Pretty Things

Album: Want One (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Wainwright wrote this solo piano composition in the German song form of "Lieder." The composer Schubert, who is one of Rufus' biggest influences, wrote hundreds of Lieders, or "Lieds." Says Wainwright: "Someone said there's more beauty and expression in two bars of a Schubert Lieder than in a 4-hour Opera." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Chris - Philadelphia, PA
  • Running 2:38, this song lyrically is an expression of Wainwrights love for beauty, the "pretty things" that are all around us. It's not clear who he is addressing in the song, but the Want One album deals with a number of his relationships as he confronts his demons.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.