It Doesn't Matter
Alison Krauss & Union Station Lyrics


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It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
It doesn't matter if I cry
Don't matter if I bleed
You've been on a road
Don't know where it goes or where it leads

It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
You've made up your mind to go
I won't beg you to stay
You've been in a cage
Throw you to the wind you fly away

It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
It doesn't matter if I cry
Don't matter if I bleed




Feel the sting of tears
Falling on this face you've loved for years

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alison Krauss & Union Station's song "It Doesn't Matter" express the feelings of a person who has been left by someone they love. The singer acknowledges that their own desires, wants, and needs are no longer relevant because the other person has made up their mind to leave, regardless of the impact it may have on the singer. The melancholic tone and repetition of the phrase "it doesn't matter" underscore the helplessness and resignation they feel in the face of the other person's decision to leave.


The lyrics also hint at the ambiguity and uncertainty of the situation. The reference to the other person being on a road "don't know where it goes or where it leads" suggests that perhaps leaving is not even a decision but a compulsion or a situation that the other person must navigate. The singer recognizes this, and instead of trying to control or change the situation, they acknowledge their powerlessness in the face of it. The lines "I won't beg you to stay/You've been in a cage/Throw you to the wind you fly away" acknowledge that the other person may be seeking freedom or escape, and the singer will not try to force them to stay.


Overall, the lyrics to "It Doesn't Matter" convey a sense of resignation, helplessness, and uncertainty in the face of a loved one's decision to leave. The singer recognizes that their own wants and needs are no longer important, and chooses not to fight or beg, but to accept the other person's decision.


Line by Line Meaning

It doesn't matter what I want
My desires no longer hold any weight


It doesn't matter what I need
My needs no longer hold any weight


It doesn't matter if I cry
My tears will not change the outcome


Don't matter if I bleed
Even my pain has no effect


You've been on a road
You have been on a journey


Don't know where it goes or where it leads
You are unsure of where your journey will take you


You've made up your mind to go
You have already decided to leave


I won't beg you to stay
I will not plead for you to remain by my side


You've been in a cage
You have felt trapped in this situation


Throw you to the wind you fly away
Even if I release you, you will depart just the same


Feel the sting of tears
I am experiencing emotional pain


Falling on this face you've loved for years
Tears are streaming down my face which you had once held dear




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Harley Lee Allen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@philhughes3143

I found this song through watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer with my kids. Beautiful, haunting song with Alison's amazing voice over the rhythm created by the band is just awesome. One of my all-time favourites

@michaelsparrow856

Me to

@Fhensleytx

Major kudos gang. This sound brings a warmth and intimacy to music so badly needed while we all mourn the recent loss of Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you!

@davekramer4266

Alison, again the Voice of an Angel.🎶💯🌹😘

@borealisnight1

Hauntingly beautiful.

@mikesmith1788

My beautiful songbird does it again ❤. Very intense song played by one of the greatest band 😊. Love to see you again soon 😮😅😊.

@brunomortensen5841

It sure sends shivers up the spine

@miguelangelhernandezgonzal6882

This is good,,really good,,actually amazing,,

@KathleenBiZaRRe

hard buffy vibes... oh my gosh ... Where has the time gone? 😭

@jimallen8

Killer song

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