While the song failed to make any impact on the charts with its initial release, it became Vega's first top 40 hit in the UK upon a re-release in 1986.

[2] It has gone on to become one of Vega's best-known songs[3] and has been included on the greatest hits albums Tried & True and Retrospective.

[4] Inspired by a poster of the actress, Vega said of the song: "I was thinking, 'If Marlene really had eyes that could see – if she was actually a sentient being, instead of just a picture on my wall – what advice would she give me and what was to be seen?

"[6] Upon its original release, "Marlene on the Wall" failed to gain much success, stalling at number 83 on the UK charts.

[disputed – discuss] The song found its greatest success in Ireland, where it peaked at number 9, becoming her first top 10 hit in any country.