Over a 50-year career, Marianne Faithfull has doggedly shaken off the decade that looked certain to define her – 1960s London, of which she invented the female archetype. Having just released a celebratory new live album and DVD called ‘No Exit’, the singer songwriter completed our GTKY questionnaire, giving us a glimpse of what makes a true survivor.

The best piece of advice you’ve been given

Forgiveness, compassion, love. 

Your favourite word

‘Truth’.

Your pet-hate

I try very hard not to hate.

If you could only eat one food forever, it would be…

Clear crystal water. 

The worst job you’ve had

Showbiz. 

The film you can quote the most of

Some Like it Hot.

Your favourite place in the world

At home with my friends.

Your style icon

Anita Pallenberg.

The one song you wished you’d written

‘Into My Arms’ by Nick Cave.

The most famous person you’ve met

Fame kills.

The thing you’d rescue from a burning building

Another human being.

The worst date you’ve been on

I don’t go on dates. 

Your guilty pleasure

The odd cigarette.

Your first big extravagance

I don’t remember.

The characteristic you most like about yourself

My wit. 

Your hidden talent

Sorry they’re all out there.

Your favourite item of clothing

My stick.

Your biggest disappointment

That I wasn’t kinder to my mother. 

Your biggest fear

I am wracked with fear all the time!

The best book in the world

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, of course, and Salman Rushdie’s new book, Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, and Chronicles by Bob Dylan. 

People’s biggest misconception about yourself

I really couldn’t give a flying fuck. Let them think what they want. 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

[Unanswered]. 

What is success to you?

It is the same as failure. 

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could draw and paint. 

How would you choose to die?

I would prefer not to die! But I will have to.

What is the most overrated thing in the world?

Money.

What, if anything, would you change about your physical appearance?

[Unanswered].

What is you biggest turn-off?

[Unanswered].

What would you tell your 15-year-old self?

Run.

Your best piece of advice for others

I don’t give advice.