Meaning of Born To Live - Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull’s song “Born To Live” delves into the intricate paradoxes of life, death, love, and the human experience. With poignant lyrics and a haunting melody, Faithfull encapsulates the essence of existence in a profound yet relatable manner.

The opening lines, “Born to live and born to die, Aren't they just the same?” set the tone for the contemplative journey the song embarks upon. Faithfull reflects on the inherent duality of life, where birth and death are intertwined in a cyclical pattern, suggesting a sense of inevitability and interconnectedness.

Throughout the song, Faithfull explores the complexities of human relationships, particularly the propensity to “always breaking someone's heart, Especially our own.” This acknowledgment of the dual nature of love, both as a source of joy and pain, resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced the tumultuous nature of romantic entanglements.

The refrain “We're born to die, no one to blame, We're born to love, we're all the same” underscores the universality of the human condition. Regardless of individual circumstances or backgrounds, the inevitability of mortality and the capacity for love unite humanity in a shared experience of existence.

The juxtaposition of the “Blues” as an adversary and “love” as a lifeline highlights the contrasting forces at play in the human psyche. While the “Blues” represent melancholy and despair, “love gets me through,” emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In the final verses, Faithfull implores for “a good death, one for me, one for you,” expressing a desire for a peaceful transition and ultimate reconciliation with life’s inevitable conclusion. This wish extends to all those she knows and loves, reinforcing the song’s message of empathy and interconnectedness.

In essence, “Born To Live” serves as a poignant meditation on the intricacies of the human experience, grappling with themes of mortality, love, and the pursuit of meaning. Through her evocative lyrics and soulful delivery, Marianne Faithfull invites listeners to contemplate the profound mysteries of existence and find solace in the shared journey of life and death.