I Don't Know What It Is

Rufus Wainwright

About I Don't Know What It Is

"I Don't Know What It Is" is a song written and performed by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. It was the first single from Wainwright's third studio album Want One and was released in a slim-line jewel case format on July 26, 2004. In addition to the UK and Japanese versions of Want One, the song also appears on the bonus DVD that accompanies Want Two (Rufus Wainwright: Live at the Fillmore), All I Want (DVD), and Want, a repackaged UK double album that contains Want One and Want Two.  


Year:
2003
4:51
170 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

I don't know what it is
But you got to do it
I don't know where to go
But you got to be there
I don't know where to fall
But I know that it's comfortable where
I don't know where it is
Putting all of my time in learning to care
And a bucket of rhymes I threw up somewhere

Want a locket of who made me lose
My perfunctory view of all that is around
And of all that I do
So I knock on the door, take a step that is new

Never been here before
Is there anyone else who's too
In love with beauty
Playing all of the games
And thinks three's company

Is there anyone else who has slightly mysterious bruises
I don't know what it is
Sick of looking around at friendly faces

All declaring a war on far off places
Is there anyone else who is through
With complaining about what's been done unto us

So I knock on the door
And I am on a train
Going god knows where to
To get me over, to get me over

Get me heaven or hell, Calais or Dover
I was hoping the train was my big number
Taking the Santa Fe and the Atchison Topeka
But we're chugging along, Dunaway by the crossing

And could be heading for Poland or limbo or Lower Manhattan
Find myself running around
I don't know what it is
To get me over

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Rufus Wainwright

Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright (born July 22, 1973) is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter and composer. He has recorded seven albums of original music and numerous tracks on compilations and film soundtracks. He has also written a classical opera and set Shakespeare sonnets to music for a theater piece by Robert Wilson. more »

2 fans

Written by: Rufus Wainwright

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Identity
"I Don't Know What It Is" is a single released by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, picked from his third studio album, "Want One."
Album Information
"Want One" was released on 2003 under the DreamWorks label. "I Don't Know What It Is" is the lead single from the album.
Track Duration
The song features a relatively long duration for a pop tune, running a total length of 4 minutes and 51 seconds.
Genres
Rufus Wainwright's music, including the song "I Don't Know What It Is," is generally classified in the pop and baroque-pop genres, with elements of opera, cabaret, and singer-songwriter influences.
Composer and Lyricist
Wainwright is the sole composer and lyricist of "I Don't Know What It Is," reflecting his role as an accomplished songwriter.
Music Video Director
The music video for the song was directed by acclaimed Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund, who is also known for his videos for popular artists such as Madonna and Lady Gaga.
Comments on The song
Wainwright once stated publicly that "I Don't Know What It Is" had been difficult to write due to its dynamic range and intricate storyline.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 74 on the UK Singles Chart, making it one of Wainwright's most successful singles in the United Kingdom.
Live Performances
Rufus Wainwright included "I Don't Know What It Is" as part of the setlist during his international tour in 2004 and it has been performed at his live concerts around the world.
Lyrics Theme
"I Don't Know What It Is" is notable for its symbolic and introspective lyrics that explore themes of confusion, desire, and a search for understanding.
Musical Style
The song is a blend of piano-driven melodies, orchestral layers, and Rufus's distinctive vocal style, which showcases a wide range of emotional depth throughout the track.

Discuss the I Don't Know What It Is Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "I Don't Know What It Is Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6461888/Rufus+Wainwright/I+Don%27t+Know+What+It+Is>.

    Missing lyrics by Rufus Wainwright?

    Know any other songs by Rufus Wainwright? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I Don't Know What It Is

    11,399
    118     6

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    There once was a ship that put to sea; The name of the ship was the ___________.
    A Billy O' Tea
    B Holly O'Pea
    C Silly O'Sea
    D Willy O'Sea

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Rufus Wainwright's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Rufus Wainwright tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!