From across a vast galaxy of musical taste, these three young vagabonds with Scandinavian roots have collided to form a dancefolkpopindielectronica silenced explosion. Their healthy combination of live instruments and electronic production ignite - forming moments of dance floor euphoria, stomping vocal driven breakdowns and roaming lo-fi grooves.
After an extremely successful debut EP release at the start of 2011 and a thumping live show doing the rounds in Ol' Sydney town, RÜFÜS are poised for a very big year!
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/RUFUS
Ain
RÜFÜS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know who you are unless you made it in Wichita
Gotta get back to Kansas
Or at least southern North Carolina
You ain't big unless you're big in Mississippi
Don't know who you are unless you made it in Topeka
Gotta get back to Kansas
You ain't big if you're little in Texas
Don't know who are who you are unless you made it in Lawrence, Kansas
Wait a minute, Lawrence, Kansas
Doesn't really matter at all
You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama
Don't know who you are unless you made it in Wichita
Gotta get back to Kansas
Except of course back to Lawrence
(You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama)
God forbid, southern Pennsylvania
(You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama)
God forbid, eastern California
(You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama)
God forbid, western New York State
The song "Ain't" by Rufus is a satirical take on the idea of fame and success, suggesting that one's level of importance and recognition is determined by where they are popular. The repeated phrase "You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama" emphasizes this idea, as it suggests that one's status is only valid if they have made it in a specific location. The other verses follow a similar structure, mentioning a different location each time and stating that a person is not significant unless they have achieved fame there.
Through this song, Rufus critiques the value that society places on fame and the industry that cultivates it. The lyrics are almost absurd, highlighting the arbitrary nature of success and the idea that it can be manufactured or earned in certain places. The repetition of the chorus and the structure of the verses also add to the satirical tone of the song, suggesting that the idea of "making it big" is not only flawed but ultimately meaningless.
In summary, "Ain't" by Rufus is a clever critique of fame, success, and the culture of stardom. It highlights the arbitrary nature of recognition and the notion that one's worth is dependent on their popularity in certain locations.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama
Your status is meaningless unless you have achieved fame in Alabama
Don't know who you are unless you made it in Wichita
Your identity remains unknown unless you succeed in Wichita
Gotta get back to Kansas
You must return to your roots in Kansas
Or at least southern North Carolina
Alternatively, southern North Carolina could suffice
You ain't big unless you're big in Mississippi
Your fame in Mississippi determines your true status
Don't know who you are unless you made it in Topeka
People won't recognize you unless you succeed in Topeka
Or at least southern West Virginia
Otherwise, southern West Virginia could work
You ain't big if you're little in Texas
Even if you're in Texas, you're not famous if you're insignificant
Don't know who are who you are unless you made it in Lawrence, Kansas
To truly be known, you have to succeed in Lawrence, Kansas
Wait a minute, Lawrence, Kansas
Actually, nevermind about Lawrence, Kansas
Doesn't really matter at all
It's not important anymore
God forbid, southern Pennsylvania
It would be terrible if you weren't famous in southern Pennsylvania
God forbid, eastern California
It would be bad if you didn't make it in eastern California
God forbid, western New York State
You have to make it in western New York State, or else
You ain't big unless you're big in Alabama
Ultimately, your success in Alabama defines you
Don't know who you are unless you made it in Wichita
Your identity is only established if you attain success in Wichita
Gotta get back to Kansas
You need to go back to Kansas, where it all started
Except of course back to Lawrence
Well, maybe except for Lawrence
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Rufus Wainwright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bumibati
Captured effortlessly
That's the way it was
Happened so naturally
I did not know it was love
The next thing I felt was you
Holding me close
What was I gonna do?
I let myself go
And now we're flyin' through the stars
I hope this night will last forever
I've been waitin' for you
It's been so long
I knew just what I would do
When I heard your song
Filled my heart with your bliss
Gave me freedom
You knew I could not resist
I needed someone
And now we're flyin' through the stars
I hope this night will last forever
Oh oh oh oh
Ain't nobody
Loves me better
Makes me happy
Makes me feel this way
Ain't nobody
Loves me better than you
I wait for night time to come
And bring you to me
I can't believe I'm the one
I was so lonely
I feel like no one could feel
I must be dreamin'
I want this dream to be real
I need this feelin'
I make my wish upon a star
And hope this night will last forever
Oh oh oh oh
Ain't nobody
Loves me better
Makes me happy
Makes me feel this way
Ain't nobody
Loves me better than you
First you put your arms around me
Then you put your charms around me
I can't resist this sweet surrender
Oh my nights are warm and tender
We stare into each other's eyes
And what we see is no surprise
Got a feeling most would treasure
And a love so deep we cannot measure
Ain't nobody
Loves me better
Makes me happy
Makes me feel this way
Ain't nobody
Loves me better than you
@yassine9508
40 years later and this song still hits different. Truly a masterpiece.
@silviamiola4879
yes 🎧🔝
@DolceVita
No lies told
@silviamiola4879
a masterpiece
@violetgovender8957
For real ❤
@jojoj3243
the "Queen of Funk" is well loved by all of the genre tribes
@henryhartsfield8822
62 year old white boy and STILL LOVE ME SOME CHAKA KHAN!!!!!!
@allankhuttunen3313
samma här 53 i sommar grym puma
@richardtunstall5214
Snap
@johndanley4534
She ain't done. Still got the funk! https://youtu.be/RecY5iZn6B0?si=mRVliVRxuBYX3_jG