Rufus Wainwright - Sword of Damocles (Official Music Video)

SWORD OF DAMOCLES
by Rufus Wainwright
Featuring Darren Criss
Directed by Andrew Ondrejcak
Wardrobe by Vivienne Westwood
Executive Producer Dana Guerin

At a lavish banquet, King Dionysius is confronted by his servant Damocles - a brat who is jealous of the king’s splendor and power. Through supernatural forces, the two roles are switched. The smug, inexperienced commoner becomes the king. But his joy is short-lived.
He quickly realizes that being king isn’t all crowns and cheeseburgers. With great power comes great responsibility.

“Sword of Damocles” is my artistic response to what I see currently transpiring within the American government and how its collapse is affecting every aspect of existence for us all. With the Midterm Elections around the corner, it’s important for everyone to take a stand and contribute in some way – whether it’s bringing awareness to issues in your community, protesting/demonstrating, watching the news to formulate your own opinions, creating, yelling – it’s all hands on deck.

The famed, ancient expression “Sword of Damocles” is a parable of impending doom of and to those in positions of power. This timeless tale points out the hard fact that with great power, comes great responsibility, and for all concerned, great danger. VOTE.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Swing Left organization

Listen on your favorite streaming platform http://smarturl.it/RufusSwordOfDamocles

LYRICS:

Release
The Sword of Damocles
Just release it
To the authorities

We have been given
The same fortune cookies
You and I have
All of our progenies

Raise kindness
Above all else
Avoid the books of
Hatred behind the shelves

I will caress your
Caress your curly hair
With affection
Many a good reason to cut off your head
Then and then

Release
The Sword of Damocles
Just release it
I’m begging
You on my knees

There is no reason
To hide it from the sun
I am a tyrant
Trust me, you are not the one and only
And trust me, you are not the one and only
And trust me, you are not the one and only
Lonely person

Release
The Sword of Damocles
Release
The Sword of Damocles
Just release it
Cut the thread
Why don’t you please