April Fools
Rufus Wainwright Lyrics
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And you sat in a chair thinking, "boy, I'm such a prince"
Well, life's a train that goes from February on, day by day
But its making a stop on April first
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
Sure you were swift
When the handsome Greek boys dropped by with gifts
You are suave thanks to ribbons that opened sesame
But in the stars and closer to home in every planet
It ain't hard for me and dear Jojo to see
That you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
So let it all go by, looking at the sky
Wondering if there's clouds and stuff in hell
Let it all go by, looking at the sky
Wondering if there's clouds in hell
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
Yes, you will believe in love
'Cause you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
Yes, you will believe in love
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
Yes, you will believe in love
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
Yes, you will believe in love
The song "April Fools" by Rufus Wainwright is a melancholic ballad that captures the rollercoaster ride of emotions that come with love. The first verse talks about how the singer's pockets bled on St. Valentine's, suggesting that despite trying hard, he failed to find love. He then reflects on his own worthlessness, despite projecting himself as a prince. The second line of the verse highlights the theme of life resembling a train journey that stops on April First, signifying the annual day of pranks and deceit. This line can be interpreted in two ways; one that the singer expects to find love on April Fool's Day or that he doesn't know what to believe anymore.
The chorus then talks about how the singer will believe in love and everything that it's supposed to be, but only until the fish starts to smell and he's struck down by a hammer. This line continues the metaphor of the rollercoaster ride of emotions that come with love. The second verse points out how the singer was a smooth talker when the handsome Greek boys dropped by with gifts. However, this didn't lead him to love. The line "But in the stars and closer to home in every planet" suggests that the singer has searched everywhere for love, but hasn't found it.
The song ends with the chorus being repeated and the lines "So let it all go by, looking at the sky, wondering if there's clouds and stuff in hell." This line can be interpreted as the singer wondering if there's life after love, and if he'll find love again.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, what a shame that your pockets did bleed on St. Valentine's
It is unfortunate that you spent too much on Valentine's Day and now have an empty wallet.
And you sat in a chair thinking, "boy, I'm such a prince"
You felt proud of yourself for the effort and money spent on Valentine's Day.
Well, life's a train that goes from February on, day by day
Life is a constant journey that moves forward one day at a time, just like a train ride.
But its making a stop on April first
However, April Fool's Day is a stopping point where things can change and surprise you.
And you will believe in love
You have faith in the concept of love.
And all that it's supposed to be
You have expectations of what love should be.
But just until the fish start to smell
Your faith in love fades quickly at the first sign of trouble or unpleasantness.
And you're struck down by a hammer
You are blindsided and hurt by unexpected negative events in a relationship.
Sure you were swift
You acted quickly and confidently in your pursuit of love.
When the handsome Greek boys dropped by with gifts
You attracted suitors with extravagant gestures and offerings.
You are suave thanks to ribbons that opened sesame
You were charming and smooth, using persuasive tactics to win over lovers.
But in the stars and closer to home in every planet
However, people can see through your facade and understand the reality of your situation.
It ain't hard for me and dear Jojo to see
It is obvious to myself and others, including Jojo, what is really happening.
So let it all go by, looking at the sky
Let go of your worries and ponder the beauty of the world above.
Wondering if there's clouds and stuff in hell
Contemplate the mysteries of the afterlife and what it may hold.
Yes, you will believe in love
Despite the hardships, you will continue to have faith in the possibility of love.
'Cause you will believe in love
This belief is an innate part of your personality and outlook on life.
And you will believe in love
You cannot help but continue to have hope for love.
And all that it's supposed to be
This hope includes the idealized notions of what love should entail.
Yes, you will believe in love
Even if it causes pain and disappointment, you will not give up on the possibility of love.
And you will believe in love
Your faith in love is unwavering, no matter the outcome.
And all that it's supposed to be
You hold onto the belief that love is meant to be pure and fulfilling.
Yes, you will believe in love
Love is an integral and important part of who you are and what you value.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rufus Wainwright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@darrelk5649
"April Fools"
Oh what a shame that your pockets did bleed on st. valentine's
And you sat in a chair
Thinking "boy i'm such a prince!"
Well, life's a train that goes from february on
Day by day
But it's making a stop on april first
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
Sure, you were swift
When the handsome greek boys dropped by with gifts
You are suave
Thanks to ribbons that open sesame
But in the stars and closer to home, in every planet
It ain't hard for me and dear jo jo to see
That you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
So let it all go by
Looking at the sky
Wondering if there's clouds and stuff in hell
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
@opie32958
I'll never understand why this wasn't more of a hit.
@hollyvanvoast7140
er, men?
@alecs5112
Same with your mom...
@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole
I think what happened was that he was so young to be writing this well, that there was no chance to create a buzz. I was his debut album. Like Sinead O'connor's "The Lion & the Cobra" record, which she also wrote in her youth, it was THAT good, but nobody knew who she was. Generally, you have to create a buzz first. Erasure's first two records did not sell, even though they had plenty of backing from their label because of their songwriting for the first Depeche Mode album. They almost went broke. It was finally after creating a buzz with their second record that they hit the big-time with "The Innocents," already in the late 80's. Also, the jazz element of Rufus's music also restricted his marketablity. Art songs just don't often make it onto the radio. I feel, in the future, Rufus Wainwrights songs will be discovered by the jazz community, and many of these songs (like "Baby"--also from this debut album) will be resurrected by other voices.
@aura85
My favorite MTV2 song but back then ambiguous men were not it
@aguy7304
Cause he’s an unashamed homosexual and that isn’t okay with folks of magic sky man
@defygrav12
I like how Rufus always kind of looks like he's being pestered into singing....he's so cute! And such a talent!
@yesplease29
Definitely
@johnkoebel900
Me too
@fernberfel
You should see him perform live - it's glorious, and you're not sure who is enjoying the music more - Rufus or the Audience, LOL...