Wainwright was born in Rhinebeck, New York, USA, to folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle (they divorced while he was a child). He began to play the piano at age six, and by age thirteen he was touring with his sister Martha Wainwright, mother Kate, and aunt Anna as the McGarrigle Sisters and Family.
His song I'm A-Runnin', which he performed in the movie Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (in which he also played a minor character), was nominated for the 1989 Genie Award for Best Original Song and earned him a nomination for the 1990 Juno Award for Most Promising Male Vocalist.
He lived in Montreal with his mother for most of his childhood and briefly attended McGill University, where he studied both classical and 'rock' piano. Some of his songs feature his mastery of French. Wainwright still maintains a residence in Canada.
He came out as gay while still a teen.
Wainwright became interested in opera throughout his adolescent years (for instance, his track Barcelona features lyrics of Giuseppe Verdi). He also became an enthusiast of such performers as Édith Piaf, Al Jolson and Judy Garland.
After having been a fixture on the Montreal club circuit, Wainwright cut a series of demo tapes, one of which found itself in the hands of DreamWorks executive Lenny Waronker. The label signed him and he released the self-titled Rufus Wainwright album in the spring of 1998. This album received much critical acclaim in Canada, and was recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the best albums of the year. Wainwright's second album, Poses (2001), brought similar acclaim.
Wainwright's first main exposure to the American public came as an opener to singer Tori Amos in 2001 and 2002. He garnered praise for his performance and began touring as a main act shortly afterwards. He has frequently toured as the opener for Sting and co-headlined with Ben Folds and Guster in the summer of 2004. He still often performs with his sister Martha Wainwright (now herself an emerging artist) on backup vocals. Despite a growing cult following and critical acclaim, Wainwright has experienced only marginal commercial success in the United States.
In addition to being a pianist, Wainwright is a guitarist, often switching between the two instruments when performing live; however, his mastery of the guitar does not approach his talent with the piano within the Piano rock genre. While some of his most moving songs feature just Wainwright with his piano, many of his songs display complex layering and harmonies, occasionally comprising hundreds of individual parts. Wainwright is an avid opera fan, and the influences on his music are evident, as well as his love of Schubert 'Lieder'; his music has been described as "Popera" (Pop Opera) or "Baroque Pop." His lyrics are filled with allusions to opera, literature, pop culture, and, more recently, politics (in songs such as Gay Messiah and Waiting for a Dream). Wainwright is a recovering crystal meth addict and a rape survivor; he uses the press to bring awareness to these societal problems.
His talent has been widely recognized and praised by such artists as Elton John, Morrissey, John Mayer, and Sting, and he continues to influence artists like Keane, Alanis Morissette, Scissor Sisters, and Ben Folds.
Wainwright's Want Two, from which four songs were released as the EP Waiting for a Want, was released by DreamWorks/Geffen on November 16, 2004. It is a companion to the 2003 release Want One. His latest, a live iTunes Sessions EP entitled Alright Already, was released March 15, 2005. A DVD entitled All I Want, featuring a biographical documentary, music videos, and live performances, was released on both sides of the Atlantic in summer 2005. The same year was also notable for two major contributions as solo vocalist to a pair of important records: the Mercury Prize winning I am a Bird Now and At This Time.
The pair of Want albums was repackaged as Want for a late November 2005 release to coincide with the start of a British tour. The version of Want One is that which contains the two extra songs Es Mus Sein and Velvet Curtain Rag. The Want (Want One and Want Two combined) package in the UK has two new extra tracks: Chelsea Hotel No. 2 and In with the Ladies, which replace Coeur de Parisienne — Reprise d'Arletty and Quand Vous Mourez de Nos Amours from 2004's augmented edition.
Rufus' fifth studio album Release the Stars was released by Geffen on May 15, 2007. The album was executive produced by Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys and featured Richard Thompson, Teddy Thompson, Martha Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, Neil Tennant, Joan Wasser, Julianna Raye, Larry Mullins - pka Toby Dammit and Sian Phillips.[14]. It reached number 2 in the UK and debuted at number 23 in the USA. The first single of the album, "Going To A Town" was released on April 3, 2007 on the iTunes music store.
Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall is his sixth album. It is a live recording of his June 2006 tribute concert to Judy Garland. Backed by a 36-piece orchestra under the conduction of Stephen Oremus, Wainwright recreated Garland's April 23, 1961 concert, often considered "the greatest night in show business history." After overcoming many personal problems, her comeback performance of 25+ American standards spawned the double album, "Judy at Carnegie Hall."
As well as Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller, Wainwright has appeared in the films The Aviator and Heights. Rufus has music in the film Brokeback Mountain, for which he recorded The Maker Makes and King of the Road, as well as a minor cameo as a guitar player.
Wainwright released his sixth studio album All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu in March 2010. In stark contrast to the lush ornamentation of Release The Stars, the album is a simple voice and piano rendition of a song cycle that includes versions of three Shakespeare sonnets, and an excerpt from his 2009 opera Prima Donna.
The Lulu figure of the title is said by Wainwright to be "the dark, brooding, dangerous woman that lives within all of us", similar to the Dark Lady character in Shakespeare's sonnets. The first part of the title comes from the final couplet of William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 43" ("All days are nights to see till I see thee...").
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 Island’s 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 © 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. 🙏🌈❤
@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!🥰
@ellyatsma2544
Prachtig,tot ziens in Groningen.
@ellyatsma2544
@Linda Pietrasz ???
@catalinabusla1151
Dear Rufus, you are Fantastic!Your voice Is Magnificent! Amazing Rufus!For ever!💕
@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.