Rufus Wainwright

I'm very much a romantic. I'm highly attuned to an older sensibility, which I believe is alive and well. We're not that far ahead of the Romantic Age in society.

The Germany I was enthused with was more old fashioned and kind of romantic. I just got there, and the next thing you know, I had this huge gilded album. It was kind of an amazing experience because I didn't intend it to be that way.

My cheeks explode when I smile. That's why I have to look so nonplussed.

I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older until I drop dead of beauty.

My mother's songs are really turning out to be masterpieces. I have inherited this incredible legacy and am so fortunate to bathe in her sensibilities. It is tinged with tragedy. I'd much rather she was here in person, but there is still a positive force to come out of her death and that is having the gift of music that she gave.

Places that have experienced great defeat experience a kind of rebirth, which I think America has to do - unless we want to get more decrepit. I don't think we have to destroy the place totally.

I think the minute you mention death, people run for the hills - unless it's heavy metal. People do not like death.

I bemoan the fact that all my famous friends have places in St. Bart's and I have to go to Montauk.

I love being not cool.

Being uncool is being pretty much the coolest you can be.

Life is a game and true love is a trophy.

I may not lead the most dramatic life, but in my brain it's 'War and Peace' everyday.

I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older - until I drop dead of beauty.