Austin Carr, Cornelius | Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈

In the 84th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2024), we highlight the song, “Cornelius” performed by Austin Carr.

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E 🏳️‍🌈! Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musician(s) and analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome while the songs can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 84^th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2024), we highlight “Cornelius” performed by Austin Carr.

“It’s not your fault / You had a really awful year / Sucking him off / And you couldn’t even ride him / Up to the top.” Oh, snap! That’s the definition of unfulfilling, particularly if you were prepared for… I’ll stop there.  According to indie singer/songwriter Andrew Carr, ‘We really put our full b*ssies into this song so I hope you like.’ That sounds like a Herculean effort! Carr sounds incredibly creative on the self-penned “Cornelius” which conveys a scandalous tale and desecrates at cat’s name – poor kitty! All for the sake of art, and a fabulous addition to the queer music catalog! Alyssa Wilkens produced this colorful, expressive record where sometimes, you do drastic things to get on top… pun intended.  Also, side note, do you remember when Lana Del Rey memorable asserted “Fucked My Way Up To The Top”?

Carr sets the tone for “Cornelius” with Cornelius’ failed attempts to become a star through sexual favors (“Business romances / That didn’t pay off”).  A starfucker, perhaps? Despite his tactics, Carr describes him as a sweet guy who is playing the game. What does he do? Comes running back to Austin, searching for solace and, um, sweet relief.  “You’re here to lighten up your load,” he sings, adding, “Every drop / And that’s all I’m fucking good for.” Damn! Notably and rightfully, Carr emphasizes the latter. He’s being used too! Instead of being Cornelius’ main boy, he’s merely an afterthought when “those favors dry up!” Austin, hence, is fed up.  In the spirited, tuneful chorus, he sings:

“You don’t like the music that they sing

Never learn their middle names or anything

‘Cause that’s just not worth the time

You just want a puppet for your string

But I’ve got a brain

And maybe I’ll name

Cornelius!”

Uh-oh, he’s naming names! The bridge expands on the dynamic of their relationship – low-hanging fruit! Austin Carr totally ‘put his full b*ssy’ into “Cornelius”.  His voice is beautiful – incredibly nuanced and commanding.  The songwriting is impeccable – clever and ear-catching.  The melodies are memorable, and the production by Wilkens is top-notch.  Austin Carr should never be a ‘non-catch’ – too handsome and too talented!

Austin Carr // “Cornelius” // Austin Carr Music // 2024

Austin Carr, Cornelius: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 84 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Austin Carr Music; Elias Souza, Los Muertos Crew from Pexels; CatsWithGlasses, David, Maicon Fonseca Zanco, Square Frog, Sudo from Pixabay]