The Meaning Behind The Song: It Makes No Difference by The Band
“It Makes No Difference” is a soulful ballad by The Band, from their sixth studio album, “Northern Lights-Southern Cross” which was released in 1975. The song was written by Robbie Robertson, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of the band. The song has always been a fan favorite and has received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and musicality.
The lyrics describe the despair of losing someone that you love deeply, and the profound impact that such a loss can have on your life. The song has become a popular choice at funerals, and for anyone who is going through a difficult time.
The Lyrics and the Music
The song’s opening lines set the tone for the melancholy that is the essence of the song: “When your love has moved away / You must face yourself and say / I remember better days”. The song goes on to speak of the pain of being alone after someone you love has left you, and the emptiness that you feel without them. It is a song that speaks to the human experience of love and the pain of its loss.
The slow, wistful melody of the song only adds to its emotional impact. The mournful saxophone solo towards the end of the song, by Garth Hudson, is particularly haunting, and adds to the overall mood of the song.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
The song was written by Robbie Robertson, around the time that he was going through a difficult period in his life. According to Robertson, the song was inspired by a breakup he had gone through. He had been deeply in love with a woman, but the relationship ended, leaving him devastated. The song was his way of expressing the depth of his feelings and the pain of losing someone so important to him.
Interestingly, Robertson was not the only member of The Band to have experienced a painful breakup around this time. Rick Danko, the band’s bassist, had gone through a divorce, and this experience also contributed to the song’s emotional content.
The Legacy of the Song
“It Makes No Difference” has become one of The Band’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris, and has appeared in a number of films and TV shows. Its haunting melody and profound lyrics have resonated with audiences for more than four decades, and it remains a classic example of The Band’s musical and lyrical genius.
FAQs About “It Makes No Difference” by The Band
1. What is the meaning behind “It Makes No Difference” by The Band?
The song is about the despair of losing someone you deeply love and the profound impact that such a loss can have on your life. It speaks to the human experience of love and the pain of its loss.
2. When was “It Makes No Difference” released?
The song was released in 1975, on The Band’s sixth studio album, “Northern Lights-Southern Cross”.
3. Who wrote “It Makes No Difference”?
The song was written by Robbie Robertson, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of The Band.
4. Who was the song inspired by?
The song was inspired by a breakup Robertson had gone through. He had been deeply in love with a woman, but the relationship ended, leaving him devastated.
5. What is the mood of the song?
The song has a melancholic and mournful mood, reflecting the pain and sadness of losing someone you love.
6. Has “It Makes No Difference” been covered by other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by a number of artists, including Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris.
7. What instruments are featured in the song?
The song features guitar, bass, drums, piano, and saxophone.
8. Was the song successful when it was first released?
The song was not a commercial success when it was first released, but it has since become a fan favorite and a classic example of The Band’s musical and lyrical genius.
9. Why is the song so popular?
The song is popular because of its emotional depth and musicality. Its haunting melody and profound lyrics have resonated with audiences for more than four decades.
10. What is the significance of the saxophone solo in the song?
The saxophone solo, played by Garth Hudson, adds to the overall mood of the song. It is particularly haunting and expresses the emotional pain and despair that the song is about.
11. What other songs by The Band are similar in mood or theme to “It Makes No Difference”?
Other songs by The Band that are similar in mood or theme to “It Makes No Difference” include “Tears of Rage” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”.
12. What is the legacy of “It Makes No Difference”?
The legacy of “It Makes No Difference” is that it has become one of The Band’s most beloved songs. Its haunting melody and profound lyrics have resonated with audiences for more than four decades, and it remains a classic example of The Band’s musical and lyrical genius.
