Rufus Wainwright recorded this for the Big Daddy soundtrack, but didn't release it as a single. Since you won't find that soundtrack in many record collections and the song is hard to find digitally, it was destined for a niche audience, but Swirsky always like the song and used it as an opportunity to launch a solo career after years working as a staff songwriter. So, in 2004, he released his own version as the title track to his first album. Says Seth: "I thought, 'Well, if I'm recording this, there's a bunch of other songs I'd like to record.' And then I started writing more in that vein. And then I thought, 'Well, he's not coming out with it as a single, the song needs a life.' It needs to have at least a second chance. And I recorded that song, and it led to a whole bunch of writing. I think I was ready to write a bunch of different kinds of songs at that point. Not for other artists - I'd been away from that for a bit. So it was very organic how the artist emerged in me."
Instant Pleasure
Rufus Wainwright Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just give me sex whenever I want it.
'Cause all I ask for is instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure.
You in the traffic for all eternity
How could that speed be where you want to be?
Said don't you really want instant pleasure
Think that all these folks get laid?
Do it cause their pain is great?
What you thinkin' anyways?
If drinkin' coffee's your idea of really cool
You can't expect no crazy chick to notice you
Just sittin' there dreamin' instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure.
If you want someone a friend to be
Guess you'll have to win the lottery
But 'til then repeat after me.
I don't want somebody to love me
Just give me sex whenever I want it
'Cause all I ask for is instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure.
I don't want somebody to love me
I don't want somebody to love me.
The song "Instant Pleasure" by Rufus Wainwright is an exploration of the human desire for instant gratification rather than meaningful connections. The singer expresses a desire for sex without the commitment of love, and seems to view long-term relationships as tedious and unfulfilling. The repetition of the phrase "instant pleasure" emphasizes the focus on immediate satisfaction, while the lyric "You in the traffic for all eternity, how could that speed be where you want to be?" is a metaphor for the boredom and frustration of waiting for something that is not immediately available. The singer also questions the motivations of others who are seeking sex, suggesting that some may be doing so as a means of escaping emotional pain.
The chorus is particularly powerful, as it repeats the desire for "instant pleasure" multiple times, highlighting the singer's preoccupation with this singular goal. The repetition of the phrase also serves to emphasize the transience of pleasure, and the idea that it is fleeting and elusive. The final line, "I don't want somebody to love me," is a declaration of emotional independence, suggesting that the singer views love as a burden rather than a desired outcome.
Overall, "Instant Pleasure" is a song about the dangers of focusing solely on immediate gratification at the expense of deeper emotional connections. It is a warning against the tendency to prioritize pleasure over meaning, and encourages listeners to seek out more fulfilling relationships and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want somebody to love me
I am not looking for love and commitment
Just give me sex whenever I want it.
I am looking for physical pleasure on demand
'Cause all I ask for is instant pleasure
I am not interested in long-term fulfillment or happiness, just immediate gratification
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure.
I want my desires to be fulfilled immediately and without delay
You in the traffic for all eternity
You are stuck in a long and endless commute
How could that speed be where you want to be?
Why would you choose to be in a situation that brings you no joy or satisfaction?
Said don't you really want instant pleasure
Aren't you tired of being in this unfulfilling situation and seeking something more immediately satisfying?
Think that all these folks get laid?
Do you believe that all these people around you are having sexual encounters?
Do it 'cause their pain is great?
Are they engaging in sex to cope with emotional pain and emptiness?
What you thinkin' anyways?
What is going on in your mind and what motivates your behavior?
If drinkin' coffee's your idea of really cool
If you believe that drinking coffee is a desirable and attractive quality
You can't expect no crazy chick to notice you
You cannot expect an attractive and exciting woman to take notice of you
Just sittin' there dreamin' instant pleasure
Simply sitting and fantasizing about gratification without putting in effort or work
If you want someone a friend to be
If you desire someone to be your friend
Guess you'll have to win the lottery
You will need to be extremely lucky or fortunate to find someone who wants to be your friend
But 'til then repeat after me.
Until you find that person, just repeat after me.
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure
I continue to seek immediate gratification and pleasure
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure
This is my primary goal and desire
Instant pleasure, instant pleasure.
I will continue to seek gratification, even if it means sacrificing long-term happiness and fulfillment.
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SETH SWIRSKY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@isistendam1984
first: Why doesn't this have more likes.
second: WHY ISN'T THIS ON GOD DAMN SPOTIFY
just a little bit frustrating because this is a really good song!
@aemondthefearless9284
I remember the frustration of years of not being able to find this song, since first discovering it on Big Daddy... lol
@nicholasmartinez6410
Drinking coffee is your definition of really cool.
@sniima
LOVE this song, & you did such an amazing job pairing the lyrics with the snippets of film! Thank you! <3
@TheSkoobey
I was cruising around with 2 babes listening to this song freshman year of college. Yeahhh buddy.
@thinwhiteduke11
Touché! Haven't seen the movie myself, but the decadence of the period fits the song perfectly if you ask me. Love it!
@erikeena6
you did a wonderful job with this video... i always choose this one to just listen to the song, but i always find myself mesmerized by the video itself. me like.
@redheadsrock08
Happy Birthday lovely Rufus
@Jordaniz3r
WHY DOESNT THIS HAVE MORE VIEWS! this is amazing! I loved Marie Antoinette and you did and amazing job editing the clips together! I am seriously inspired!
@24g89
I just love the song