate commentary on various issues of the time.
Marianne's Rough Voice
When Faithfull recorded "Broken English," her once melodic and innocent folk voice had become rough and deep. This change, due to her struggles with drug addiction and anorexia, added an extra layer of grit and intensity to the song.
Acclaimed Album
"Broken English" is often regarded as Faithfull’s defining work, and the song itself has been praised as a stunning fusion of punk and dance.
Sunscreem Version
British band Sunscreem also recorded a version of "Broken English," included in their debut album "O3" released in 1992.
Different Musical Approach
Sunscreem’s version of "Broken English" significantly differs from Faithfull's version. This version embraces a more techno-dance approach, making it a popular track in dance clubs during the early 90s.
Praise for Sunscreem's Version
Sunscreem's cover of "Broken English" has been cited by many as an innovative interpretation of Faithfull's original, successfully transforming the song into a dance anthem without losing its powerful, emotive core.
Lasting Impact
Both Marianne Faithfull’s original version and Sunscreem's cover of "Broken English" have left a considerable impact. Today, they are still celebrated as significant contributions to the respective genres of rock and dance music.
Chart Performance
Sunscreem's "Broken English" made it to the number 13 spot on the UK Singles Chart. However, Marianne Faithfull's original did not chart in the UK, but the album made it to the Top 60 in the US Billboard 200.

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