Zebulon -- Rufus Wainwright

Where you been, Zebulon? What you doin' in this song?
Skating on the ice of song, about to go under
My mother's in hospital, my sister's at the opera
I'm in love, but let's not talk about it There's so much to tell you

I believe in freedom Freedom's apparently all I need
But who's ever been free in this world?
Who has never had to bleed in this world?

All I need are your eyes Your nose was always too big for your face
Still, it made you look kinda sexy More like someone who belongs in the human race

Where you been, Zebulon? Let's meet up, why not tonight?
In the lane behind the schoolyard And we'll have some tea
and ice cream


Wainwright wrote this song while his mother, Kate McGarrigle, was dying of cancer at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. He addresses his mother's illness directly but this is no clichéd eulogy. Instead, it's a collection of assorted memories.