This sort of sounds like he really loved parts of this song, and he's excited to sing it himself. Then there's other parts that just sound like he hates either the song or himself because he sounds very bored. It's strange, and I don't think I'm a fan of this cover.
Great cover! I love his voice. I don't know why people are complaining about it not being "over the top" b/c the original was just as mellow. So stfu and enjoy the music :)
I may be alone in liking the cover better than the original, but...I do. I mean, I love and appreciate the song in the film/show, but there's something about the way Rufus sings it that...makes it more real, if that makes sense.
@kfndrsn I really think it depends on which one you heard first. I probably wouldn't have given Hedwig a chance, but I love Rufus Wainwright, so I listened to this song and was hooked. Covers are supposed to be different interpretations. And this definitely is, and I will always remember this version first when I think of this song.
I was really looking forward to such a respected artist's cover of this, but this is lazy. The scansion especially sounds clumsy and not in an interesting way, as though he never saw the lyrics before attempting to sing it off a karaoke screen. This is disrespectful to the original, in my opinion, and not nearly good enough in its own right to justify that kind of disrespect..
@vanecaptures - What, one of those people who resorts to ad hominim attacks when they can't think of anything constructive to say? Yes, I suppose- oh no wait...
@hutch1979music how is it that an attack, much less an ad hominem? it's a fact. you're one of "those people" who think it's disrespectful to cover a song. which i obviously disagree with.
@vanecaptures - Because you said nothing about the song and gaily swung into presumptive, snide insinuation about me instead. I don't think cover versions are inherently disrespectful and my comment clearly bears that out ('was really looking forward to...', remember?). I just think this slapdash, thoughtless 'interpretation' is directionless at best and possibly even intended to deride the song's heartfelt message - the very-nearly-sneering delivery sounds like a man taking the piss at times.
@hutch1979music There was no personal attack there. It's an observation: the song is a lazy cover. Therefore, this adaptation can be seen as disrespectful. That's pretty simple.
@JyginsGreenBird - Thank you for your contribution, but it seems you've misunderstood the exchange; it was me who said the cover was lazy and disrespectful, only to then be told I was 'one of those people', whatever that sneering bullshit is supposed to mean, and THAT's the personal attack in question. I've made no insulting comments in response ('sneering bullshit' is both fair and non-personal, no?) and will not do so. Thank you for agreeing with my assessment of the song.
Being a huge Rufus fan AND totally obsessed with Hedwig I was absolutely ecstatic to discover that he covered not just a song from my favorite movie, but my FAVORITE song from that movie. So I'm not sure if my expectations were just too high... but I'm beyond disappointed. Oh Rufus, where the heck were you on this one? Your beautiful voice could have done so much with such a beautiful song. Shame. I mean it isn't terrible, it's still Rufus after all. Just not impressed with this one.
.....listen to the song through a pair of your best headphones. When you get to the bridge of the song at 2:30 crank the volume way up and listen.....its a great bridge; Bowie-esque
well... I love some Rufus but this would have been so much better if he had just redone it on piano only. Something sounding more like The Art Teacher. I can't appreciate his vocal with so much electric guitar.
I was beyond excited to hear rufus cover this, loving both Hedwig and Rufus. It's not quite as good as the original. Rufus will always sound like rufus, but not every song needs to sound like rufus. I think it loses something.
I think he could have used a little more feeling on this. Not my fav version but still good. He just seems to sing it kind of care free and it's not a care free song. It's filled with emotion.
wow really? I guess people are really attached to JCM's because of the musical. I heard this version before I heard the Hedwig one and I think this is incomparably better.. but that's also because I'm judging it just as a stand alone song and not within the context of a musical.. I also love Rufus's voice something fierce
Rufus is great but Hedwig belongs to John Cameron Mitchell. The story is just not in this version the way it is in John's original. John bears Hedwig's soul when he sings this song and it's missing here!
I've never heard Rufus sing with such distracting electric guitars in the background. I expected a more stripped down version of the song, because Rufus' voice deserves to be heard above everything else. Good cover though. Love Hedwig of course.
This is truly an amazing cover. I will always like the original version more, but that is only due to the fact that much of the context of this song is missing from the original. Hedwig & the Angry Inch is an amazing film, with great songs. That is where my bias comes from.
That being said, I think that this cover is incredible. Rufus managed to make it his own song. What a talented man.
i'd say that this is a exremely beautiful song. touched by the simple words of a imaginated story.
Rufus's version is the first version i heard, however, i was more move by the original. they both did a great job singing this song! but i believe Rufus could bring it out better than now =)
I love love love rufus wainwright... but i have to say that i don't think it is possible to sing this song better than john cameron mitchell... i really do love his version though! :)
I'd say Poses is a good one to start with too. It's a little morose in places, but very atmospheric. His debut album, Rufus Wainwright, has simpler orchestration, so maybe it doesn't sound as special at first, but the songs are still great. Want One and Want Two are epic and dramatic. They're incredible verging on over the top. In my opinion those first four albums are his best.
@eccentrictomboy --- Cute, but John Cameron Mitchell isn't a crazy, over-the-top transsexual. And I think the song is great and stands on its own, apart from the play / movie. Or were you talking about Wainwright there?
i actually like this song, unlike almost most people, since i'm surprised they seem to really dislike it. i listened to the original, but it didn't..catch me as much as this one.
its probably just my personal opinion or because i heard rufus' version first.
I'm the same. I heard Rufus' version first. I don't have an appreciation to the level that some of these commenters do for the original. It's ok, but I prefer Rufus' over JCM's immensely.
Have you ever listened to anything else Rufus has done? He is his own artist entirely. You may not care for his cover of this song, but I would highly recommend listening to his originals. Some of my favourites are 14th Street, Foolish Love, Natasha, The Art Teacher, and The Tower of Learning.
The pacing of his version didn't work for me. I may be a little prejudiced from the movie version, but I liked parts of this cover. It wasn't similar enough or different enough, if that makes sense. What it did do different struck a bad chord to me.
for all the people who say this version is bad due to prejudice or something..
this version is really nice.. sentimental.. not like the original... in which the singer screams for no reason..try this... take a person who never heard of Hedwig an then ask em to listen to Rufus's version... After that let them listen to the "Original" see the difference
OMFG ive been lookin for this song for years lol i heard it years ago on a vid that someone made for Queer as Folk but they didn't have the song name or who sang it and now ive finally found it. Thank you for posting this xoxo
when people sing a song that someone else already sang before, they tend to change the original song too much. Causing the song to loose its good part.
When a singer sings such song, they should be careful not to damage the song.
I think singers are scared of people saying that the song is just the same song as the original song. But doesn't matter how much the singer twists the song, it is still a copy of the original song.
I think its good that he attempted to cover this amazing song but his rendition leaves a lot to be desired. Shame because I enjoy Wainright sometimes but this time he sounds really rough, definitely not one of his best moments
i agree with ksood1, he does sound drunk. i like rufus but it doesnt come close to the original, it doesnt have the same vunerability to it. it just dragged.
Eh, not that great. I do love his voice, but it seems so... I dunno, dull and lifeless. There are some parts that are better than others, but it's just at a weird tempo and it doesn't really do his voice justice.
while rufus is terribly talented, this is not his song. at all. ever. no offense rufus. the italics only work on this song the proper way...as italics.
I really think Rufus Wainwright sang this song better than anyone else. I like how he makes the words flow. It's such a beautiful song. It tells a really interesting story.
I love Rufus Wainwright but in this song he sounds as if he wouldn't bother to learn the music! He doesn't sing a single line right. Even if he wanted to draw a line between his version and John Cameron Mitchell's, he didn't follow Stephen Trask's music. Was so disappointed by it. Shame cause he's such a good singer and this is a great song.
I am afraid that I have to agree with you 100; while I expected a "Rufas Wainwright" twist on this (utterly beautiful) song, his phrasing lurched and dragged - either speeding through entire phrases or falling far enough behind the music as to be totally distracting. Also, none of the 'highs' and 'lows' of the original, just delivered with a monotone flatness that left me feeling flat as well... pity.
Don't you think that Rufus flatness of tone might be intended..? He plays it on purpose fuelling a certain tension that nevertheless develop into splendid oases of voyels riches.
The song's "theme" is particularly important with Rufus, mind you, the Origin of Love! He seems to adopt a human view in front of the Gods' deeds, full of suppressed rebellion and a sort of laid-back approval because it is, it has happened.
And in the last verse, he is high-pithched again killing any sluggishness idea
I love Rufus and I love this song. I don't like this version as much as the original, but I still like it somewhat. I think after hearing JCM rock this song it's hard to compare it to anyone else.
I'm with you. Why people's need to compare? JCM developed a fantastic and intense interpretation; and Rufus took it his way. And credit Rufus for picking up on it. The sheer selection of the song is a high compliment to JCM and Steven Trask. And I think both versions are 'off the chart' good.
I came to find this video, very excited, but it's just...not his song at all... It doesn't sound like he even sort of believes what he's singing, but when JCM sings it, it really sounds like it's what he believes, he gets very into character, but unfortunately, this just sounds like a lovely voice singing empty words.
I feel the same way ... I love Rufus and his style when it comes to singing...but...compared to the original it loses it's feeling...it has heart but at the same time I don't feel as moved when JCM sang it.
Adore this version. Just went on watching the one from the film and I find this one has much more power. The film version has power to, but if a different sort.
I prefer the musical arrangement on this also, the heavier drums etc.
i've watched both of them and honestly i think they are both well done they are just different. i honestly prefer this one because rufus wainwright has an amazing voice and it doesnt pause much. i just think he sings it very well.
I disagree; i prefer Rufus's singing; though Hedwig does have a great look & presence AND ya gotta LOVE a drag queen singing it; it's genetic poetic justice...but Rufus has the better chops
wanna hear somethin funny? I grew up with a hippie mother; this sorta thing all over the house...and rebelled by "going Christian"...from 7 yrs old right into my 20's...first just to piss my bitchy hippie mother off...it's been a wild ride...cos i also just cannot give the "bible itself" my soul...i belong to Jesus, Buddha AND the Beatles
I find Mythology "interesting"...BUT i believe in ONE god; ONE universe with it's own laws & rooms of chosen existence...i believe in Buddha as strongly as i believe in Jesus...& i think too many humans R trying 2 tell God's story & U CANNOT TELL WHAT U HAVE NOT YET SEEN OR LIVED...THE EARTHLY PLANE is NOT a place where U R CAPABLE of describing GOD...too many people R OBSESSED & insecurity riddled....so they run around telling everyone else what God is all about ...NOT THE JOB OF A HUMAN
What i find fascinating about Paganism versus Christianity is the parallels between what each believes....this echoe's strongly the feelings about human behaviour versus god's will that Christians also express...if only people could realize how much alike their hearts really are...regardless of how the mind chooses to categorize existence itself
LIstening 2 this; i hear Noah's Ark...I hear Adam & Eve ...it's the story of the selfishness of human's versus God's will....LOVE and our inability to live in accordance with it regardless of gender....i believe...regardless of sexual orientation as well...gays are not "inhuman" any more than humans themselves have been for 100's of years and god knows this
Thanks for suggesting this video - the song is a profound abstraction of many beliefs - but it contains a truth - it was a lovely experience so once again thanks for sharing this video.
2:32 still gives me chills, after all these years...
chemica1smi1e 5 days ago
This sort of sounds like he really loved parts of this song, and he's excited to sing it himself. Then there's other parts that just sound like he hates either the song or himself because he sounds very bored. It's strange, and I don't think I'm a fan of this cover.
IdyutKittie11 3 weeks ago
What a disappointment. I love Rufus, but this song may be one of the best songs ever written, and this cover does nothing for it....
AntoinetteSong 1 month ago
Great cover! I love his voice. I don't know why people are complaining about it not being "over the top" b/c the original was just as mellow. So stfu and enjoy the music :)
cantolope94 2 months ago
I thought I was going to love this, but... it's sort of bad, isn't it?
JyginsGreenBird 2 months ago
I may be alone in liking the cover better than the original, but...I do. I mean, I love and appreciate the song in the film/show, but there's something about the way Rufus sings it that...makes it more real, if that makes sense.
kfndrsn 3 months ago 2
@kfndrsn I really think it depends on which one you heard first. I probably wouldn't have given Hedwig a chance, but I love Rufus Wainwright, so I listened to this song and was hooked. Covers are supposed to be different interpretations. And this definitely is, and I will always remember this version first when I think of this song.
yetzer19 2 months ago
Nope!
Lame version!!!
mriuskraft 3 months ago
I was really looking forward to such a respected artist's cover of this, but this is lazy. The scansion especially sounds clumsy and not in an interesting way, as though he never saw the lyrics before attempting to sing it off a karaoke screen. This is disrespectful to the original, in my opinion, and not nearly good enough in its own right to justify that kind of disrespect..
hutch1979music 3 months ago
@hutch1979music "disrespectful"? lol you are one of those people i see
vanecaptures 3 months ago
@vanecaptures - What, one of those people who resorts to ad hominim attacks when they can't think of anything constructive to say? Yes, I suppose- oh no wait...
hutch1979music 3 months ago
@hutch1979music how is it that an attack, much less an ad hominem? it's a fact. you're one of "those people" who think it's disrespectful to cover a song. which i obviously disagree with.
vanecaptures 3 months ago
@vanecaptures - Because you said nothing about the song and gaily swung into presumptive, snide insinuation about me instead. I don't think cover versions are inherently disrespectful and my comment clearly bears that out ('was really looking forward to...', remember?). I just think this slapdash, thoughtless 'interpretation' is directionless at best and possibly even intended to deride the song's heartfelt message - the very-nearly-sneering delivery sounds like a man taking the piss at times.
hutch1979music 3 months ago
@hutch1979music There was no personal attack there. It's an observation: the song is a lazy cover. Therefore, this adaptation can be seen as disrespectful. That's pretty simple.
JyginsGreenBird 2 months ago
@JyginsGreenBird - Thank you for your contribution, but it seems you've misunderstood the exchange; it was me who said the cover was lazy and disrespectful, only to then be told I was 'one of those people', whatever that sneering bullshit is supposed to mean, and THAT's the personal attack in question. I've made no insulting comments in response ('sneering bullshit' is both fair and non-personal, no?) and will not do so. Thank you for agreeing with my assessment of the song.
hutch1979music 2 months ago
@hutch1979music Sorry! I pushed the wrong "reply" button.
JyginsGreenBird 2 months ago
@hutch1979music Actually, I agree. John Cameron Mitchell delivers it with much more conviction. Rufus here feels like he's struggling to give a damn.
Threetails 2 months ago
@hutch1979music You've done a lot of ASSuming in your comments. And the disrespect one was way over the top.
R-E-L-A-X
JustJake57 2 months ago
It's okay, because he's beautiful.
TheGabbaification 3 months ago
He really managed to turn this great song into a Rufus Wainwright song.... and that wasn't a compliment!
morkygorky 4 months ago
Yuck!! Hedwig should be the only one ever to be allowed to sing Origin of Love... Hated it!
toweesha435 4 months ago
<3
xoxosierraxoxoxx 4 months ago
Being a huge Rufus fan AND totally obsessed with Hedwig I was absolutely ecstatic to discover that he covered not just a song from my favorite movie, but my FAVORITE song from that movie. So I'm not sure if my expectations were just too high... but I'm beyond disappointed. Oh Rufus, where the heck were you on this one? Your beautiful voice could have done so much with such a beautiful song. Shame. I mean it isn't terrible, it's still Rufus after all. Just not impressed with this one.
MissTyDye 6 months ago
@MissTyDye Totally!
This "Rufus version" of this Amazing Song, it is Just a Giant Disappointment...
elfomago 6 months ago
@MissTyDye Totally!
This "Rufus version" of this Amazing Song, its just a Giant Disappointment...
elfomago 6 months ago
You completely slaughtered a beautiful song bro.....
I'm a bit curious wtf u were thinking?
Just saying
BigJMoody 8 months ago 2
This is a great song and a terrible cover. Listen to the original.
yiminieyump 9 months ago
.....listen to the song through a pair of your best headphones. When you get to the bridge of the song at 2:30 crank the volume way up and listen.....its a great bridge; Bowie-esque
ReeseMac 11 months ago 8
I LOVE THIS SONG AND I LOVE RUFUS!!
SO GLAD I HEARD THIS COVER FROM HIM!!!
KAROULDI 1 year ago 2
Symposium... Aristophanes dialogue. Lovely.
daytripperarrabal 1 year ago 4
Rufus has such a beautiful voice, he is such a such a strong artist. I love the original version of this song, but this version is great too.
annakitty7 1 year ago 2
i loved a few passages, but the rest is just brutal...
POTTERMUSICALitalia 1 year ago
well... I love some Rufus but this would have been so much better if he had just redone it on piano only. Something sounding more like The Art Teacher. I can't appreciate his vocal with so much electric guitar.
lazyitus 1 year ago 2
i liked the original, but i actually liked this version just as much if not a little bit more. rufus rocks!
Modog34 1 year ago
Love it
liepinshtein 1 year ago
Killed by too many singing lessons. It's not just Rufus trudging through it: the band have none of the edginess of JCM's version in the film.
Joad66 1 year ago
love rufus but now my ears are bleeding...he butchered the song
tevy78 1 year ago
Flat. Fail.
Acheyltus 1 year ago
I do love me some Rufus Wainwright but this was sadly a fail.
felldownonce1 1 year ago 2
this sounds like recitation with occasional song effects..
original has so much more weight to it, meaning, power, emotion, passion.
this is flat. flat line. nothing. disgrace to rufus. i cant believe he did this
Areoplane7 1 year ago
There's no emotion. Is he drunk or something? He's slurring the words. He sounds bored and boring.
blues2oo 1 year ago
@blues2oo -- That's the way he usually sings.
OldDunc 9 months ago
im going to see him in August, sooo excited!!
xXShrinkWrapXx 1 year ago
I was beyond excited to hear rufus cover this, loving both Hedwig and Rufus. It's not quite as good as the original. Rufus will always sound like rufus, but not every song needs to sound like rufus. I think it loses something.
yoddi1 1 year ago
I think he could have used a little more feeling on this. Not my fav version but still good. He just seems to sing it kind of care free and it's not a care free song. It's filled with emotion.
bellanotte2001 1 year ago
wow really? I guess people are really attached to JCM's because of the musical. I heard this version before I heard the Hedwig one and I think this is incomparably better.. but that's also because I'm judging it just as a stand alone song and not within the context of a musical.. I also love Rufus's voice something fierce
all relative I suppose
hlc617 1 year ago
Rufus is great but Hedwig belongs to John Cameron Mitchell. The story is just not in this version the way it is in John's original. John bears Hedwig's soul when he sings this song and it's missing here!
RyJo 1 year ago 2
I like his cover a lot more than the original. He just adds the correct emotions to the song.
evilangel9513 1 year ago
I've never heard Rufus sing with such distracting electric guitars in the background. I expected a more stripped down version of the song, because Rufus' voice deserves to be heard above everything else. Good cover though. Love Hedwig of course.
Co0oCo0oCajo0o 1 year ago
This is a good version but John Cameron Mitchell's is a little bit better.
southernstar0946 1 year ago 2
This is truly an amazing cover. I will always like the original version more, but that is only due to the fact that much of the context of this song is missing from the original. Hedwig & the Angry Inch is an amazing film, with great songs. That is where my bias comes from.
That being said, I think that this cover is incredible. Rufus managed to make it his own song. What a talented man.
FoxbaseTiger 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I'am a Rufus fan 100%, but I prefer the original version totally
edwinpigui 1 year ago
I'am a Rufus fan 100%, but I prefer the original version totally
edwinpigui 1 year ago 3
this fucking sucks. the end.
please leave it to stephen. thanks
ProjectRedfoot 1 year ago
Hes good i really like him but i prefer the original over anything
popper03244 1 year ago
@popper03244
like popper????
marwal74 1 year ago
@marwal74 ?????
popper03244 1 year ago
lovely.
deborahsuewho 1 year ago
Love his phrasing. It's phras-mazing. Did this song much justice!
shawnhollenbach 1 year ago 2
my favourite shower singing song.
TheSydneyVicious 1 year ago
Although I definitely prefer the original, I really like this version.
Very different but very true to the original.
You can definitely feel the emotions in this, and I really like his little twists and the different texture that he gave to this song.
KellyKeratin 2 years ago 3
this version is better. just runs smoother
tris421 2 years ago
i'd say that this is a exremely beautiful song. touched by the simple words of a imaginated story.
Rufus's version is the first version i heard, however, i was more move by the original. they both did a great job singing this song! but i believe Rufus could bring it out better than now =)
dream19910610 2 years ago
It will never be good enough
priangell 2 years ago
I love love love rufus wainwright... but i have to say that i don't think it is possible to sing this song better than john cameron mitchell... i really do love his version though! :)
angalagooska 2 years ago
I've been a fan of Rufus for a long time, but I have to say I prefer the original version of this song from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
bsperry84 2 years ago
whats a good rufus album to start with?
rockdeadrockstars 2 years ago
Poses
thesevenlines 2 years ago
I started with Want One and Release the Stars
robodog777 2 years ago
I'd say Poses is a good one to start with too. It's a little morose in places, but very atmospheric. His debut album, Rufus Wainwright, has simpler orchestration, so maybe it doesn't sound as special at first, but the songs are still great. Want One and Want Two are epic and dramatic. They're incredible verging on over the top. In my opinion those first four albums are his best.
george474747 2 years ago
I really like Rufus Wainright...but this doesn't quite work. Not for me :(
TheEmpress666 2 years ago 2
I have to say that the song misses something when its not performed by a crazy, over-the-top transsexual. Lack of context, I guess.
eccentrictomboy 2 years ago 54
@eccentrictomboy hahaha brilliant
yoddi1 1 year ago
@eccentrictomboy --- Cute, but John Cameron Mitchell isn't a crazy, over-the-top transsexual. And I think the song is great and stands on its own, apart from the play / movie. Or were you talking about Wainwright there?
OldDunc 9 months ago
i actually like this song, unlike almost most people, since i'm surprised they seem to really dislike it. i listened to the original, but it didn't..catch me as much as this one.
its probably just my personal opinion or because i heard rufus' version first.
angeli1720 2 years ago
I'm the same. I heard Rufus' version first. I don't have an appreciation to the level that some of these commenters do for the original. It's ok, but I prefer Rufus' over JCM's immensely.
vanecaptures 2 years ago 3
@vanecaptures have you seen Hedwig and the Angry Inch? that may change your mind... JCM is just amazing in that movie...
WowUrFcknHxC 1 year ago
@WowUrFcknHxC I have and I did enjoy it. I just have an ear for Rufus' voice.
vanecaptures 1 year ago
@angeli1720 I love Rufus... But this cover will never compare to JCM's.
monahurt 1 year ago
*barf*
daninindo 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Omg this sucks.
darknovablast 2 years ago
this version is great, rufus is a great singer, very powerful vocals and has a great musical backround
titanayrum 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
meh. he sounds like he's trying to be bob dylan. :/
vegheadcannibalism 2 years ago
Yeah, totally. Voice kinda ruins the good instruments.
AnarchalPatriarch 2 years ago
Have you ever listened to anything else Rufus has done? He is his own artist entirely. You may not care for his cover of this song, but I would highly recommend listening to his originals. Some of my favourites are 14th Street, Foolish Love, Natasha, The Art Teacher, and The Tower of Learning.
vanecaptures 2 years ago 17
@vegheadcannibalism no he sounds too sober. lol
NYmovieGIRL 5 months ago
The pacing of his version didn't work for me. I may be a little prejudiced from the movie version, but I liked parts of this cover. It wasn't similar enough or different enough, if that makes sense. What it did do different struck a bad chord to me.
zcos 2 years ago 2
That is exactly what I think.
ashproductions 2 years ago
for all the people who say this version is bad due to prejudice or something..
this version is really nice.. sentimental.. not like the original... in which the singer screams for no reason..try this... take a person who never heard of Hedwig an then ask em to listen to Rufus's version... After that let them listen to the "Original" see the difference
fantommotif 2 years ago
The part I have to say is worst is the Zeus Thor part to the part where they'd split, thats where it becomes annoying to listen to.
deathdude650 2 years ago
OMFG ive been lookin for this song for years lol i heard it years ago on a vid that someone made for Queer as Folk but they didn't have the song name or who sang it and now ive finally found it. Thank you for posting this xoxo
Aussiedoll1 2 years ago
I like this version of the song. The tortured tones and phrasing suit the sadness of the lyric. Love the original too.
lontok2006 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
people pay this guy to hear him sing?
trikkelight 2 years ago
Rufus is fucking amazing.
vanecaptures 2 years ago 26
@trikkelight
Also, I don't think anyone pays him to hear himself sing.
EPMChristensen 11 months ago
I like his version of halleljah, but this doesn't have the right rhythm of the original
deathdude650 2 years ago 2
It's a decent cover, It's just sped up vocal wise.
lammydiscos 2 years ago
totally agree. this was very difficult to listen to.
Joely84 2 years ago
love rufus, love hedwig
but this is not a good cover
blarnacles 2 years ago
at points in the song he sounds like bob dylan haah
bloodisthenewblack1 2 years ago
JCM owns this song every time. Rufus is OK, but this isn't a great cover.
Toddsky81 2 years ago
when people sing a song that someone else already sang before, they tend to change the original song too much. Causing the song to loose its good part.
When a singer sings such song, they should be careful not to damage the song.
I think singers are scared of people saying that the song is just the same song as the original song. But doesn't matter how much the singer twists the song, it is still a copy of the original song.
lee850708 2 years ago
I like this version better.
jacobdallen 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Is he singing this with marbles in his mouth?
nydwarf 2 years ago
that is just how he sings lol
miseryscompany 2 years ago
he is eliza friggin doolittle
Kingdomheartygal1001 2 years ago
Dammit why do I listen to covers of songs I love? :/
I'm sure I would have appreciated this if I hadn't heard the original, it's not necessarily a bad song, it's just nothing compared to jcm's version
Deoceres 2 years ago 10
I like this too - if I'd heard it before the original I'd love it, but as it is I just like it. Rufus is awesome though.
Would love to hear Antony and the Johnsons cover this song!
HonestySavesLies 2 years ago 2
I think its good that he attempted to cover this amazing song but his rendition leaves a lot to be desired. Shame because I enjoy Wainright sometimes but this time he sounds really rough, definitely not one of his best moments
steven7393 2 years ago
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Horrid.
Klarthette 2 years ago
jcm sings it better
penischocolate13 2 years ago
i love Rufus... but i prefer the original
empanalgas 2 years ago 3
Original was better, as most are...
tegan71969 3 years ago
amazing, but i think i prefer the original version.
bitternessxbarbie 3 years ago
sometimes it sounds like he is channelling jeff buckley
wonderwallbabiistar 3 years ago
i agree with ksood1, he does sound drunk. i like rufus but it doesnt come close to the original, it doesnt have the same vunerability to it. it just dragged.
skszp 3 years ago 4
I absolutely LOVE this song, Rufus did an amazing job...his voice is soo smooth and beautiful!! Amazing!! =]
hklj9000 3 years ago
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Omg that was awful. Christ, he should be beaten for this.
niftywriterjc 3 years ago
Fuck you man. What a terrible thing to say. If you don't like it, just say that.
vanecaptures 3 years ago
Rufus is way too full of himself. I kind of prefer the original.
whateverfloats 3 years ago
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full of himself?
SebastienCade 2 years ago
That was great Rufus! Thnaks.
Wicchaos 3 years ago
jesus he sounds drunk
ksood1 3 years ago
An amazing, amazing. amazing cover. I love it!
shopgirl157 3 years ago 5
Sorry, great song but this guy mangled it...sounds like a country singer in a heroin stupor. Nothing will beat the movie version
AintNoDevil 3 years ago
hahahhhaa, I agree with ya pal :)
tf4tube 3 years ago
That's his style!
Wicchaos 3 years ago 4
I like JCM's version better. just my opinon.
shampoo150 3 years ago 2
Eh, not that great. I do love his voice, but it seems so... I dunno, dull and lifeless. There are some parts that are better than others, but it's just at a weird tempo and it doesn't really do his voice justice.
dischordianjoy 3 years ago
songs are not meant to analysed, they're ment to be listened to and enjoyed.
Nikki0nly 3 years ago
I love Rufus's voice sooo much
savedhaf4u 3 years ago 7
they're both very good:)
Nikki0nly 3 years ago 3
while rufus is terribly talented, this is not his song. at all. ever. no offense rufus. the italics only work on this song the proper way...as italics.
clarkcny 3 years ago
What do you mean by "the italics only work on this song the proper way"?
vanecaptures 3 years ago
I prefer JCM's version.. maybe its just because im from his hometown and ive met him before.. RW does a good version of hallelujah
BlindTruths 3 years ago
I agree with you
ikiefer74 3 years ago
It's a very bautiful cover imho, only different than jhon's one. Differently beautiful.
hikaru678 3 years ago
I really think Rufus Wainwright sang this song better than anyone else. I like how he makes the words flow. It's such a beautiful song. It tells a really interesting story.
ImStephanie4 3 years ago 3
does anyone know where I can buy wig in a box?
sweetpsychopath 3 years ago 3
I love Rufus Wainwright but in this song he sounds as if he wouldn't bother to learn the music! He doesn't sing a single line right. Even if he wanted to draw a line between his version and John Cameron Mitchell's, he didn't follow Stephen Trask's music. Was so disappointed by it. Shame cause he's such a good singer and this is a great song.
elijahcider 3 years ago
I am afraid that I have to agree with you 100; while I expected a "Rufas Wainwright" twist on this (utterly beautiful) song, his phrasing lurched and dragged - either speeding through entire phrases or falling far enough behind the music as to be totally distracting. Also, none of the 'highs' and 'lows' of the original, just delivered with a monotone flatness that left me feeling flat as well... pity.
randyleesayer 3 years ago
I must concur...
This version is pale to compare to the real one.
It does not do the real one justice.
Ramborol 3 years ago
Don't you think that Rufus flatness of tone might be intended..? He plays it on purpose fuelling a certain tension that nevertheless develop into splendid oases of voyels riches.
The song's "theme" is particularly important with Rufus, mind you, the Origin of Love! He seems to adopt a human view in front of the Gods' deeds, full of suppressed rebellion and a sort of laid-back approval because it is, it has happened.
And in the last verse, he is high-pithched again killing any sluggishness idea
chevalsauvage 3 years ago 5
great interpretation :)
Limba09 3 years ago 2
This is such a beautiful version of the song.
maneatingsushiroll 3 years ago
I love Rufus and I love this song. I don't like this version as much as the original, but I still like it somewhat. I think after hearing JCM rock this song it's hard to compare it to anyone else.
icanreadncount 3 years ago
the version from hedwig gives me chills and i didn't think i'd like this one... but it's not that bad. just different.
isingsin 3 years ago
sorry Rufus. You butchered it.
JohnnyConflict 3 years ago
I love both versions, they are just different, that's all
Squeaky1423 3 years ago 3
I'm with you. Why people's need to compare? JCM developed a fantastic and intense interpretation; and Rufus took it his way. And credit Rufus for picking up on it. The sheer selection of the song is a high compliment to JCM and Steven Trask. And I think both versions are 'off the chart' good.
IanDanielsen 3 years ago
Wainwright's version is very strong, and wonderfully timed. I belive this is a winner.
goodyfun 3 years ago
I came to find this video, very excited, but it's just...not his song at all... It doesn't sound like he even sort of believes what he's singing, but when JCM sings it, it really sounds like it's what he believes, he gets very into character, but unfortunately, this just sounds like a lovely voice singing empty words.
EatThePenguinCheese 3 years ago
I feel the same way ... I love Rufus and his style when it comes to singing...but...compared to the original it loses it's feeling...it has heart but at the same time I don't feel as moved when JCM sang it.
rinygrin 3 years ago 3
absolutely love his version of this song.
LivaJP 3 years ago 2
i'm not sure... i normally like Rufus, but i don't think this one does if for me, it's not bad.... but.... i don't know.
shadowpsykie 3 years ago
John Cameron Mitchell was the ruler of this song...and this sounds weird to me. So eh.
exoticsin16 3 years ago
This version doesn't do it for me, but then, I am not much of a Wainwright fan...
The movie version is really powerful. I love that recording, but that's the guy who wrote it, not Rufus.
calokid 3 years ago
Adore this version. Just went on watching the one from the film and I find this one has much more power. The film version has power to, but if a different sort.
I prefer the musical arrangement on this also, the heavier drums etc.
rufusjetaime 3 years ago
I started out not liking this version as much, but then grew to love it, even more than the Hedwig version.
duckystars 3 years ago
i've watched both of them and honestly i think they are both well done they are just different. i honestly prefer this one because rufus wainwright has an amazing voice and it doesnt pause much. i just think he sings it very well.
isaoklawrie 4 years ago 3
this does not compare. hedwig's is much better.
msquerred 4 years ago
The original is so much better, his voice is too whiny and run together.
MasseySyd 4 years ago
this is much better than the original
his voice is amazing in the zews bit n that
seems personal
much more dramatic and exciting than the original
tris421 4 years ago
TSKTSKTSK i give him props but hedwig did SUCH a BETTER JOB
Mouchi 4 years ago
I disagree; i prefer Rufus's singing; though Hedwig does have a great look & presence AND ya gotta LOVE a drag queen singing it; it's genetic poetic justice...but Rufus has the better chops
Lidowyte 4 years ago 2
Love Rufus and love the song, but this version is just average.
Gepeto1980 4 years ago
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honestly he ruined it.
BrentBallen 4 years ago
This is grea Lid. Thanks I love it!
sloanwatson 4 years ago
great i love this kind of stuff rock on lido!!!
slippereal 4 years ago
Make sure to watch Rufus's cover of "Across the universe" by the Beatles ...it's on my Vlog right now!
Lidowyte 4 years ago
i've seen that it's great love that tune. :D !
slippereal 4 years ago
wanna hear somethin funny? I grew up with a hippie mother; this sorta thing all over the house...and rebelled by "going Christian"...from 7 yrs old right into my 20's...first just to piss my bitchy hippie mother off...it's been a wild ride...cos i also just cannot give the "bible itself" my soul...i belong to Jesus, Buddha AND the Beatles
Lidowyte 4 years ago
riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiite...LOL!! kewl!!
tomoyasusakura123 4 years ago
I find Mythology "interesting"...BUT i believe in ONE god; ONE universe with it's own laws & rooms of chosen existence...i believe in Buddha as strongly as i believe in Jesus...& i think too many humans R trying 2 tell God's story & U CANNOT TELL WHAT U HAVE NOT YET SEEN OR LIVED...THE EARTHLY PLANE is NOT a place where U R CAPABLE of describing GOD...too many people R OBSESSED & insecurity riddled....so they run around telling everyone else what God is all about ...NOT THE JOB OF A HUMAN
Lidowyte 4 years ago
What i find fascinating about Paganism versus Christianity is the parallels between what each believes....this echoe's strongly the feelings about human behaviour versus god's will that Christians also express...if only people could realize how much alike their hearts really are...regardless of how the mind chooses to categorize existence itself
Lidowyte 4 years ago
LIstening 2 this; i hear Noah's Ark...I hear Adam & Eve ...it's the story of the selfishness of human's versus God's will....LOVE and our inability to live in accordance with it regardless of gender....i believe...regardless of sexual orientation as well...gays are not "inhuman" any more than humans themselves have been for 100's of years and god knows this
Lidowyte 4 years ago
Thanks for suggesting this video - the song is a profound abstraction of many beliefs - but it contains a truth - it was a lovely experience so once again thanks for sharing this video.
ZITZON 4 years ago
U R most welcome...i love the spread music & peace & the righteousness empowerment of real spirit regardless of what "brand" of "faith" it hails from
Lidowyte 4 years ago