Romantical Man

Album: Unfollow The Rules (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Sarah Siddons overlooking the motorway
    Paddington Green certainly isn't what it used to be
    Got a feeling London is calling me
    Or could it be that I'm simply trying to run away


    Rufus Wainwright told Mojo magazine his sweeping, orchestral ode to England's capital was "inspired by walking across London and how the city engenders itself to getting lost in its history."
  • Wainwright explained to Q magazine that the song title comes from the fact that he'll, "always be a dandy and London supplies the goods in terms of that existence!"
  • Wainwright did a lot of soul searching when writing his Unfollow The Rules album, which was produced by Mitchell Froom. He had spent the last few years immersed in writing the opera Hadrian, a rewarding was draining adventure that left him with a hankering for writing traditional pop songs. Tracks like "Romantical Man" find him looking at life in his 40s with a legacy to build on and a store of wisdom. "Many songwriters improve with age," he said, citing Leonard Cohen as an example.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.