“Brain Drain” captures the hopelessness of the lifestyle of a drug addict. Although uncredited on the album, Tim Hardin co-wrote “Brain Drain” with Ben Brierly. It was one the last songs Hardin wrote before his death of a heroin overdose in 1980. Faithfull wrote in her 1994 autobiography:
“When Tim...
[Verse 1]
Well I know that you're tired of living this way
We've been trying to get high without having to pay
The walls are all empty, it's not a permanent state
Just let me tell you that it's not too late
[Chorus]
You're a brain drain
You go on and on like a blood stain
You're a drain brain
You go on and on like a blood stain
[Verse 2]
Well, you know I ain't selfish, there's always a way
If a thing ain't worth having, you're having to pay
[Chorus]
You're a brain drain
You go on and on like a blood stain
You're a train brain
You go on and on like a blood stain
[Bridge]
Got so much to offer, but I can't pay the rent
I can't buy you roses 'cause the money's all spent
[Verse 3]
Well, you sat in my car, you drank my champagne
You stole all my silk but you gave me no change
[Chorus]
You're a brain drain
You go on and on like a blood stain
You're a train brain
You go on and on like a blood stain
[Bridge]
Got so much to offer, but I can't pay the rent
I can't buy you roses 'cause the money's all spent
[Verse 3]
Well, you sat in my car, you drank my champagne
You stole all my silk, you left me no change
[Chorus]
You're a brain drain
You go on and on like a blood stain
You're a train drain
You go on and on like a blood stain
Brain Drain was written by Tim Hardin & Ben Brierly.
Brain Drain was produced by Mark Miller Mundy.
Marianne Faithfull released Brain Drain on Fri Nov 02 1979.