About the song
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.” This classic track, originally a massive hit for Buddy Holly in 1959, found a remarkable new life and a fresh interpretation in Linda Ronstadt’s hands. Featured on her critically acclaimed 1978 album Living in the USA, her version showcased her incredible versatility and ability to reinterpret rock and roll classics with her own distinct power. It’s far more than just a cover; it’s a confident, almost triumphant, anthem of liberation from past romantic woes, proving that a strong spirit can indeed rise above disappointment.
The lyrics of “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” penned by Paul Anka, convey a clear message of detachment and moving past a failed relationship. The narrator is no longer bothered by the actions or decisions of a former lover, having reached a point of emotional equilibrium and indifference. It’s a narrative of empowerment, where past hurts have been processed, and the freedom of letting go is celebrated. Phrases like “It doesn’t matter anymore / No it doesn’t matter anymore / There’s no need to wonder why” and “You don’t care for me / I don’t care for you” perfectly capture this blend of newfound emotional clarity and a definitive end to lingering emotional ties. The song speaks to the universal human experience of healing from heartbreak, the quiet strength found in releasing resentment, and the liberating feeling that comes with realizing that someone else’s opinion or actions simply no longer hold sway over your happiness. It’s about the profound peace that arises when you truly move on, finally feeling unburdened by a past romantic entanglement. It resonates deeply with anyone who has navigated the painful journey of a breakup and emerged stronger on the other side.
Linda Ronstadt’s vocal performance on “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” is absolutely electrifying and perfectly embodies the song’s spirit of liberation. Her voice, renowned for its incredible power, its rock-solid clarity, and its remarkable ability to convey both vulnerability and fierce determination, delivers the lyrics with an infectious blend of confident sass and genuine emotional freedom. She doesn’t just sing the words; she exudes the feeling of someone who has truly shed the weight of a past love, making the listener feel every ounce of her newfound peace and the sheer joy of letting go. There’s a perfect blend of a commanding presence and an almost playful defiance in her phrasing, an urgent drive that makes the song incredibly engaging and universally appealing. Ronstadt’s brilliance lies in her unparalleled ability to take a cleverly written song and infuse it with such raw, authentic emotion and charismatic energy, connecting with audiences on a visceral, energetic level. It’s a masterclass in conveying confident recovery through powerful, unvarnished vocal artistry.
The musical arrangement of “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” in Linda Ronstadt’s rendition is a pristine example of the polished yet vibrant rock-infused country-pop sound that defined her enormous success in the late 1970s. It features a prominent, driving electric guitar that delivers sharp, memorable riffs, a strong, propulsive drum beat, and a solid, grooving bassline that creates an irresistible, upbeat rhythm. The inclusion of subtle but effective piano and backing vocals adds texture and a layered richness without ever diluting the song’s primary energy. The instrumentation is tight, forceful, and meticulously crafted to convey the song’s defiant yet joyful attitude. The production is crisp, powerful, and remarkably clear, designed for maximum impact on radio, ensuring that every instrumental punch and, crucially, Linda Ronstadt’s commanding vocal are heard with pristine clarity. It’s an arrangement that feels both urgent and timeless, perfectly suited for a song that became an anthem of confident detachment.
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” resonated profoundly with audiences because its themes of moving on from heartbreak, reclaiming one’s emotional independence, and finding peace after romantic turmoil are universally understood and passionately felt. It became a beloved staple for Linda Ronstadt, a true highlight in her discography that cemented her legacy as a versatile and powerful interpreter. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, after all the tears and pain, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.
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Lyrics
There you go and baby here am I
Well you left me here so I could sit and cry
Golly gee what have you done to me
Well I guess it doesn’t matter anymoreDo you remember baby last September
How you held me tight each and every night
Oh baby how you drove me crazy
But I guess it doesn’t matter anymoreThere’s no use in me a-crying
I’ve done everything now I’m sick of trying
I’ve thrown away my nights
Wasted all my days over youNow you go your way baby and I’ll go mine
Now and forever till the end of time
I’ll find somebody new and baby
We’ll say we’re through
And you won’t matter anymoreThere’s no use in me a-crying
I’ve done everything now I’m sick of trying
I’ve thrown away my nights
Wasted all my days over youNow you go your way baby and I’ll go mine
Now and forever till the end of time
And I’ll find somebody new and baby
We’ll say we’re through
And you won’t matter anymore
No you won’t matter anymore
You won’t matter anymore
