I think what happened was that he was so young to be writing this well, that there was no chance to create a buzz. I was his debut album. Like Sinead O'connor's "The Lion & the Cobra" record, which she also wrote in her youth, it was THAT good, but nobody knew who she was. Generally, you have to create a buzz first. Erasure's first two records did not sell, even though they had plenty of backing from their label because of their songwriting for the first Depeche Mode album. They almost went broke. It was finally after creating a buzz with their second record that they hit the big-time with "The Innocents," already in the late 80's. Also, the jazz element of Rufus's music also restricted his marketablity. Art songs just don't often make it onto the radio. I feel, in the future, Rufus Wainwrights songs will be discovered by the jazz community, and many of these songs (like "Baby"--also from this debut album) will be resurrected by other voices.
"You will believe in love and all that it's supposed to be." Isn't it funny how we keep hoping? The part about the fish starting to stink is based on the French tradition of placing a fish on a person's back on April 1 as a joke. It was called "Poisson D'avril!" or "April Fish," and traditionally involved a real fish! :)
When I was in 8th grade I had this song stuck in my head for months and it took me YEARS to figure out what it was because I couldn't remember a single word. I finally found a website where you can hum a tune and it will suggest what the song might be. I've been hooked on Rufus ever since
In a random event of my 20's, just before this song was released, Rufus came to visit a friend of mine in Vancouver and played a small room of us the demos of this track. I had no idea who he was but all through my adult life, from time to time I have sung this song in my head. I think it is one of the most unique pop songs ever.
Awesome song. My local radio station in Philadelphia played this all the time when this CD came out in 1998. They still play it! Rufus is so damn talented!!!
If you still use the account, could you let us know how each of them died within their respective plays so that those of us who don’t really know these characters can match them to their characters as portrayed in this video?
Everybody dies just like they do in the music video. Cho Cho San, kills herself because the man she loves has married someone else. Carmen, is killed by a jealous lover. Mimi, dies of, tuberculosis. Tosca, jumps to her death while being chased. Gilda, sacrifices herself and is stabbed to death.
I’ll say! What a great song! What I love about Rufus, besides his sexy looks, is that it sometimes takes a few minutes to understand what he’s really singing about. His music tends to be whimsical, gentle and charming.
"April Fools" Oh what a shame that your pockets did bleed on st. valentine's And you sat in a chair Thinking "boy i'm such a prince!" Well, life's a train that goes from february on Day by day But it's making a stop on april first And you will believe in love And all that it's supposed to be But just until the fish start to smell And you're struck down by a hammer Sure, you were swift When the handsome greek boys dropped by with gifts You are suave Thanks to ribbons that open sesame But in the stars and closer to home, in every planet It ain't hard for me and dear jo jo to see That you will believe in love And all that it's supposed to be But just until the fish start to smell And you're struck down by a hammer So let it all go by Looking at the sky Wondering if there's clouds and stuff in hell And you will believe in love And all that it's supposed to be But just until the fish start to smell And you're struck down by a hammer
saw you on conan I was to shy to ask for an autograph...but my bro got a pic of you and your sister while leaving... when we got home my bro bought the album.. later the second one too. listened to this for yrs...a staple for vals day and april fools day, lol. I still have the promo vhs someplace.
I discovered Rufus Wainwright from that GAP ad where he sang "what are you doing New Year's". I was awestruck by him. My mom found and got me his CD for Xmas and we played it on the living room speaker, Christmas morning, and my brain felt like it was expanding. One of those "my life just changed" musical moments!
@Rukia91554 It's Gwen Stefani. Sophie Muller (a friend of Gwen's and director of many No Doubt/Gwen videos) directed the video and needed a space for the begining of the video. So they used Gwen's house at the time and put her in the video. There's a video somewhere has Rufus saying all this. Can't find it though.
Honestly, I find this music video to be both beautiful and actually darkly funny. Rufus’s sense of humor and geekiness (in an adorable way) really shine through. Mainly because of the fact that these ladies (who probably the average viewer might not have any idea who they are), are dying and Rufus tries his best to save them from their deaths or suicides, but fails spectacularly. Also, I’m surprised that Rufus still sounds the same at like nearly 51 that he did here at like the age of 24-25. I also miss this look for Rufus. Not that I don’t like the beard look, there’s just something more endearing about a clean shaven guy compared to other things.
That is a little patronising, unless you feel you need to be the only person with any intelligence! Why mention Rufus's beard ,just admit you really fancied the arse off him when he and all of us were younger. That's life!
@@lynnsilverwood1750 Being a straight male, I've never "fancied" him like that....but in regards to the beard....it was seeing a photo of him with it for the first time that I could see his resemblance to his dad....never noticed it as much when he was clean shaven.
I remember first hearing this in 1999 on a Dreamworks Records sampler CD rom. Also featured Stereophonics ‘Mr. Writer’, Propellerheads ‘Bang On’, and a segment from Henry Rollins’ short-lived standup comedy career. Twelve year old me was absolutely spoiled with selection and now that you can literally get anything online I have no idea what to watch or listen to that I haven’t already. That’s how it is, I guess.
Went to see him last night in concert in Melbourne! Came out right in front of me in the fourth row at one stage. Amazing!!! He was wearing a white reflective suit to....stuff to remember for sure.
"Why only .6 million views", I ask, simultaneously realizing we live in a world where a fish is digitally animated singing "no diggity" to a beer bottle.
That is so funny, great video and song! I've just discovered these two, Rufus and Martha. Only knew two or three songs by each of them. Damn me! Lol. Great artists.
Had anyone else noticed comnections to Lynch's Mulholland Drive? Bonnie Aarons plays the Bum in the film, also in this music video, the LA diner and back parking area, Gilda, the opera character featuring, also being the poster in which Rita assumes her name from?
I love his voice when my mom showed me this when i was ten i could not stop watching it then she played it for me a week ago and i can not believe i have not seen this sense i was ten
I'll never understand why this wasn't more of a hit.
er, men?
Same with your mom...
I think what happened was that he was so young to be writing this well, that there was no chance to create a buzz. I was his debut album. Like Sinead O'connor's "The Lion & the Cobra" record, which she also wrote in her youth, it was THAT good, but nobody knew who she was. Generally, you have to create a buzz first. Erasure's first two records did not sell, even though they had plenty of backing from their label because of their songwriting for the first Depeche Mode album. They almost went broke. It was finally after creating a buzz with their second record that they hit the big-time with "The Innocents," already in the late 80's. Also, the jazz element of Rufus's music also restricted his marketablity. Art songs just don't often make it onto the radio. I feel, in the future, Rufus Wainwrights songs will be discovered by the jazz community, and many of these songs (like "Baby"--also from this debut album) will be resurrected by other voices.
My favorite MTV2 song but back then ambiguous men were not it
Cause he’s an unashamed homosexual and that isn’t okay with folks of magic sky man
I like how Rufus always kind of looks like he's being pestered into singing....he's so cute! And such a talent!
Definitely
Me too
You should see him perform live - it's glorious, and you're not sure who is enjoying the music more - Rufus or the Audience, LOL...
1:39 Gwen Stefani!! Love her with black hair!!
"You will believe in love and all that it's supposed to be." Isn't it funny how we keep hoping?
The part about the fish starting to stink is based on the French tradition of placing a fish on a person's back on April 1 as a joke. It was called "Poisson D'avril!" or "April Fish," and traditionally involved a real fish! :)
When I was in 8th grade I had this song stuck in my head for months and it took me YEARS to figure out what it was because I couldn't remember a single word. I finally found a website where you can hum a tune and it will suggest what the song might be. I've been hooked on Rufus ever since
Wow that is a cool website
Yeah, that's amazing - what's the website?
This is a treat for opera fans and music fans alike. What a talent.
They're all characters from different Operas who die tragically, so they are all re enacting their death scenes.
How many times does this have to be explained?
@@lisaleone2296 Shut up.
Interesting
@@lisaleone2296 I only realized this till now, and i've been a fan for years!
@@lisaleone2296 Don't be a snob Lisa. It's not attractive.
rufus really is a prince oh god
marisol s. i fancy him SO MUC
@@buttercuppyow same i'd die for him ffs
In a random event of my 20's, just before this song was released, Rufus came to visit a friend of mine in Vancouver and played a small room of us the demos of this track. I had no idea who he was but all through my adult life, from time to time I have sung this song in my head. I think it is one of the most unique pop songs ever.
The Geisha is Rufus' sister, who also provides the awesome backing vocals.
His sister does many awesome vocals, not just on this song
Seriously?! I could've never guessed. She doesn't look like Geisha, but now I see it.
Awesome song. My local radio station in Philadelphia played this all the time when this CD came out in 1998. They still play it! Rufus is so damn talented!!!
One thing you can say about this music video...the acting is impeccable.
Stopped by on April 1st.❤👋
Damn! Why didn't Rufus write the songs for LA LA LAND??
Brilliant f*cking song! Well produced. Still love it.
I first heard this while at my locker senior year of high school, ‘99. It was coming from the art room. I bought the CD the next day.
Cho-Cho-San (“Madame Butterfly”), Carmen (“Carmen”), Mimi (“La Boheme”), Tosca (“Tosca”) and Gilda (“Rigoletto”).
If you still use the account, could you let us know how each of them died within their respective plays so that those of us who don’t really know these characters can match them to their characters as portrayed in this video?
Everybody dies just like they do in the music video.
Cho Cho San, kills herself because the man she loves has married someone else.
Carmen, is killed by a jealous lover.
Mimi, dies of, tuberculosis.
Tosca, jumps to her death while being chased.
Gilda, sacrifices herself and is stabbed to death.
This album was made before i was born and I know that this is late as fuck but this song is so beautiful I cried. I swear I love this so much.
Yes
I love his music and I love Rufus too❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙋🏻♀️
almost forgot how perfect this tune is!
I’ll say! What a great song! What I love about Rufus, besides his sexy looks, is that it sometimes takes a few minutes to understand what he’s really singing about. His music tends to be whimsical, gentle and charming.
This is literally my favorite song
i saw a man so beautiful i started crying?
hayley drummond i have the biggest crush on him and it's ruining me
marisol straffon omg i have no idea where it came from but yeah i totally would
Ugh I know
Same here
He's gorgeous
Not only do I love Rufus and all his works but I believe he makes the world a better place...x
You are absplutely and totally right woman!
I aspire to be fabulous and iconic like Rufus when I make music. He’s so cool
"April Fools"
Oh what a shame that your pockets did bleed on st. valentine's
And you sat in a chair
Thinking "boy i'm such a prince!"
Well, life's a train that goes from february on
Day by day
But it's making a stop on april first
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
Sure, you were swift
When the handsome greek boys dropped by with gifts
You are suave
Thanks to ribbons that open sesame
But in the stars and closer to home, in every planet
It ain't hard for me and dear jo jo to see
That you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
So let it all go by
Looking at the sky
Wondering if there's clouds and stuff in hell
And you will believe in love
And all that it's supposed to be
But just until the fish start to smell
And you're struck down by a hammer
Darryl K:
Thank you SO MUCH for posting words to song..
I scrolled down praying that someone would..
Love Rufus, little hard of hearing…!
@@patty7791 Great to hear that :) I love Rufus too.
Gosh he's beautiful
this is something special. the world needs him.
Grade 8 discovery...so cool seeing other people who discovered this song then too! MTV2 was the best!
1998 mtv2 was a special time
This song is so brilliant. Life is a sick joke in so many ways. Absolutely brilliant.
Life goals: cuddle with Rufus and hang out a cafe with him, Gwen Stefani, and Melissa Auf der Maur.
And Martha Wainwright too! So amazing.
Wow, that was a really productive day.
Love this song in 2019!!
Oh my god he just kicks the dead Mimi and she gets up! this man has my heart!
Rufus Is a wonderful Amazing Prince of Music! Simply the best
saw you on conan I was to shy to ask for an autograph...but my bro got a pic of you and your sister while leaving... when we got home my bro bought the album.. later the second one too. listened to this for yrs...a staple for vals day and april fools day, lol. I still have the promo vhs someplace.
He is the standard of beauty 😍
LOVE his music !
The arrangements (is that the correct word?) of his music is so good. Rich without being kitsch
Rufus is such an Opera Nerd!! You go boy!!!!
I've been trying to find the name of this song for 20 years since seeing it on the Box.
This song is 25 years old and still mesmerizing.
I discovered Rufus Wainwright from that GAP ad where he sang "what are you doing New Year's". I was awestruck by him. My mom found and got me his CD for Xmas and we played it on the living room speaker, Christmas morning, and my brain felt like it was expanding. One of those "my life just changed" musical moments!
Always loved this song but never saw the video. I love that Melissa Auf Der Maur is in it- I guess they went to school together.
Rufus,you are brilliant! What a masterpiece! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I stopped by on April First.
@Rukia91554 It's Gwen Stefani. Sophie Muller (a friend of Gwen's and director of many No Doubt/Gwen videos) directed the video and needed a space for the begining of the video. So they used Gwen's house at the time and put her in the video. There's a video somewhere has Rufus saying all this. Can't find it though.
I THOUGHT that was her! So it's really her! How kool! Thanks for the info. 🤗🙌
Not one mention of the production by Jon Brion. I hear Brion all over this song. So good.
How have I liked this song/album for like 25 years and not known this
That 1st album just sounds amazing. So thats why...
I saw him 2 weeks ago, for the third time. I'm so fortunate.
He's so beautiful, and i don't just mean in the physical sense.
Saw this on Letterman years ago and it blew me away! What a song!
Never gets old
Still listening 2023! ❤ i love this song so much! ❤️
i found this song when i was in eighth grade and i really think it changed my perception of what music could be ♡ rufus is such a talented musician
Still Phenomenal Rufus in September 2022💕
loved this song as a kid! 💚
Still my favorite and little Gwen Stefani cameo.
I gave my music-heart to Rufus. It might be his forever.
RUFUS IS AWESOME AND THIS SONG IS GREAT!!!
Okay, I'm gonna tell everyone why this song is so awesome. My friend who only listens to rap music, luvs this song!
My first one!!! I love it so much, I would know his voice anywhere!!! Thank you Rufus for expressing the harmony's of my soul! ;)
Honestly, I find this music video to be both beautiful and actually darkly funny. Rufus’s sense of humor and geekiness (in an adorable way) really shine through.
Mainly because of the fact that these ladies (who probably the average viewer might not have any idea who they are), are dying and Rufus tries his best to save them from their deaths or suicides, but fails spectacularly.
Also, I’m surprised that Rufus still sounds the same at like nearly 51 that he did here at like the age of 24-25.
I also miss this look for Rufus. Not that I don’t like the beard look, there’s just something more endearing about a clean shaven guy compared to other things.
That is a little patronising, unless you feel you need to be the only person with any intelligence! Why mention Rufus's beard
,just admit you really fancied the arse off him when he and all of us were younger. That's life!
@@lynnsilverwood1750 I’m 25, so I’m young. It’s not meant to be “patronizing” I’m just observing it.
@@lynnsilverwood1750 Being a straight male, I've never "fancied" him like that....but in regards to the beard....it was seeing a photo of him with it for the first time that I could see his resemblance to his dad....never noticed it as much when he was clean shaven.
So glad I found this song again 😍
He's too lovely
JFC he looks gorgeous in this video
he looks perpetually blazed.
I remember first hearing this in 1999 on a Dreamworks Records sampler CD rom. Also featured Stereophonics ‘Mr. Writer’, Propellerheads ‘Bang On’, and a segment from Henry Rollins’ short-lived standup comedy career. Twelve year old me was absolutely spoiled with selection and now that you can literally get anything online I have no idea what to watch or listen to that I haven’t already.
That’s how it is, I guess.
Hahaha, did it come with Trespasser? That's where I had got that disc from
@@obscillesk
Very, very likely because I did have that game.
Extremely talented and a sui generis Artist too ‼️
i like rufus. i mean, his name is rufus. that alone makes me like him. listening makes me want to sit in a room with him.
Remember when he did the Gap commercial years ago? He was playing the piano and started singing and i'm like "who is this guy, his voice is amazing"!
Dawn D What are you doing New Years Eve?
love this song and the video. How cute is he? hes so adorable..
He's pretty gay. I adore him.
I'm not gay but could be for him.
@@feonjun well you could be a bit gay :3
Went to see him last night in concert in Melbourne! Came out right in front of me in the fourth row at one stage. Amazing!!! He was wearing a white reflective suit to....stuff to remember for sure.
HES SO FITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Ah, can't read: 4.3k likes, and 1.51m views. Still warrants much, much more.
An opera geek? The man is a brilliant opera composer.
Choral director here (Catholic church). Got to say, the harmonies during the build-up to the climax are worthy of the Estasy's of St. Theresa.
This video js a masterpiece in my opinion. Can't expect anything else from Muller
Saw him live for the first time last night at Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires.
Amazing!!
Hope you come back soon, Rufus!!!
+pianification
He came really soon at the Rio De Janeiro International Airport's Public Men's toilets!
+pianification I was lucky enough to see a live stream of these 2 performances (February 19 and 20) and review them often.
"Why only .6 million views", I ask, simultaneously realizing we live in a world where a fish is digitally animated singing "no diggity" to a beer bottle.
I am very very happy for this song and Rufus❗❗❗❗❤❤❤❤❤👌👍
Great song
Still love this x
i believe in waking up from a dream to a dream...love this!!
He certainly was. He was more than worthy to share the stage with Paul Simon.
That is so funny, great video and song! I've just discovered these two, Rufus and Martha. Only knew two or three songs by each of them. Damn me! Lol. Great artists.
Happy April Fool’s Day, everyone!
I love the concept of this video.
I love him
that bedding is to die for
I just saw Rufus "Live!" last night at the Rio De Janeiro International Men's Public Toilet and he was great!
was that a read???😄😄😄
Nick Dovie ...wish i knew what that meant ..anyways, HERE'S HOPING RUFUS LEARNS A THIRD NOTE!
+Sam Fu A READ
is like an insult or criticism.
you said you said you saw him performing at a public toilet so i figured you were insulting him.
Why the hell does Spotify not show this on the canvas for this song it’s litterlay such a cool music vid
Had anyone else noticed comnections to Lynch's Mulholland Drive? Bonnie Aarons plays the Bum in the film, also in this music video, the LA diner and back parking area, Gilda, the opera character featuring, also being the poster in which Rita assumes her name from?
Rufus is so lovely, love this video and the opera references, could watch it all day :)
I can't stop watching this!
Rufus is so cute
this was my introduction to Rufus!
i love this, thank you rufus!
Here for today ❤🎀
I love his voice when my mom showed me this when i was ten i could not stop watching it then she played it for me a week ago and i can not believe i have not seen this sense i was ten