Daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and the sister of Rufus Wainwright, she has frequently appeared on recordings by her family members, the McGarrigle Sisters and Family and has released several independent EPs. Wainwright released an independent cassette, Ground Floor, in 1997. The following year, her song "Year of the Dragon" appeared on The McGarrigle Hour, an album released by Kate & Anna McGarrigle. Shortly after this recording, Martha began singing backup vocals for her brother, and released the six-song EP Martha Wainwright in 1999.
Her full length self-titled first album was released in 2005, followed in 2008 by I Know You're Married but I've Got Feelings Too, and in 2009 by Sans fusils, ni souliers, à Paris: Martha Wainwright's Piaf Record. The Prosperpina Songfacts reports that her 4th album, Come Home To Mama, was recorded at Sean Lennon's studio in New York City. Speaking about the album, Wainwright said: "This record is a culmination of my life experiences so far. Everything changed for me a couple of years ago and this record is a representation of that and a return to the reason I started writing songs."
G.P.T.
Martha Wainwright Lyrics
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I won't be late, I won't decline
Your invite tonight this starry cold night
It's six o'clock get up the block
Don't be scared don't be shocked
I'll be there tonight on yours & mine's night
I'm yours and mine tonight
And oh bring back my memory
And say goodnight to Irene
The sun is down
You'll act the clown, I'll dance around
We'll hit the town
Your shirt is stained my dress is frayed
But later they'll go
I've laid my claim, I thought for sure
That I'd be yours oh but your friend is much more
But he's got a date and she's got a name
I don't care
And oh bring back my memory
And say goodnight to Irene
There was six drunk men
Six drunk men
See how they fail
See how they fail
Catch a ride or cop a feel
I won't be late I won't decline
Your invite tonight this starry cold night
The lyrics of Martha Wainwright's G.P.T. are riddled with the idea of seizing the moment, living in the present, and making the best out of a cold and dark night. While it may not be clear what G.P.T. stands for, the song seems to be a story of a night out with someone whom Martha Wainwright is interested in. She has accepted an invitation, and she doesn't plan on being late or declining it. Regardless of what happens throughout the night, Martha Wainwright is there to make the best out of it. She dances around, hits the town, and makes memories. She is sure of herself in claiming someone she loves, only to find out that they choose someone else instead. However, that does not deter her, and she goes on to make the best of the night anyway.
The chorus of "oh bring back my memory and say goodnight to Irene" repeats twice, suggesting that the memories of the night are worth holding onto, and Irene is the culmination of everything that Martha Wainwright wants out of the night. Irene is the best version of the night that Martha Wainwright strives for, and once the night is over, she wants to say goodbye to Irene, suggesting that the night will inevitably end.
Line by Line Meaning
Cop a ride or catch a feel
We have options for getting to our destination.
I won't be late, I won't decline
I'm looking forward to spending time with you tonight and I won't cancel.
Your invite tonight this starry cold night
I appreciate your invitation to spend time together on this cold and starry night.
It's six o'clock get up the block
It's time to get going and head to our destination.
Don't be scared don't be shocked
Don't worry, everything will be okay.
I'll be there tonight on yours & mine's night
I'm excited to spend the night with you and make it our own special night.
I'm yours and mine tonight
We belong to each other tonight.
And oh bring back my memory
Please help me remember our good times together.
And say goodnight to Irene
Let's end our night by saying goodbye to Irene and any worries we may have had during the day.
The sun is down
The night has begun.
You'll act the clown, I'll dance around
We'll have fun together and act silly.
We'll hit the town
We'll explore the town and have a great time.
Your shirt is stained my dress is frayed
Our clothes aren't perfect, but it doesn't matter.
But later they'll go
Our imperfections will be forgotten over time.
I've laid my claim, I thought for sure
I thought you were mine, but things have changed.
That I'd be yours oh but your friend is much more
Your friend is more important to you than I am.
But he's got a date and she's got a name
Your friend has someone else to spend the night with.
I don't care
But I don't mind, as long as we get to spend time together.
There was six drunk men
There were six drunk men in the vicinity.
Six drunk men
Six men were drunk and causing a disturbance.
See how they fail
It's sad to see their negative behavior.
See how they fail
It's sad to see their negative behavior.
Catch a ride or cop a feel
We have options for getting to our destination.
I won't be late I won't decline
I'm looking forward to spending time with you tonight and I won't cancel.
Your invite tonight this starry cold night
I appreciate your invitation to spend time together on this cold and starry night.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Martha Wainwright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind