David Ruffin – No Matter Where: A Soulful Plea for Reconciliation
In the realm of soul music, David Ruffin stands as a towering figure, his soaring vocals and impassioned delivery leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “No Matter Where” stands out as a particularly poignant and heartfelt ballad, showcasing Ruffin’s ability to convey profound emotions with raw honesty and soulful expression.
Background
Released in 1974 as the title track of his album of the same name, “No Matter Where” marked a turning point in Ruffin’s career, signaling his shift from Motown Records to Epic Records. This move proved to be a catalyst for creative rejuvenation, as Ruffin penned eight of the album’s twelve tracks, including the heartfelt “No Matter Where.”
The song opens with a weary declaration: “I’m tired of this dirty old city,” setting the stage for a narrative that delves into the disillusionment of a man trapped in the relentless grind of urban life. Ruffin’s vocals, imbued with a world-weary rasp, perfectly convey the protagonist’s yearning for a simpler existence.
The lyrics paint vivid imagery of the city’s harsh realities: “Entirely too much work and never enough play,” and “These dirty old sidewalks,” underscoring the protagonist’s sense of entrapment and longing for escape. The song’s chorus serves as a poignant refrain: “Think it’s time you guys like the headphones turn me loose set me free somewhere in the middle of Montana.”
Ruffin’s masterful storytelling extends beyond the protagonist’s personal struggles, encompassing the broader themes of the American Dream and the allure of the open spaces of the West. The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, as the protagonist envisions a life of freedom and fulfillment amidst the rolling hills of Montana.
“No Matter Where” resonated deeply with listeners, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April 1982. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of longing for a life beyond the confines of the ordinary, a sentiment that transcends generations and social strata.
As the song fades out, the protagonist’s plea for liberation lingers in the air, leaving listeners with a profound sense of empathy and a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of life. “No Matter Where” stands as a testament to Merle Haggard’s songwriting prowess, his ability to weave tales of ordinary lives that resonate with extraordinary emotion.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by David Ruffin, Gene Noble, and Raynard Mizell.
- It was released in 1974 as the title track of Ruffin’s album No Matter Where.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April 1982.
- “No Matter Where” has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood.
Chorus:
Think it’s time you guys like the headphones Turn me loose set me free Somewhere in the middle of Montana With the wild green grass growin’ all ’round me
I’m gonna find me a place where the air is clean And the sky’s so blue Where the water’s clear and the folks are kind And I’m gonna start all over again No matter where No matter where I go I’m gonna be happy No matter where No matter where