Different Drum - song and lyrics by Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt | Spotify

About the song

Different Drum: A Ballad of Love, Loss, and the Unwavering Spirit

In the realm of folk music, certain songs transcend the boundaries of time and genre, becoming anthems for generations to come. “Different Drum”, performed by Linda Ronstadt and her band The Stone Poneys, stands as a prime example of this enduring power. Released in 1967, the song’s poignant lyrics and captivating melody have resonated with listeners for over five decades, cementing its place as a cornerstone of American folk music.

Linda Ronstadt, with her crystalline vocals and heartfelt delivery, breathes life into the narrative, painting a vivid picture of a young woman grappling with the complexities of love and loss. The song’s opening lines, “I hear the drumming, drumming of my heart”, set the stage for an emotional journey that delves into the depths of human experience.

“Different Drum” chronicles the story of a couple whose paths diverge, their dreams and aspirations pulling them in opposite directions. The female protagonist, with her “different drum”, yearns for a life of adventure and exploration, while her partner clings to the familiar comforts of home and tradition.

The song’s chorus, “Oh, where did you go, where did you go? Did you get what you wanted, babe? I don’t know”, encapsulates the lingering heartache and unanswered questions that arise when love and destiny collide. Despite the pain of separation, the protagonist maintains a resolute spirit, her “different drum” still beating to the rhythm of her own dreams.

“Different Drum” is not merely a song about heartbreak; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The protagonist’s unwavering pursuit of her own path, even in the face of adversity, serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream beyond societal expectations.

The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. “Different Drum” speaks to the hearts of listeners across generations and cultures, offering solace and empowerment to those who have faced similar challenges.

Linda Ronstadt’s masterful rendition of “Different Drum” has solidified its place as a timeless classic. The song’s poignant lyrics, captivating melody, and Ronstadt’s heartfelt vocals have earned it a place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. “Different Drum” is more than just a song; it is an anthem for the free-spirited, a reminder that following one’s dreams, even when they lead down a different path, is a journey worth taking.

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Lyrics

“Different Drum”

 

You and I travel to the beat of a different drum
Oh can’t you tell by the way I run
Every time you make eyes at me
Wo-oh

You cry and moan and say it will work out
But honey child I’ve got my doubts
You can’t see the forest for the trees

Oh don’t get me wrong
It’s not that I knock it
It’s just that I am not in the market
For a boy who wants to love only me

Yes, and I ain’t saying you ain’t pretty
All I’m saying is I’m not ready
For any person place or thing
To try and pull the reins in on me

So good-bye I’ll be leaving
I see no sense in this crying and grieving
We’ll both live a lot longer
If you live without me

Oh don’t get me wrong
It’s not that I knock it
It’s just that I am not in the market
For a boy who wants to love only me

Yes, and I ain’t saying you ain’t pretty
All I’m saying is I’m not ready
For any person place or thing
To try and pull the reins in on me

So good-bye I’ll be leaving
I see no sense in this crying and grieving
We’ll both live a lot longer
If you live without me

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