A graduate of St. Andrew's School, Wainwright is best known for a 1972 novelty song hit Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road), with pianist Teddy Wender and for playing Captain Spalding (the "singing surgeon") on three episodes of the American television show M*A*S*H in its third season (1974-1975), but his musical reputation is much deeper. Using a witty, self-mocking style, Wainwright has recorded over twenty albums on eleven different labels. Two of his albums have been nominated for Grammy awards.
He is also a regular actor in Judd Apatow movies. His biggest role was playing the father on Judd's show, Undeclared.
In 2012 his latest offering Older Than My Old Man Now was released.
Official website : http://www.lwiii.com/
Passion Play
Loudon Wainwright III Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After all this time I'm yours and you're mine, we're together today
I was such a fool to be so afraid of that thing they call love
I forgot my fear we're standing here, what was I afraid of?
Can't quite get enough so we strut our stuff acting our lives away
Life's a tragedy and it's a comedy but it should be a passion play
We're off of the book we're gonna leap and not look and what happens now is unknown
Everything is crazy-tell me something new
Ceases to amaze me I'm standing here with you
(non word vocal sounds)
In the final act I know it's a fact that the curtain will fall
When the play is through I'll be next to you
We'll be takin' ou curtain call
We're gonna hang up the costumes, take off the make up, shut the dressing room door
Then it's me and you 1 disguised as 2 and twice as good as before
Everybody's crazy-tell me something new
Ceases to amaze me I'm standing here with you
It's a wonder and it's a miracle it turned out this way
After all this time I'm yours and you're mine, we're together today
I was such a fool to be so afraid of that [crazy] thing they call love
I forgot my fear we're standing here, what was I afraid of?
I forgot my fear we're standing here, what was I afraid of?
The song "Passion Play" by Loudon Wainwright III is a classic love song that speaks to the wonder and mystery of two people finding and being together. The first verse speaks to the disbelief that many feel when love persists and thrives, even after all the ups and downs of life. The singer admits that he was once afraid of love, but now that he's with his partner, there's nothing to fear. The second verse highlights how we often put on shows in our everyday lives, both tragic and comedic, but it's love that makes life worth living. The singer and his partner are ready to dive into the unknown and see where their love will take them. The refrain throughout the song underscores the universal feeling that things often seem crazy, but that standing next to someone we love makes everything better.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a wonder and it's a miracle it turned out this way
The singer is amazed and grateful that their relationship has lasted and brought them to this moment.
After all this time I'm yours and you're mine, we're together today
Despite the challenges they've faced, the singer and their partner have remained committed to each other and are together now.
I was such a fool to be so afraid of that thing they call love
The singer regrets letting fear prevent them from fully embracing love in the past.
I forgot my fear we're standing here, what was I afraid of?
In the present moment, the artist realizes that their fear was unfounded and that being with their partner is worth any risk.
Can't quite get enough so we strut our stuff acting our lives away
The artist and their partner are enjoying their lives to the fullest, even if it means putting on a show for others.
Life's a tragedy and it's a comedy but it should be a passion play
The singer believes that life is both tragic and humorous, but that it can be elevated to a passionate and fulfilling experience.
We're off of the book we're gonna leap and not look and what happens now is unknown
The singer and their partner are taking risks and embracing the uncertainty of the future.
Yes I caved but I feel saved cause now I'm not alone
The artist may have given in to their fears in the past but now feels saved and supported by their partner's presence.
Everything is crazy-tell me something new
The artist acknowledges the chaos of life and is looking for something more insightful or meaningful to be shared.
Ceases to amaze me I'm standing here with you
Despite everything else going on, the artist finds comfort and joy in standing together with their partner.
(non word vocal sounds)
This line does not contain any words but rather vocal sounds that convey emotion or emphasis.
In the final act I know it's a fact that the curtain will fall
The artist recognizes that their lives will eventually come to an end, just like a play.
When the play is through I'll be next to you We'll be takin' ou curtain call
In the end, the singer and their partner will still be together and will celebrate their life journey together.
We're gonna hang up the costumes, take off the make up, shut the dressing room door
After a lifetime of playing roles and putting on masks, the singer and their partner will finally be able to let go of these false personas.
Then it's me and you 1 disguised as 2 and twice as good as before
Without the need for masks or pretense, the singer and their partner will be truly themselves and their relationship will be stronger for it.
Contributed by Bailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.