Meaning of "The Art Teacher" by Rufus Wainwright

"The Art Teacher" explores themes of unrequited love, missed opportunities, and the lasting impact of a significant figure on one's life. The narrator, once a young girl, recalls her time in school and the profound effect the art teacher had on her. The teacher takes the class to the Metropolitan Museum and asks them about their favorite work of art. Despite not being able to express it at the time, she realizes now that her favorite work of art was him. This unrequited love, never confessed, has had a lasting impact on her life. The narrator then reflects on her path, having married someone else who is now a successful executive. She mentions owning a Turner painting, potentially as a reminder of the art teacher and the love that she gave up. The final lines reveal that she has never loved anyone else as she still carries this unresolved attachment.

The lyrics of "The Art Teacher" delve into the complexities of unexpressed emotions and the lingering impact they have on one's life. The narrator's longing and regret are palpable throughout the song. The art teacher represents a missed opportunity for love and happiness, as the narrator wonders what could have been if she had expressed her feelings. The reference to the Metropolitan Museum and the different artists mentioned, such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Sargent, and Turner, serves to underscore the beauty and significance of art as an avenue for expressing emotions and capturing moments in time. The comparison between the art teacher and these great artists suggests that he was her greatest masterpiece, the one she still regrets never being able to claim. Moreover, the choice of the uniform and pant-suit as the narrator's attire highlights her conformity and the loss of her youthful innocence and passion, further emphasizing the weight of her unrequited love. In the end, the lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and longing for what could have been, serving as a reminder of the power of unspoken words and the emotional impact they can have on our lives.