Rufus Wainwright 'Go or go ahead'

Clip

[@auramerus]

Handsome Devil brought me here. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@heloisybrasil8287]

auramerus I can't even explain what this song makes me feel. I'm grateful that it's in handsome devil so I could know and enjoy this masterpiece .

[@camilaamarilla8330]

Me too! I'm so thankfull for that movie, i love it so much

[@janiebobanie]

i love that movie so much, especially the end scene with this song

[@lizziehan1978]

Same

[@sonycles]

Me too 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@pacificoast82]

The layers of emotion in this song are so deep and intense that a few seconds into it, I felt a silent, convulsing sob rising in my chest. Powerful. This guy is genius.

[@wamr-o7r]

Thank you for the bitter knowledge
Guardian angels who left me stranded
It was worth it, feeling abandoned
Makes one hardened but what has happened to love
You got me writing lyrics on postcards
Then in the evening looking at the stars
But the brightest of the planets is Mars
Then what has happened to love
So I will opt for the big white limo
Vanity fairgrounds and rebel angels
You can't be trusted with feathers so hollow
Your heaven's inventions, steel eyed vampires of love
You see over me, I'll never know
What you have shown to other eyes
Go or go ahead and surprise me
Say you've lead the way to a mirage
Go or go ahead and just try me
Nowhere's now here smelling of junipers
Fell off the hay bales, I'm over the rainbows
But oh Medusa kiss me and crucify
This unholy notion of the mythic power of love
Look in her eyes, look in her eyes
Forget about the ones that are crying
Look in her eyes, look in her eyes
Forget about the ones that are crying
Go or go ahead

[@happyviewer4872]

I cry every time I hear this.

[@ivanrianne]

It's 2021 and I'm here, reminiscing of my uni days back in 2010. This song is gem- pure emotion!

[@cherylbrown8813]

Genius is exactly the right word.

[@waynebrasler]

Rufus, how can we all thank you for this music? I'm a 67-year-old fan who has awful things happen to me over the past 12 years. I've lost everyone I've loved to terrible deaths. It's like the world has vanished. But then last month I stumbled onto your music, totally out of the blue, and I feel so blessed. You speak to eternal truths with such depth, such honesty, such insight and such beauty. God bless you for being you. I feel I can breathe again.

[@mywildireland9083]

beautiful words Wayne. I am sorry for your loss. Rufus brings me words during pain and at night when no other siren can . Caves and mountains darkness and hurt his music shines through. I have played this one regularly in times of sadness and total joy. in fact this song is total joy and triumph

[@mae6543]

I can relate, love. So glad you found him. He’s gotten me through some profoundly emotional times. God bless you!

[@christigrace9811]

Feel that

[@Wicked583]

This is my favorite Rufus song, and perhaps one of my favorite songs ever. Really wish it would come back to the live setting. It's criminal to shelf this song.

[@earthquakefish]

I don't think he's comfortable performing it any more. Many have those moments of life, and the power of this song is in it's emotion and honesty, where we can't entirely revisit.

[@Wicked583]

@@earthquakefish Definitely makes sense. I just wish it wasn't the case.

[@meganmillard4870]

@@Wicked583 he is doing a retrospective right now - singing albums cover to cover in his living room- he performing Want 1 this week! Check out his instagram / website. First two album play throughs have been amazing!

[@meganmillard4870]

Not the same as a true live setting, but as close as we will get at this point :)

[@marcussheather-burton2662]

@@meganmillard4870 ua-cam.com/video/y2xxa69gr94/v-deo.html

[@jmerc452]

The movie Handsome Devil brought me here. Awesome song!

[@lucasb2602]

J Merc same, its a Great last scene

[@samsinger7303]

Me too🔥🔥

[@vandrade1442]

Same here

[@timsarai]

This, in my opinion, is the single greatest song ever written. The lyrics are absolutely genius, the melody is beautiful and the way it crescendos into the penultimate phrase and then decrescendos. Absolute masterpiece!

[@kimgarcia5707]

agreed !!

[@KellyCoffey]

Yes.

[@pamelashrimpton7663]

Agree 100% 🩷

[@LeanneCameron68]

Brilliant music ❤

[@shiosai71]

Indeed!!!

[@fiveshorts]

The irony. I spent hours looking through the Radiohead catalog because I was CONVINCED it had to be them. How stunning and poignant this work of art is.

[@lizziehan1978]

fiveshorts Omg I thought this was Radiohead too

[@cazzigoldfishxx]

fiveshorts omg now that you say this it really does sound like it would be their song

[@earthquakefish]

Thom Yorke isn't capable of this and I do respect him and Radiohead as artists. Too much honest confession going on and emotion.

[@luisricardo13]

I thought it was Radiohead too. 🤣

[@seans.383]

they do have similar voices

[@Villasenormelissa]

great song. i love the "look in her eyes" part.

[@brunofaetten894]

Me too! Was already looking forward to it when he started his crystal meth story. Hey, why hasn't Rufus been host+musical guest on SNL? He'd be perfect! If you're still checking back here for replies, pass it on!
Crazy thing is: I was literally just about to watch last night's SNL, and just had to watch this Rufus Wainwright clip that popped up, so I did a bit of a double take when I saw this comment :-)
What I was going to post before that was
This is such a great song, and that "look in her eyes" part is real goosebump stuff. Went and got the "Want 1" CD immediately after seeing RW on Letterman, and then got the "All I Want" DVD when that came out - where I think this performance was on the bonus disc? It's an awesome performance with the big band, and I must admit I felt *slightly* cheated when I later saw him live with just a four-piece band. Got me an autographed "Want 2", though, so it was a good night all told. I just have a particular fondness for the grandiose arrangements, with backing singers and the whole deal.
I like lots of what he's done since (very much including the latest one - go check it out everyone!) but "Want 1" is still my go-to Rufus record. It's got a lot of the tender, croonery stuff, but it's also got some honest-to-god Epic Rock energy to it, like U2 meets Queen or something. Maybe "Gay Meat Loaf"? No, that sounds disgusting and bigoted. But songs like this, "Beautiful Child", "14th Street" and "I Don't Know Where It Is" have a certain kind of bombastic swagger that I haven't really heard enough of on the subsequent albums.
Anyway, if your're still reading this, Melissa*, I'm going to watch the latest SNL now, and I'm looking forward to seeing you share the screen with mad billionaire spaceman Elon Musk. :-)
* I obviously presume not, as I'm responding to a comment from 12 years ago. In fact I'd be mortified if she were. Nevertheless, the odd coincidence of having SNL cued up and her naming my favourite bit of the song, combined with the great music I hadn't heard in a while, just inspired me to ramble a bit. Does that make me a stalker now? I guess that's for the courts to decide, but I'm taking my chances.

[@MST785]

That break is insanely good. You can tell he studied opera just from that weird-ass chord change.

[@CrystalJupiter]

My favorite song of Rufus'.
It just conveys his emotions and struggles in a way I've never heard any other lyricist describe.
His words are poetry. Seriously.

[@amylesniak4327]

Perfectly stated

[@drazlet]

Only just discovering him, thank god. It’s one of those songs you feel grateful to be alive to hear.

[@marcushusher]

Ned and Connor! Best Bromance ❤️ #HandsomeDevil

[@user-bq4xk2yh6i]

bromance?? BROMANCE?? honey they gayyyy

[@genzinha2]

they're gay but i think they're not in love with each other, it's just friendship

[@TheGrifdail]

​@@genzinha2 Actualy, it's never confirmed that ned is gay too.

[@achernarleo7462]

Grifdail he’s stated that he was gay in the movie like in the beginning.

[@ventisette.]

@@TheGrifdail I was in that movie, he’s 100% gay

[@HpHH83]

I have always loved this song, had a terrifying reaction to meth last Friday and almost died... Scariest moment of my life without a doubt, sobered me right up... This song gained more meaning since then. Don't try it if you haven't and try to stop if you have... Your life means too much...peace

[@77bovi]

be well Mike

[@rickahrens5994]

Hope all is better with you Mike.😄👍👊💯

[@wroot1]

Stop taking meth

[@gabriel-kg8kz]

hope you’re doing well mike

[@dafyddil]

Rufus brought me here 😉

[@DialovesBono]

Labored my son in an amazing home birth to this song. One of my best memories is my husband and I singing this to each other as I made way for our baby. Love Rufus. Love this tune.

[@lobsterrock4570]

what a beautiful story!

[@kanishkk6531]

Dia, You've got to be full of love to listen to this while you labored your son. Hope the little prince absorbed it on his way into this world and hope he is full of love and life....

[@donniebobb74]

that's interesting choices!

[@hiagolace]

the movie 'Handsome Devil' brought me here ! 😝

[@tylerh2429]

I love him so much. This song is too good for me not to play full blast on my headphones and get lost in it.

[@swifttodeath]

This song has became one of my favorite songs ever. Forever grateful that it was featured on Handsome Devil it was amazingly used I was cheering and nearly crying LOL

[@Free-uw4jl]

Probably Rufus Wainwright's best work. What a fantastic rendition!

[@worldismyashtray]

In my opinion, his best song. Strong voice supporting equally emotional lyrical content. This and 14th Street are the stars of Want One.

[@haikushack]

Rufus Wainwright never ceases to amaze me. He is an alien in the current mainstream music scene.

[@tbaumgar1]

Is he popular now? Finally!! I jumped on board in 2001 and always hoped it would happen for him.

[@haikushack]

Trent Baumgart I don't know if he is popular, but I have enjoyed his music for almost 10 years now.

[@poppyseed890]

unfortunately not very popular yet (only indie-scale popular ;-)....but soon his new album is coming out....hopefully it's gonna be successful!

[@claumouz]

@@tbaumgar1 I really don't know if he's as popular as he deserves. I'm from Argentina and discovered him in 2018 (he performed in Buenos Aires in 2013 and 2016 and I didn't know about him...shame on me!). Since then, I'm his inconditional fan. Can't stop listening to him and his marvellous songs. And in 2021 his voice is better than ever. His virtual retrospective is awesome!

[@PornorifficGirl]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in my life. I can barely listen to it without crying. It's really a sad song if you listen. But I adore Rufus anyway so I suppose I am partial. I also love "Barcelona" and his version of "Agnus Dei" Ahhhh Rufus we love you!!

[@philliproduta7131]

Currently on a family road trip. Driving from his Houston to Florida to take the wife and kids to Disney. I hadn't heard this song in years... i don't know why I started humming it... I forgot how good this song was!

[@theatercub]

The song (and the arrangement) leaves me speechless. It is perfect and heartbreaking and somber and celebratory all at once. If there were a Pulitzer Prize for songs, this would have won it.

[@rafaelbarker1]

I can't handle it. This is such a beautiful performance.

[@martinbrown8639]

This performance is off the scale of brilliance!

[@scottrindal7859]

My favourite song by Rufus I think. And this is a live version ?!?!?! Wow
The song just builds and builds in power till you think you will explode.
Though his April Fools Day with Martha (Irish TV) is a close second favourite.

[@jimnorris1547]

So amazing. My favourite song ever. When I saw it live, I almost cried.

[@andrewtrencisoenciso1550]

HANDSOME DEVIL 2020 increíble melodia y hermosa voz. 😍😍😍

[@caricatureparty]

This song has such a great climax, but I just think it has such a beautiful build up too.

[@joni--bologna]

This is one of my very favorite songs in the whole world. yup.

[@whoareyou1332]

I love this song, but hearing it live...mind...blown. What an absolutely EPIC vocal performance!

[@gorgeous64ify]

I don’t know if there’s any dance music heads here but Kaskade did a wonderful job remixing this 😁

[@xxtokyoxx8394]

He really did. I love this song so damn much. It just relates to me on a way i’ll never be able to conceptualize.

[@appleseed2613]

Why is not the audience on their feet with this?

[@ciara7837]

currently watching this alone in my bedroom instead of being at his concert tonight in vancouver. such is life

[@LB-bo7tf]

If you ask me, the quality of this song is insane.

[@saturn3849]

It’s been stuck on my mind like a drug

[@maryomango]

this performance is better than his studio version
Elton John encouraged him to go to rehab.
This song is basically telling us that: everyone needs support.
I love this song dearly
Thanks for this bitter knowlege Rufus!

[@peterdevita6308]

HANDSOME DEVIL, the gay themed/rugby/ Prep School film brought me here as well and this song is so appropriate to the entire theme of the film with problems we must face head on.

[@SilmarilSam]

I love this song, especially this particular recording of it ... since it's not a studio recording, it's a little more raw and suits the song so well!

[@c_farther5208]

He's got that humor about him. Love his music and voice, what a talent.

[@wendyeisenberg925]

Dear Rufus- thank you for coming to St.Louis. We are all excited for your concert here.

[@FNTM3rd]

one of the most emotionally powerful songs EVER written...

[@smallfan13]

I am here cuz Handsome Devil

[@davidcahill2969]

Me too. god damn great movie and song

[@TheRedbulls1]

Saw rufus live in strathpeffer Scotland on Friday night , solo set . Unbelievable what a talent his voice just takes you on a journey 😊

[@LucasPenido]

Why does my eyes start sweating every time I hear this? 🥹😭😭😭😭 Thank You Rufus. Just thank YOU!

[@pbc3396]

Mr Wainwright is exactly what the world needs

[@mickoco09]

Dopes hollerin' when he said it was after a 3 day crystal meth binge..

[@oneminutefixed5003]

What a stellar performance, godDam!

[@pamelashrimpton7663]

Rufus this is my #1 favorite song of ever 🩷

[@andrewremon98]

So powerfu. I really loved this song, because is a desperate claim for help because he is just about to give up and he's looking for two: the angels or medusa, so he's demanding them to go or go ahead and help/kill him. But at the end he is asking to be saved by his angels and surprise him with a beautiful life he can witness with his eyes. I LOVE THIS SONG.

[@enz111]

Handsome Devil that always makes me cry 😭🏟️🏉

[@Jamay235]

I just cry everytime... One of the songs of all time....

[@TheVeganGayChefs]

How could anyone not love his music? I watched him live a few months ago (finally). Wow.

[@pamjoseph6705]

Rufus your amazing I’m sooo glad you’re found your way back to show us who you really are ,the world would be a very sad place without you, voice of an angel and handsome,what more could we ask for 💕💕💕

[@leemorejacqueline]

one of the most beautiful, real, raw songs ever written. instant heart pangs ❣️

[@emilcearbo339]

C'EST MAGNIFIQUE,RUFUS QUEDE IMPACTADA DE TU VOZ CELESTIAL.

[@patriciawhite4850]

This is one of my favorite Rufus song. So thankful the guardian angels saved Rufus for us in the world. Hopefully, he will continue to pay it forward for the remainder of his life. 🥰

[@johnguy152]

I love this song so much and was worried that it might not work live. But i was wrong. It's so much more destabilized and destructive-sounding, and it's so powerful but in a different way from the studio version, which is a lot cleaner. This version really highlights the destructive side of the song, and I must say I am blown away.

[@barbf.5985]

Doesn't get any better than this performance!

[@Jacqui805]

I get goosebumps every time I hear this.

[@jacoboalzate7651]

This song is a masterpiece

[@DebraPenberthy]

Rufus breaks my heart every time!

[@helenfelton2845]

Starting song on first hearing;layers of meaning become obvious later.Backwards tape loop?Those haunting Martha harmonies.What a song ❤️

[@Tepenahs]

I was in the gym tonight and this came in shuffle. It took a minute to remember it but I damn near started crying right in the middle of the gym. I couldn’t turn it off. This song brings out so much emotion - not only the lyrics but the way it sounds. Incredible.

[@simplesi6]

Seen his current tour three times, and each time he was amazing, this song is simply breathtaking! Love the guy!

[@francinegray9383]

Holy Crap! Just when I thought I heard everything ..... just beautful, Ru.

[@jessewiedinmyer]

Some of us have been there. And by there, I mean on Folsom street after a three day binge. First time I saw the video, I wanted to applaud his honesty.

[@badabeam]

This song brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. What a truly awesome, beautiful gift it is. Words fail.

[@brewster71]

What an incredible, incredible song. I remember getting this album and traveling to Vermont from Cape Cod in December. On the way home, while this was playing, at the really intense part at the end "Go or go ahead and surprise me", I slid on some ice on the highway and totaled the car.
This is one of the top 20 songs of all time.

[@AmyEyrie]

A stunning work of poetic beauty.

[@tarasynfae]

One of my favourites of Rufus! Listen to it every day! But then, I listen to most of his songs every day! Will never tire of his music! So talented and beautiful! LOVE RUFUS!!!

[@viniciussampaio9576]

Uma das melhores músicas que já ouvir internacional. VINÍCIUS BRASIL

[@rainhamareginamills977]

Eu também amo essa música

[@user-hi8fs1wq1f]

Rufus is the best vocalist and melodist alive today. Orchestration! How perfectly tuned the frequencies are! Auffffff!!!! That's 7 years in the playlist. ♥️ from Russia

[@catalinabusla1151]

Every Rufus Song Is MASTERPIECE! This Is a Masterpiece💓

[@crazycatlady2006]

Rufus is one of the most talented artists I can think of. Live music is so often a dissappointement. It is rare that a performer sounds this great live. WTG Rufus. Now sing us some new stuff!

[@rockfrog2]

This song is so beautiful.Kills me every time.

[@realskywalker]

This guy is not only a great singer.
I've seen him twice in Portugal and even got to meet him.
He's the best entertainer i've ever seen.
Go Rufus!

[@alastairmcleod3635]

Beast of a song

[@tomgerhardt5428]

Handsome Devil!

[@ladyix]

Thank you Rufus for such beauty. This song gets me every time I hear it. The message was thoughtful too.

[@shahirman1551]

I want more song like this

[@MadliR]

Just adore this song!

[@emilcearbo339]

Debo no registrar ese comentario por mi nueva disposicion de animo que me merece mi amigo go Manuel Cruzate.Mi nuevo y sorprendente amigo Manuel Cruzate.😂❤.

[@wenzelgru8355]

oh, mein gott! was für eine stimme! wunderbarer song. genau das richtige für meine stimmung. marie (wenzels mama)

[@taratimbs]

if i had to listen to only one song for the rest of my life, this could very well be it.

[@doubletakelook]

Rufus is one of those few artists who can bring a range of generations to fall in love with him and his work. This song gives me goosebumps everytime -Thank you Rufus!

[@thomasgatrell2519]

Hard to follow this , extremely amazing lyrics to die for from one of the worlds top musicians. So good to catch up with Rufus here after a long stretch of mediocre music in the worlds' music industry. I honestly don't think that we will ever see the likes of this guy again in our lifetimes..I sadly regret the loss of my hero Scott Walker but thanks to u tube we can all catch up with the Wainrights and the Scott Walkers of this world that truly give and have always given superb top class music. This song always brings a lump to my throat as indeed so does 'Joanna' from my early hero , Scott Walker

[@theamazingt4r468]

I love you Rufus. I just can't make sense of the company you keep. You are an Angel among demons.

[@BathroomWindowGirl]

Amazing song. One of my favourites. The increasing intensity is... I don't know. I can't put it in words. Brilliant!

[@acbenepe]

I was just trying to strum along and figure out this song and a tear drop hit my hand.

[@aschm32186]

Angels never left your side Rufus ...They just made you a better singer :)

[@zmlichova]

so emotional. luv this song!!go rufus!!!

[@SpikeWorsley]

What a song, so many musical highs. A total joy to the old ears of 50 year old ex hippy!!!

[@jelicajelica]

I discovered Rufus through UA-cam by chance 10 days ago, got so impressed with his music and I'm going to see him in concert in 12 days :-) He is amazing artist! I can simply say BRAVO! I wish world could have more people like him.

[@jonasholmvall]

Love this song. Listens to it often. I think this performance is better then on hes cd even.

[@oldnic666]

Phenomenal, what a beautiful song and superb live performance, simply not enough superlatives to use!

[@heahae7329]

최고네요 눈물이 납니다…너무 아름답다구요ㅠㅠㅠㅠ..어떻게 이런 무대가 다 있지

[@motheroftears3608]

2018 and handsome devil?

[@user-eu9ht5me5j]

2019 and handsome devil

[@rice2751]

2020 and handsome devil

[@tinmiloutin]

Montréal est fière de Rufus, son fils! Cette chanson m'a toujours transporté dans un monde meilleur, merci Rufus!

[@Luisabarros7]

My favourite song...ever? Not sure, but one of the most beautiful, uplifting songs I´ve ever heard. There´s something very spiritual about it, but maybe that´s just the way I interpret the lyrics (and the soaring refrain). Thanks, Rufus!