Ophelia
The Band
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Boards on the window Mail by the door What would anybody leave so quickly for? Ophelia Where have you gone? The old neighborhood just ain't the same Nobody knows just what became of Ophelia Tell me, what went wrong Was it something that somebody said? Mama, I know we broke the rules Was somebody up against the law? Honey, you know I'd die for you Ashes of laughter The ghost is clear Why do the best things always disappear Like Ophelia Please darken my door Was it something that somebody said? Mama, I know we broke the rules Was somebody up against the law? Honey, you know I'd die for you They got your number Scared and running But I'm still waiting for the second coming Of Ophelia Come back home
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Robbie Robertson
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Original RecordingThe Band originally recorded "Ophelia" for their 1975 album “Northern Lights – Southern Cross."
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Single ReleaseThe song was released as a single in 1976, with "Acadian Driftwood" as the B-side.
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Lead VocalsLevon Helm, the drummer of The Band, also served as the lead vocalist for the "Ophelia" song.
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Songwriting CreditsRobbie Robertson, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter from The Band, is credited with writing "Ophelia."
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Sound Style"Ophelia" is known for its New Orleans-style rhythm and blues sound, which is accentuated by the horn section on the recording.
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Chart Performance"Ophelia" was a moderate hit in the United States, peaking at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Live PerformancesThe Band performed "Ophelia" during their final concert in 1976, which was documented in the film and album "The Last Waltz."
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Literature InfluenceThe name "Ophelia" in the song could be a reference to the character Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet, although there isn't a confirmed connection.
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Cover VersionsNumerous artists, including the Lumineers and Vince Gill, have covered "Ophelia."
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Use in Media"Ophelia" has been used in a variety of media including films and television shows, most notably in the films “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “The Right Stuff.”
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ReputationOver the years, "Ophelia" has remained one of The Band’s most popular songs because it showcases the group's ability to mix different genres like rock, soul, and country into deeply expressive music.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Ophelia" features footage from The Band's farewell concert "The Last Waltz" with the group performing alongside a horn section.
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Citation
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"Ophelia Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 2 Dec. 2023. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/540375/The+Band/Ophelia>.
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