Song Meaning
Rufus Wainwright's musical interpretation of Shakespeare's Sonnet 29, "When in Disgrace with Fortune and Men's Eyes," isn't merely a recitation; it's a psychological excavation. Wainwright, an artist known for his operatic flair and emotional transparency, doesn't just sing the sonnet; he inhabits its spiraling descent into self-pity and subsequent ascent into gratefulness. The song meaning hinges on the stark contrast between the speaker's initial despair and the transformative power of love. It's a journey from feeling like an outcast, cursing fate and envying the talents and connections of others, to finding solace and even triumph in the remembrance of a beloved. The 'bootless cries' to 'deaf heaven' aren't just words; they're a primal scream of existential angst, familiar to anyone who's felt utterly alone.
The genius of both Shakespeare and Wainwright lies in the economy of emotional expression. The quicksand of self-despair – 'myself almost despising' – is rendered with brutal honesty. This isn't a vague sense of sadness; it's a visceral rejection of the self. But the turning point, the 'haply I think on thee,' is where the song truly takes flight. The image of the lark, 'arising from sullen earth,' isn't just a pretty metaphor; it's a symbol of resilience, of the human spirit's capacity to find joy even in the darkest of times. Wainwright’s melody, no doubt, underscores this shift with a soaring quality that mirrors the lark's ascent.
Ultimately, "When in Disgrace with Fortune and Men's Eyes" is a testament to the redemptive power of love and memory. The final lines, 'For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings,' aren't just a flowery declaration; they're a profound statement about the true source of wealth and happiness. It suggests that genuine connection and love are more valuable than any material possession or social status. Wainwright’s interpretation makes this sonnet not just a relic of the past, but a relevant and deeply moving exploration of the human condition in the present.
