Release the Stars

Album: Release the Stars (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • According to Q magazine (April 2007), Wainwright wrote this song after his mother, folk singer Kate McGarrigle, recovered from a serious illness that left Wainwright extremely traumatized. McGarrigle had cancer, which claimed her life in 2010 when she was 63.

Comments: 2

  • Britt from Boston, MaThis song is so beautiful, it builds up a little and Rufus' voice is very strong.
  • Nicole from Philadelphia, PaThis song also features Sharon Jones of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, which is a great funky band.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."