An Appreciation: For Marianne Faithfull, tears still go by

She was my first crush. She never knew it, of course. I mean, how could she. After all, she spent all her free time with Mick and Keith … you know, the Glimmer Twins. So how could she have time for me?

But during those days of wonder and love in the 1960s, teen age boys like me spent our free time listening to that strong but sweet voice coming out of those cheap stereo speakers of the time … aimed directly to my heart.

Blonde, doe-eyed, pouty lips, straight hair she had the look that captured the times. And the perfect title: Marianne Faithfull, queen of the British Invasion.

She came to us via the songwriting power of Jagger and Richards, who directed their first combined effort to the then 18-year-old songstress.

It proved to be a standout for the times, reaching No. 9 in England and a strong following around the world.

While she had three more hits of her own doing, she became more well known for her lifestyle in swinging London, for years as girlfriend to the Stones’ Mick Jagger.

Like many of the day, her life spiraled downhill as she battled heroin addiction. I feared I had lost my muse forever.

But in 1977 she returned with her first album in 10 years, the dark “Broken English.”

It was a far cry from the lyrics and sound of the happier days of yore. But the album was a critical success just the same, her now raspy voice still drawing us in, still asking for the love we still would always and forever be ready to give.

The news last week of her passing brought back all the old memories both bright and dark.

And as I sit in a shaded room, the words of that brilliant song fill the time and space. And now more than ever the words ring so true: My tears still certainly go by.

Donald Mahler is the former longtime sports editor of the Valley News.