Farewell (Sonnet 87)

Song Meaning

Rufus Wainwright's "Farewell (Sonnet 87)" isn't just a song; it's a masterclass in self-aware heartbreak, draped in Shakespearean eloquence. Wainwright, known for his operatic flair and emotionally intelligent songwriting, takes Sonnet 87 and transforms it into a modern lament. The core of the song meaning lies in its exploration of unworthiness and the painful realization that love, in its purest form, cannot be coerced or clung to when the giver's heart has shifted. It's a farewell not born of anger or betrayal, but of a crushing understanding of one's own perceived inadequacies. The singer recognizes they are "too dear" for his "possessing," acknowledging an imbalance of worth. It's a brutal, honest self-assessment rarely heard in contemporary pop music. The lyrics analysis reveals a speaker wrestling with the idea that the beloved's initial affection was perhaps a mistake, a "misprision" corrected by "better judgment." Wainwright doesn't wallow in self-pity; he elevates the sentiment with the sheer beauty of the language. The lines about holding the beloved only by their "granting" and lacking the "deserving" for such "riches" underscore a deep-seated insecurity. This isn't just about romantic love; it touches on themes of self-worth, artistic merit, and the fear of being exposed as a fraud. The "patent" that is "swerving" back speaks to a loss of privilege, a revocation of a cherished status. The dreamlike quality further emphasizes the fragile nature of the relationship, comparing it to a fleeting fantasy where the singer briefly reigns as a "king," only to be humbled upon awakening. The genius of Wainwright's interpretation is how he captures the sonnet's inherent vulnerability. It's not simply a recitation; it's a performance of profound emotional complexity. The song becomes a meditation on the ephemeral nature of love and the humbling experience of recognizing one's own limitations. Ultimately, "Farewell (Sonnet 87)" is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the greatest act of love is letting go, even when it means confronting our deepest fears of inadequacy. It's a song that lingers long after the final note fades, leaving the listener contemplating the delicate balance between deserving and desiring.