It Makes No Difference

Richard Manuel, Rick Danko

About It Makes No Difference

"It Makes No Difference" is a song written by Robbie Robertson and sung by Rick Danko that was first released by The Band on their 1975 album Northern Lights – Southern Cross. It has also appeared on live and compilation albums, including the soundtrack to the film The Last Waltz. Among the artists covering the song are Solomon Burke, My Morning Jacket and Over the Rhine.


Year:
2011
6:48
40 
#2

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Dm      F         G  Bb
Old man go to the river
C           A7       Dm   F7
To drop his bale of woes
Bb       G        F      Dm  
He could go if he wanted to
Bb          G7      F       Dm   G7 
It's just a boat to row you know    listen to me now
F          Bb            F   C       
Blue River keep right on rollin
    A7        Dm        F7
All along the shore line
Bb      C7             F   C         Dm
Keep us safe from the deep and  the dark
         Bb                      F    Bb     F  
Cause we don't want to stray too far
Dm        F           G      Bb
Spent the day with my old dog Mo
C       A7       Dm   F7
Down an old dirt road
Bb        G             F      Dm
What he's thinking lord I don't know
Bb          G                 F     Dm
But for him bet the time must go so slow
G
Don't you know
F          Bb            F   C       
Blue River keep right on rollin
    A7        Dm        F7
All along the shore line
Bb      C7             F   C         Dm
Keep us safe from the deep and  the dark
         Bb                      F    Bb     F  
Cause we don't want to stray too far

Harmonica break

Dm        F               G         Bb
Young Rob stands with his ax in his hand
 C                 A7        Dm  F7
Believin that the crops are in
Bb        G       F      Dm             
Fire wood stacked ten by ten
Bb                         G          
For the wife the folks the kids
F          Dm        G7
All of the kin and a friend  listen to me now
F          Bb            F   C       
Blue River keep right on rollin
    A7        Dm        F7
All along the shore line
Bb      C7             F   C         Dm
Keep us safe from the deep and  the dark
         Bb                      F    Bb     F  
Cause we don't want to stray too far

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Rick Danko

Richard Clare "Rick" Danko (December 29, 1942 – December 10, 1999) was a Canadian musician and singer, best known as a member of The Band. more »

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Written by: ROBBIE ROBERTSON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"It Makes No Difference" is a song written by Robbie Robertson. It first appeared as the eighth track on The Band's third original album "Northern Lights – Southern Cross" which was released in 1975.
Robbie Robertson's Inspiration
The song was born out of deep emotional desperation, personal experience and the loneliness Robertson felt due to his constant touring with The Band.
Rick Danko Performance
Rick Danko sang the lead vocals for the song. His heartfelt performance amplifies the emotional message of the song, making it poignant and moving to listeners.
My Morning Jacket Cover
The song has been covered by rock band My Morning Jacket for the tribute album "Endless Highway: The Music of The Band", which was released in 2007. This cover version adds a more rock sound to the classic piece.
Solomon Burke's Version
Soul singer Solomon Burke also covered "It Makes No Difference" in 2005 on his album "Make Do With What You Got". Burke's rendition is imbued with his distinctive soulful flair.
Film Appearance
The song was used in the movie "The Last Waltz" which featured The Band's farewell concert. Danko's performance of the song in the film is particularly notable for its intense emotionality and has been widely praised.
Critical Acclaim
"It Makes No Difference" is highly considered one of The Band's best works due to its poignant lyrics and soulful melody. Robertson's lyrical ability and Danko’s heart wrenching vocal performance seal the song's status as a classic.
Song Meaning
The song’s lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love and the devastation left in its wake, resonating deeply with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.
Instrumentation
A unique element of the song is the lengthy saxophone solo by Garth Hudson. This instrumental part further deepens the melancholic mood of the song.
Live Performances
Despite its slow, mournful pace, "It Makes No Difference" has become a favorite among fans at concerts – its emotional intensity making it a stand-out live track.

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