The One You Love

Album: Want Two (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about sexual morality, with Wainwright (who is openly gay) asking his lover, "Am I only the one you love?" Note the position of the word "only," which has a different meaning if stated, "Am I the only one you love?"
  • Wainwright's sister Martha, one of a handful of musicians in the family, added backing vocals to this track, and Levon Helm of The Band played drums on it. The album was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, which is where Helm lived. He had recently fought off throat cancer and was happy to go back to work.
  • The music video shows performance footage of Wainwright and follows the singer as he wanders around various cities. It was compiled with footage that was used for his 2005 DVD All I Want: A Portrait of Rufus Wainwright, directed by George Scott.

Comments: 3

  • Luke Taylor from Manchester, United KingdomSounds great live too!
  • Laurent from Paris, FranceThis song is truly amazing and the video is also worth watching. The backvocals by Martha are wonderful.
  • Rosario from Buenos Aires, United StatesAWESOME SONG.. LED TO LOVING RUFUS AMAIZING VOICE
see more comments

Editor's Picks

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

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."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.