Liberty Cabbage
Rufus Wainwright Lyrics


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Sometimes I think You're trying to kill me
with your stars and stripes
and sometimes, sometimes your Liberty Cabbage goes dry
but still your arms are strong
your blood runs furies inside me.
Cities of gold, mountains of purple,
Hot dogs and hamburgers eaten on your laps,
While you sit and watch them kill me with their stars and stripes
while you sit and watch them kill me with their stars and stripes
and sometimes, sometimes your liberty cabbage goes dry
but tears do flow from those eyes blue as the pacific
your table cloths checkered as chessboards
And your smile is wider than the Continental Drift
But why do you,
Why do you sit and let them stone my friends and loved ones?
Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me




with your stars and strips
and sometimes, sometimes I think you might succeed

Overall Meaning

Rufus Wainwright's song Liberty Cabbage is a critique on American patriotism and nationalism. "Liberty Cabbage" was a term used during World War I to refer to sauerkraut, which was renamed to lessen the association with Germany. The lyrics suggest that the United States is sometimes overly aggressive in its nationalistic fervor, and that this can have negative consequences. Wainwright sings, "Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me with your stars and stripes," suggesting that the strong sense of nationalism in the US can be overwhelming and oppressive.


The lyrics also contain references to iconic American symbols such as cities of gold and mountains of purple, suggesting that the country is focused on materialism and luxury. The line "Hot dogs and hamburgers eaten on your laps" further emphasizes the idea that Americans are too focused on consumption and pleasure.


Wainwright also highlights the contradictions inherent in American patriotism. On the one hand, there is a sense of pride in the country's freedoms and values, represented by the term "liberty," but on the other hand, there is a willingness to overlook the mistreatment of minorities and marginalized groups. The line "Why do you sit and let them stone my friends and loved ones?" is a powerful indictment of American complacency in the face of injustice.


Overall, Liberty Cabbage is a thought-provoking critique on American patriotism, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of this cultural phenomenon.


Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes I think You're trying to kill me with your stars and stripes
At times, I feel like the USA is deliberately harming me, with the way they display their flag and represent their country.


and sometimes, sometimes your Liberty Cabbage goes dry but still your arms are strong
Occasionally, the pride and symbolism of America may be diminished, but the country remains a powerful force.


your blood runs furIes inside me.
The passion of the United States ignites a fiery spirit within me.


Cities of gold, mountains of purple, Hot dogs and hamburgers eaten on your laps,
The USA is full of wealth and natural beauty; it is a place where simple pleasures, such as eating fast-food, are enjoyed in the midst of splendor.


While you sit and watch them kill me with their stars and stripes while you sit and watch them kill me with their stars and stripes
The USA observes the many injustices done to me, despite their motto of freedom and democracy.


and sometimes, sometimes your liberty cabbage goes dry but tears do f low from those eyes blue as the pacific
Sometimes, the feeling of freedom and justice perpetuated by Americans is weakened or ruined, but this causes sadness and regret for the harm done.


your table cloths checkered as chessboards And your smile is wider than the Continental Drift
The lively spirit of the USA is represented by its iconic visuals - such as checkered tablecloths and wide smiles - which exude excitement and opportunity.


But why do you, Why do you sit and let them stone my friends and loved ones?
Americans may understand the horrors and abuse done to my loved ones, yet do nothing to stop it - leading me to question their integrity.


Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me with your stars and stripes and sometimes, sometimes I think you might succeed
Ultimately, the actions of the USA - both good and bad - can lead to feelings of hostility and danger towards myself and others.




Contributed by Elijah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@jcorn2

Thanks for uploading. Rufus sings with all of his heart.

@MontgomeryMonteiro

Thank you, this song is very special to me. I saw Rufus sing it in Toronto... and ever drive me to tears.

@zezequintas

A great song...I knew this and everytime I hear it...so beautiful...

@cearbhaill

The people who really need to hear this song wouldn't get it if they did. I think that is the saddest part of the whole piece.

@brontedesk

simply stunning

@Marina3m

Sometimes I think you're trying to kill me with these songs

@whisperingfox

"Why do you sit and watch them stone my friends and loved ones" 😢

@laurencelebacq4294

❤👌

@quavermuffin

First time I heard it too, thankyou x

@peachbot

i had this on a cd, im not quite sure how..

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