Sonnet 29

Song Meaning

Rufus Wainwright's choice to set Shakespeare's "Sonnet 29" to music isn't merely an exercise in classical appropriation; it's a deeply personal articulation of despair and redemption. The sonnet, a raw expression of self-loathing and envy, finds a contemporary voice through Wainwright's interpretation. The opening lines paint a portrait of utter dejection—"When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes / I all alone beweep my outcast state." This isn't just sadness; it's a profound sense of being abandoned by both fate and society, a sentiment that resonates powerfully in a world obsessed with external validation. The 'bootless cries' suggest a futile attempt to connect with a higher power, a feeling of isolation amplified by unanswered prayers. Wainwright, known for his operatic flair and emotional honesty, taps into this vein of vulnerability, making the centuries-old words feel startlingly new. The heart of the sonnet, and Wainwright's rendition, lies in the transformative power of love. The shift from self-pity to soaring joy is palpable: "Haply I think on thee, and then my state / (Like to the lark at break of day arising / From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate." This isn't a gradual change; it's an instantaneous uplift, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the memory of love can pull us from the depths. The image of the lark, rising from the 'sullen earth' to sing at 'heaven's gate,' is a powerful metaphor for the soul's capacity for renewal. It suggests that love isn't just a pleasant emotion; it's a force that can transcend despair and connect us to something larger than ourselves. Ultimately, "Sonnet 29," as interpreted by Wainwright, is a testament to the enduring power of human connection. The closing couplet – "For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings" – underscores this idea. The speaker, once consumed by envy and self-doubt, now finds contentment and even a sense of superiority in the face of royalty. This isn't about material wealth or status; it's about the immeasurable value of love. Wainwright's musicality amplifies this sentiment, transforming a classic poem into a deeply moving exploration of the human condition, reminding us that love, in its purest form, is the greatest wealth of all.