Sonnet 87

Song Meaning

Rufus Wainwright's "Sonnet 87" isn't just a song; it's a masterclass in musical and lyrical interpretation, specifically a bilingual tightrope walk across Shakespeare's original text. Wainwright, ever the theatrical romantic, doesn't simply set the sonnet to music; he inhabits its emotional core, exposing the raw nerve of self-doubt and the painful recognition of unworthiness. The song meaning hinges on this central tension: a lover grappling with the uncomfortable truth that they are, perhaps, outmatched. The opening lines, sung in German ("Lebwohl, du bist zu gut, mein Gut zu sein"), immediately establish a tone of farewell and reverence, acknowledging the other person's inherent superiority. The genius of Wainwright's arrangement lies in its ability to amplify the sonnet's inherent drama. He uses the melody not just to carry the words, but to underscore the speaker's internal conflict. The lyrics analysis reveals a profound sense of inadequacy. The lines "Nur dir verdanke ich, daß ich dich habe / Doch wie verdien ich dieses reiche Glück?" drip with a near-desperate questioning of self-worth. It's a sentiment that resonates far beyond the confines of the sonnet itself, tapping into universal anxieties about love, deservingness, and the fear of losing something precious. Ultimately, "Sonnet 87" becomes a poignant exploration of humility and the bittersweet recognition that sometimes, the greatest act of love is letting go. The closing lines, "Mein warst du nur im Traum: schlief ich bei Nacht / War ich ein König, nichts, wenn ich erwacht," deliver the final blow, solidifying the speaker's acceptance of reality and the painful awareness that their happiness was built on a fleeting illusion. Wainwright's interpretation transforms Shakespeare's words into a deeply personal and resonant lament, a testament to the enduring power of love, loss, and the human condition.