"I was very numb," Wainwright explained. "It's about looking at the world and seeing what's actually there, not feeling either good or bad about it, just feeling apart. I was grasping at some kind of mantra - like, even though the world is a strange place, you're still on the train, you paid for your ticket, and it's going to arrive at some point. There are a lot of trains on this album."
This incorporates part of "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel. Wainwright often incorporates works of classical music into his songs.
On the train ride that inspired this song, Wainwright really did see men reading fashion magazines and other images that made it into the lyric. He describes the trip as like watching a video where the French countryside swishes by, which sounds like the start of a movie (perhaps starring Ethan Hawke).
Oh What A World
Rufus Wainwright Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, what a world it seems we live in
Straight men, oh, what a world we live in
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Always traveling but not in love
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Life is Beautiful" on the New York Times
Men reading fashion magazines
Oh, what a world it seems we live in
Straight men, oh, what a world we live in
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Always traveling but not in love
Still I think I'm doing fine
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Life is Beautiful" on the New York Times
Oh, what a world we live in
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Always traveling but not in love
Still I think I'm doing fine
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Life is Beautiful"
This song is a commentary on modern life, with a focus on the superficiality and contradictions within it. The opening line about men reading fashion magazines sets the tone, describing a world where traditional gender roles and expectations are being challenged. The repetition of the phrase "Oh, what a world we live in" emphasizes the wonder and confusion that comes with trying to navigate this new world.
The next section, which begins with the question "Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?" suggests a sense of rootlessness and wanderlust. The singer has the freedom to travel and see the world, but they can't seem to find true love or a sense of purpose. Despite this, they insist that they're doing fine, and imagine a headline proclaiming "Life is Beautiful" in the New York Times.
The final section of the song reiterates these themes, with the repetition of the lines "Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?" and "Oh, what a world my parents gave me." The song ends with the simple statement "Oh, what a world we live in," which can be interpreted as both a positive and negative assessment of contemporary society.
Overall, "Oh What A World" is a meditation on the complexities and contradictions of modern life, with a focus on personal relationships and societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Men reading fashion magazines
Observing men, who are stereotyped as not being interested in fashion, indulging in reading fashion magazines, brings to light the changing perceptions and norms of the world we live in.
Oh, what a world it seems we live in
The world has evolved and is constantly changing at a pace that is so fast that it leaves one feeling overwhelmed and perplexed.
Straight men, oh, what a world we live in
Referencing heterosexual men, who are traditionally deemed as not interested in fashion, adds to the complexity of the world and how it is shifting and changing norms.
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Pondering why life seems to be so speedy and always racing by, which makes one feel like they are in constant motion.
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Reflecting on the world and the culture that has been passed down from previous generations, and how it can be both beautiful and confusing.
Always traveling but not in love
Even though one is constantly moving, they are not fulfilling a romantic sense of love or companionship in their life.
Still, I think I'm doing fine
Despite the challenges and complexities of the world, there is still a sense of inner strength and optimism that everything will work out.
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
Daydreaming about a beautiful and perfect life, which could be the headline of a newspaper or magazine.
"Life is Beautiful" on the New York Times
A quote that encapsulates the idea of an ideal world, and highlights the importance of focusing on the positive and beautiful aspects of life, as seen through the lens of one of the most prestigious newspapers in the world.
Oh, what a world we live in
Reinforcing the idea that the world we live in is truly complex and multifaceted, with constant changes and challenges to navigate.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Maurice Joseph Ravel, Rufus Wainwright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dion Smith
Men reading fashion magazines
Oh, what a world it seems we live in
Straight men, oh, what a world we live in
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Always traveling but not in love
Still I think I'm doing fine
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Life is Beautiful" on the New York Times
Men reading fashion magazines
Oh, what a world it seems we live in
Straight men, oh, what a world we live in
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Always traveling but not in love
Still I think I'm doing fine
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Life is Beautiful" on the New York Times
Oh, what a world we live in
Why am I always on a plane or a fast train?
Oh, what a world my parents gave me
Always traveling but not in love
Still I think I'm doing fine
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline?
"Life is Beautiful"
Lulu Cottontails
Rufus deserves so much more success than he got, he's a genius
Kristy Makeshift
Did he die?
ChaosTheNerd
@Kristy Makeshift no hes alive well
Kristy Makeshift
@ChaosTheNerd thanks for replying. It’s strange I asked here instead of googling..
ChaosTheNerd
@Kristy Makeshift lol it's all good
Gabriella Varela
@ChaosTheNerd lm
theGhostStewatd
From his website: "I wrote this on the train from Paris to London at the tail end of the Poses tour, and I was very numb. It’s about looking at the world and seeing what’s actually there, not feeling either good or bad about it, just feeling apart. I was grasping at some kind of mantra – like, even though the world is a strange place, you’re still on the train, you paid for your ticket, and it’s going to arrive at some point. There are a lot of trains on this album."
neil owens
Missed train then as its his song but thought in duplicity! Nice to vougour out! Till covid 19/23 death lol 😂 endjoy that trip! You say you wrote this! @?
Random Geniuses Gaming Association
I love this. The beginning is so ominous and sorrowful, then the vocals start up, and everything just ends up sounding really good.
aikeaguinea
my art teacher in high school would play this song on repeat more often than not. still love it...