Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: piano
Song Meaning of “Respectable Dive” by Rufus Wainwright
“Respectable Dive” by Rufus Wainwright paints the picture of someone diligently striving to be accepted by society to no avail. The narrator of this song is someone who is trying to immerse themselves in social situations and blend in as just another one of the crowd, but instead is consistently met with rejection or reproach. He is yearning for acceptance from those who look down on him and fails to understand why they can’t see he is just the same as them.
The chorus speaks to the narrator’s finality and determination to remain true to his own identity and no longer feel the need to conform. Despite the attempts to fit in and make themself look “respectable” so they will be accepted, they realize that all they can be is just their own version of what’s considered “normal”. He even admits that he may need to find his own “respectable dive” to take shelter from the judgement of the outside world.
Overall, this song serves as an ode to those who are continually rejected or ignored by the people and society around them. Here, Rufus Wainwright is reminding us to never compromise ourselves in the search for acceptance or approval, and that it is more than okay to find our own paths and places to take refuge.