" In the music business, to survive for so long, you have to be able to cut off from your emotions sometimes. And being a father, you’re faced with that situation. I know that my father was, with me. I understand why he had to be distant, because to rip yourself away, time after time, is almost more devastating. "
- Rufus Wainwright

In the music industry, maintaining a long-standing career requires an ability to detach oneself emotionally from certain aspects of life, including family relationships. This statement reflects on the challenges faced by those who balance their professional commitments with personal responsibilities, often leading them to adopt a more distant demeanor at home.

The quote delves deeper into the complexities of balancing one's emotional well-being with professional demands. It highlights how artists sometimes need to compartmentalize emotions in order to focus on their work and maintain success over time. Rufus Wainwright’s words suggest that this necessity is not always easy or healthy, as it involves a painful separation from loved ones, particularly children. By understanding his father's behavior through this lens, Wainwright offers insight into the sacrifices made for a career in such an intense industry. This perspective encourages empathy and recognition of the underlying reasons behind professional individuals' sometimes cold demeanor.

Rufus Wainwright is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for blending classical music with contemporary pop styles. His work often explores themes of family, love, and personal identity. Born into a musical family, his father was Loudon Wainwright III, an American-Canadian folk musician, and his mother was Kate McGarrigle, a renowned folk singer from Montreal. This background undoubtedly influenced Rufus’s perspectives on the intersection between artistry and familial relationships, as reflected in the quoted statement about emotional detachment for career longevity.