Wainwright was always upfront about his homosexuality, breaking the news to his parents when he was 14. Religion and the gay experience are common themes in his songwriting, and in "Gay Messiah," he brings them together.
Wainwright wrote the song as a joke and played it for laughs at concerts. This was in the tradition of his father, Loudon Wainwright III, who amused audiences with songs like "Dead Skunk" and "White Winos." The song took a more serious turn after the 2004 presidential election when gay marriage opponent George W. Bush was re-elected. "It was a dark period, and the song became more of a political rallying call about gay rights," he told Rolling Stone. "It became a literal prayer for the Gay Messiah - very serious, nothing funny about it. Like, we really do need a savior to fall down from the clouds and deal with this."
This song is a tribute of sorts to gay pornography during its '70s golden age. "There was just much better lighting, and there was this feeling of a sexual Utopia that definitely existed โ and that we're all paying the price for now," Wainwright told Barney Hoskyns. "There's no doubt that you see in the porn of that era - gay and straight - an innocence that vanished after AIDS."
There is a lot of legacy in the backup vocals. Rufus' sister, Martha Wainwright, sings on the track as does Jenni Muldaur (daughter of Maria Muldaur) and Teddy Thompson (son of Richard and Linda Thompson). Rufus and Martha were born to the singer-songwriters Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. Suzzy Roche, who birthed another singing Wainwright (Lucy) with Loudon, also appears.
This was part of the tracklist to Want Two, Wainwright's fourth album and the follow-up to Want One, released a year earlier. Want One is the more personal of the two; on Want Two many of the songs look at society as a whole and other outside influences.
Gay Messiah
Rufus Wainwright Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From 1970's porn
Wearing tubesocks with style
And such an innocent smile
Better pray for your sins
Better pray for your sins
'cause the gay messiah's coming
He will fall from the stars
Studio 54
And appear on the sand
Of Fire Island's shore
Better pray for your sins
Better pray for your sins
'cause the gay messiah's coming
No it will not be me
Rufus the baptist I be
No I won't be the one
Baptized in cum
What will happen instead
Someone will demand my head
And then I will kneel down
And give it to them looking down
Better pray for your sins
Better pray for your sins
'cause the gay messiah's coming
The song "Gay Messiah" by Rufus Wainwright is a satirical take on the idea of a gay savior. The lyrics talk about the rebirth of a messiah from 1970s pornography, who will wear tube socks and have an innocent smile. This imagery is a reference to the sexual liberation that happened during the 70s, which is often associated with the rise of gay culture. The messiah will emerge from places like Studio 54 and Fire Islandโs shores, which were popular destinations for the gay community during that time. However, the song is not about Rufus Wainwright himself being the gay messiah.
Instead, he explicitly says that he won't be the one who is baptized in cum. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the hypersexualization of gay men, which has always been a prevalent stereotype. The lyrics also suggest that the gay messiah will be met with resistance and demands for his head. Rufus Wainwright ends the song by urging people to pray for their sins since the gay messiah is coming.
Overall, "Gay Messiah" by Rufus Wainwright is a satirical and provocative song that challenges traditional religious ideas and celebrates gay culture. The song reminds us that LGBTQ+ people have a unique history, and their stories need to be heard and celebrated.
Line by Line Meaning
He will then be reborn
The Gay Messiah will emerge anew from a bygone era captured on film.
From 1970's porn
The aesthetic of the Gay Messiah is drawn from the soft-focus world of seventies sexual imagery.
Wearing tubesocks with style
Even in casual wear, the Gay Messiah is a vision of style and sartorial distinction.
And such an innocent smile
Beneath a veneer of innocence, the Gay Messiah has a powerful aura of charisma and influence.
Better pray for your sins
The arrival of the Gay Messiah is a moment of impending judgment for the troubled and unrepentant.
He will fall from the stars
The Gay Messiah descends from celestial heights, bringing mystery and otherworldly energy.
Studio 54
The heyday of disco, hedonism, and sexual liberation - the perfect setting for the Gay Messiah's arrival.
And appear on the sand
The Gay Messiah makes a triumphant appearance on the beach, a place of freedom, openness, and escape.
Of Fire Island's shore
The sandy paradise of Fire Island is a symbol of gay culture, community, and identity.
No it will not be me
Although Rufus Wainwright is a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, he does not see himself as the embodiment of the Gay Messiah.
Rufus the baptist I be
Rufus Wainwright is a spiritual force in his own right, but he does not claim any transcendent role or status.
No I won't be the one
Despite his talents and accomplishments, Rufus Wainwright does not believe he is the chosen one to lead the charge for gay liberation.
Baptized in cum
This is a graphic reference to the sexual rites of initiation that some gay men experience - a metaphor for being reborn in the embrace of queer desire.
What will happen instead
Although Rufus Wainwright disclaims the role of Gay Messiah, he hints that something momentous and transformative is yet to come.
Someone will demand my head
Despite his relative success and acclaim, Rufus Wainwright knows that he is vulnerable to the scrutiny and violence of intolerant forces.
And then I will kneel down
In the face of overwhelming oppression, Rufus Wainwright would submit to his fate, but not without defiance and courage.
And give it to them looking down
Rufus Wainwright would meet his end with dignity and pride, challenging his oppressors and inspiring future advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DavidDiCarlo
Sinfonietta strings bringing this to the next level, for me. And your voice has never sounded better, dear Rufus!
@alexwagenmaker4471
Zo mooi. Tot ziens in Groningen in januari.
@lidymakkinje-vonk5053
Prachtig, tot ziens in het Concertgebouw op 10 januari.
@zerdanphunrab
The sweetest, purest song I've ever heard and loved. ๐๐โค
@lyswantsmusic574
You and the Sinfonietta are a match made in heaven. This album will become one of my favorites I'm sure. Can't wait to hear what you'll have in store for us next year!๐ฅฐ
@ellyatsma2544
Prachtig,tot ziens in Groningen.
@ellyatsma2544
@Linda Pietrasz ???
@catalinabusla1151
Dear Rufus, you are Fantastic!Your voice Is Magnificent! Amazing Rufus!For ever!๐
@genghis_connie
My favorite waltz by Rufus (The Baptist). The orchestra was perfectly subtle, and the slower tempo made those cheeky(yet poignant) lyrics sound like a lullabye bathed in rainbow glitter. The man is platinum. Always.
LGBTubeSocksQ+.
@genghis_connie
@Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright
I just might, Wainright
Wait- are you selling timeshares?
This: my worst Haiku.