Go Or Go Ahead

Rufus Wainwright's song "Go Or Go Ahead" delves into the complexities of love, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in emotional turmoil. The opening lines, "Thank you for this bitter knowledge / Guardian angels who left me stranded," set the tone for a narrative steeped in betrayal and abandonment. Wainwright acknowledges the pain and growth that come from feeling abandoned, yet he questions the very essence of love, asking, "What has happened to love?" This recurring question underscores the song's exploration of love's transformation from a source of joy to a cause of suffering.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, with Wainwright writing lyrics on postcards and gazing at stars, only to find Mars, the planet associated with war and conflict, as the brightest. This metaphor suggests that love, once a guiding light, has become a battlefield. The mention of a "big white limo" and "vanity fairgrounds" introduces themes of superficiality and the hollow nature of modern relationships. The line "You're Heaven's invention, steel eyed vampires of love" paints a picture of love as a predatory force, draining the life out of those who seek it.

Wainwright's references to mythological figures like Medusa further deepen the song's exploration of love's darker aspects. Medusa, known for turning those who gaze upon her to stone, symbolizes the paralyzing effect of a toxic relationship. The repeated refrain, "Go or go ahead and surprise me," reflects a sense of resignation and challenge, as if daring love to prove its worth once more. Ultimately, "Go Or Go Ahead" is a poignant reflection on the disillusionment that often accompanies love, urging listeners to confront the myths and realities of their own emotional experiences.