Born and raised in San Diego, California, RuPaul later studied performing arts in Atlanta, Georgia. He settled in New York City, where he became a popular fixture on the LGBTQ+ nightclub scene. He achieved international fame as a drag queen with the release of his debut single, "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which was included on his debut studio album Supermodel of the World (1993). He became a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics in 1994, raising money for the Mac AIDS Fund and becoming the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign. He later received his own talk show on VH1 called The RuPaul Show, which he hosted for over 100 episodes while co-hosting the morning radio show on WKTU with Michelle Visage.
RuPaul's Drag Race was created in 2009 and has gone on to produce fourteen seasons in the United States. The show has also seen success internationally, with several international variants of the show being made, such as RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Canada's Drag Race. This has also inspired several spin-offs of the main show, including RuPaul's Drag U, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race. He is also featured as a host on other reality television series such as Skin Wars, Good Work, and Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul.
RuPaul has made appearances in films such as Crooklyn (1994), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), television shows such as Girlboss (2017), Broad City (2017), and Grace and Frankie (2019). He later created and starred in his own Netflix original television series AJ and the Queen (2020). In addition, he has also published three books: Lettin' It All Hang Out (1995), Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (2010), and GuRu (2018).
RuPaul is considered the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States. For his work on RuPaul's Drag Race, he has received 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the most-awarded person of color in the history of the Primetime Emmys. Outside of film and television, he also continues to write and record music; he has released fourteen studio albums as of 2022, and received a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for the musical A Strange Loop.
This Is a Picnic
RuPaul Lyrics
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Yeah?
You mind if I turn on the radio?
That's the best idea I've heard all day, Tanya (this is our country ay-ay-ay)
(When a queen is a queen)
(She don't need no cowboy)
(This is our country oh-oh-oh)
This is our country ay-ay-ay
When a queen is a queen
She don't need no cowboy
This is our country oh-oh-oh
Honey, I can be a queen or I can be a cowboy
They told me I was born too wild (too wild)
Thought I was just a wide-eyed child
I guess things haven't changed that much
I can still shoot tequila, I can still land a punch
They made my daddy wait in line (wait in line)
He told me, "son, don't waste your time"
With nothing on me but my name
I dropped out, moved on and did it my way
I can tell this town is big enough for the both of us
This is our country ay-ay-ay
When a queen is a queen
She don't need no cowboy
This is our country oh-oh-oh
Honey, I can be a queen or I can be a cowboy
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Oh, this is our country
Giddy up!
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Oh, this is our country
Yeehaw!
Patsy Cline, anytime, turn up Johnny Cash (Cash)
Love who you love, 'cause it changes in a flash
When I'm in the dark and I don't know what to do
I go walking after midnight with a boy named sue
I can tell this town is big enough for the both of us
This is our country ay-ay-ay
When a queen is a queen
She don't need no cowboy
This is our country oh-oh-oh
Honey, I can be a queen or I can be a cowboy
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Oh, this is our country
Giddy up!
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Oh, this is our country
Yeehaw!
Love ain't red, love ain't blue
Love fills the space between me and you
Love is the answer, love always wins
Love has the power to be born again
This is our country ay-ay-ay
When a queen is a queen
She don't need no cowboy
This is our country oh-oh-oh (this is our country)
Honey, I can be a queen or I can be a cowboy
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Oh, this is our country
Giddy up!
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Oh, this is our country
Yeehaw!
"Is this Love" by RuPaul is an empowering anthem that celebrates self-acceptance and breaking free from societal expectations. The song starts with a conversation between RuPaul and Tanya, discussing the idea of turning on the radio. This simple act represents the willingness to embrace diversity and bring their unique identities to the forefront. The lines "When a queen is a queen, she don't need no cowboy" assert the idea that one doesn't need validation or approval from others to be confident and proud of their true self. RuPaul emphasizes the concept of inclusivity, proclaiming "This is our country," implying that everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves authentically.
The song reflects on the challenges faced by individuals who don't conform to societal norms. The lyrics "They told me I was born too wild" express the disapproval and criticism faced by those who deviate from the expected path. However, RuPaul remains resilient, asserting that not much has changed as they can still enjoy life on their terms. The lines "I can still shoot tequila, I can still land a punch" symbolize their refusal to be limited or restrained by societal expectations. RuPaul's lyrics highlight the advice received from their father to not waste time conforming to societal standards, emphasizing the importance of carving one's own path and finding success on one's terms.
The reference to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash in the lyrics serves as a nod to iconic figures in country music who dared to be different. By incorporating individuals who challenged norms and embraced their unique styles, RuPaul emphasizes the power of self-expression and the importance of embracing one's individuality. The chorus repeatedly reinforces the notion that a queen doesn't need a cowboy, as they can be both the queen and the cowboy. This message promotes the idea that it's possible to embody multiple identities and break free from limiting labels and expectations.
Overall, "Is this Love" encourages listeners to embrace their true selves, reject societal expectations, and celebrate the beauty of individuality and diversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Ru
Hello, Ru
Yeah?
What's up?
You mind if I turn on the radio?
Do you have any objections if I switch on the radio?
That's the best idea I've heard all day, Tanya (this is our country ay-ay-ay)
That suggestion is the most brilliant one I've heard today, Tanya (let's enjoy our country music)
(When a queen is a queen)
(When a person is confident and in control of their identity)
(She don't need no cowboy)
(She doesn't require a partner who embodies stereotypical masculinity)
(This is our country oh-oh-oh)
(We embrace the diversity and freedom of our country)
(Honey, I can be a queen or I can be a cowboy)
(I have the power to choose how I present myself, either as a confident queen or as a rugged cowboy)
They told me I was born too wild (too wild)
They said I had an excessive and unpredictable nature (too wild)
Thought I was just a wide-eyed child
They believed I was naive and innocent
I guess things haven't changed that much
I suppose not much has changed
I can still shoot tequila, I can still land a punch
I still have the ability to handle tequila shots and throw a powerful punch
They made my daddy wait in line (wait in line)
They made my father stand in a queue (wait in line)
He told me, 'son, don't waste your time'
He advised me, 'my child, don't squander your time'
With nothing on me but my name
With only my name as my possession
I dropped out, moved on and did it my way
I left school, moved forward, and pursued my own path
I can tell this town is big enough for the both of us
I can sense that this town has ample space for both of us
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Expression of excitement and joy
Oh, this is our country
This country belongs to all of us
Giddy up!
Get ready!
Patsy Cline, anytime, turn up Johnny Cash (Cash)
Enjoy Patsy Cline's music anytime and raise the volume for Johnny Cash's songs
Love who you love, 'cause it changes in a flash
Love whoever you want because love can unexpectedly change
When I'm in the dark and I don't know what to do
When I feel lost and unsure of my next move
I go walking after midnight with a boy named sue
I take a walk in the darkness with someone named Sue
Love ain't red, love ain't blue
Love doesn't have a specific color
Love fills the space between me and you
Love bridges the gap between two individuals
Love is the answer, love always wins
Love is the solution to all problems, and love prevails
Love has the power to be born again
Love possesses the ability to be reborn
(this is our country)
(we are the owners of this country)
Rodeo-odie oh, woo hoo (woo hoo)
Expression of excitement and joy
Yeehaw!
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm associated with the cowboy culture
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brett McLaughlin, Frederick W. Scott, RuPaul Andre Charles, Thomas C Campbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind