Oh What a World
Rufus Wainwright
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Men reading fashion magazines Oh what a world it seems we live in Straight men, oh what a world we live in Why am I always on a plane or a fast train Oh what a world my parents gave me Always traveling but not in love Still I think I'm doing fine "Life is Beautiful" on the New York Times
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Written by: Maurice Joseph Ravel, Rufus Wainwright
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Background"Oh What a World" is a track from the fourth studio album, "Want One," by Rufus Wainwright, a Canadian-American singer and songwriter.
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Inspiration & CompositionThe song was inspired by Wainwright's experiences and observations about the world translated through his melodramatic pop opera style.
- Wainwright combined elements of opera with a pop sound to create "Oh What a World," integrating orchestral elements such as horns and strings.
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Unique AspectThe composition incorporates the theme from "Ravel's Boléro" in its opening, which bleeds into the remainder of the song, thus creating a unique operatic pop experience.
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Album Information"Want One," the album featuring "Oh What a World," was released in 2003 and produced by Marius de Vries, who had worked with artists like Madonna and David Bowie. The album was well received and charted in multiple countries.
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Song ContextSome interpret the track as a commentary on material culture and the state of the world. Others believe it reflects Wainwright's personal narrative, which includes his experiences with addiction.
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Critical AcclaimCritics often highlight the theatricality and grandeur of "Oh What a World," praising Wainwright's use of classical instrumentation and innovative arrangements.
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Live PerformancesWhen performed live, "Oh What a World" routinely exhibits a sense of sequence and orchestration, as complete with Wainwright's emotive power on stage, often matched with elaborate sets.
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Award NominationsRufus Wainwright's album, "Want One," including the song "Oh What a World," received a nomination for a Juno Award in Canada, further affirming its significance within Wainwright's discography.
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Personal MeditationWainwright has mentioned in interviews that this song was a personal meditation on the complex beauty and irony of life, reflecting his attitudes towards the rush of life.
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Vinyl ReleaseIn 2020, a limited-edition, double-LP vinyl of "Want One" was released to commemorate the album's 17th anniversary, bringing songs like "Oh What a World" back into the spotlight.
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