This is my favorite version of the song. The inherent sarcasm of the song, basically calling a spade plays out perfectly in Rufus's rendition... Speaks volumes, especially in our current age of political, social and economic piracy. Love it. Good job Mr. Wainright.
By the way, Leonard Cohen himself loves Rufus's interpretation, also saying the Wainwrights have brought his work back to life. As for ' gayness' even being mentioned...talent is talent, regardless.
and hate is hate. and hate can't survive love. gay bashers are losers. remember mixed race haters, women working haters, irish haters. and so it goes; everybody knows.
I'm still torn on Rufus' singing on this song, but I love the style he chose for it. Cohen's version was dark and brooding; Rufus' takes it in a more fun direction like a boozy, nihilistic cabaret singer.
This man, Leonard Cohen is a gentleman and his way, his persona, his aura scream at you in a sencible gentle way. You Rufus are great to take a son that this man"pray" (does not sing) and still in your own stile deliver so a good interpretation is great. Now I love Cohen and you Rufus!!!!! Genial. Bravo!!!!!
So many derogatory comments concerning Wainwright's cover! It's different - it's an interpretation and a cover that doesn't attempt to sound exactly like the original. For those wanting the gravitas and the particular Cohen feeling of the original song, then listen to the original song.......just a thought.
Wow, I think he had fun with that! :) Rufus has such a talent for making Cohen's songs his own, while still staying true to their essence. What a fab combination of artists.
Hello~Rufus Wainwright is the subject of this video!!! He is a genius and this is another wonderful vid featuring him. I hate all the homophobia on the comments here. If you hate gays so much, WHY are you watching this?! He has no reason or need to cater to you and act any certain way for you. Please go watch/comment on deer hunting,NRA, or something! Leave room here for his fans, honey. Thankx for posting this. I'm a new fan and love it.
How sweet Rufus got to watch Leonard regurgitate and feed a baby bird AND play music! Wow Rufus how wonderful (and enlightening for you) thanks so much for sharing! XO
I just recently watched the Leonard Cohen movie 2 nights ago! I LOVED IT! aaand I LOOOOOOOOVE RUFUS!!!!!! He is so f****cking adorable! "he is a snappy dresser"
He is a great singer.....gives to me great pleasure to hear him and what his sexual preference is, is just as NON INTERESTING as of all those who read and post here. It's a personal thing So lets keep it to the music that's only what matters, enjoy. I am a dad of 4 kids and woman are whom I adore
Whether Rufus realized it or not at the time, there's a lot of Garland in both the vocal and the presentation. When his mother and sister are on stage with him, Rufus seems to get a special glow. The combination of his tremendous originality and uniqueness and his obvious pleasure in family constitutes a remarkable duality I can't think of in another artist. This performance is just terrific and just more time I'm discovering a new facet in an artist with, evidently, unlimited capabilities.
@juventusinvinsibleII - I'm glad didn't see the "gay" comments -- as if that has ANYTHING to do with someone's ability to be an incredible person / performer / human being. One day this world will hopefully grow up and no one will be put into a box or category...I hope. Maybe in my lifetime, that sure would be nice... EXCELLENT VERSION! LOVE IT!
Both him and his sister are what singers should be! It is an incredible feeling to see such feeling in a song. Really, just turn off the sound, look at them, and you'll still be able to feel what they're feeling.
I am not 'gay' ;-) but this is perfect entertainment ! love your performance and musicality. just great. If i had such a voice, man oh man, i would give up my Telecaster.
The manis an extremely compassionate singer/ composer/ songwriter.He sigs this song in cabaret/ campy style. I'm pissed that I was unable to see him in A>C> last night , because of blizzard Nemo I had tickets but my son didn't want to drive in the snow' so I'm sitting here watching as many live Rufus performances as possible.
I love Rufus Wainwright's music or cover of other talents like Leonard Coen or Judy Garland. This is an awsome clip thank you for posting this. As long as he is happy that is all that matters. What does it matter if he is gay or straight. Just listen to his music.
dear michael 7700, well, if you are so disturbed by his rendition of this song than do not be such a masochist and move on and let us enjoy it. After all the world is infinite and there are plenty of people like me who loves rufus rendition. Peace!
Don henley did a cover of this song on his actual miles cd, it was the first time i had heard the song in many years and all I remebered aboutthe song was this guy with a deep voice singing the song didnt know who sang it, now I know, Don Henleys cover is great btw.
Leonard was feeding sausage to the baby birds? Well... that's a evolutinary breakdown. If I ever get eaten by a flock of birds, I know whos name to curse :D btw, amazing cover.
