It Doesn’t Matter

Song Meaning

Dan Fogelberg's "It Doesn't Matter" drifts in on a current of wistful resignation, a sigh made audible. The song meaning circles a central theme: the ephemeral nature of dreams and the acceptance of their inevitable fading. Fogelberg doesn't wallow; rather, he observes the dance between hope and reality with a detached, almost Zen-like calm. The opening lines, "Falling and spinning, Losing and winning," establish a world of constant flux, where the only certainty is change itself. The weariness is palpable, a sense of being perpetually on guard ("Wearisome vigil"), questioning past choices and relationships ("Was I misled"). The core of the song lies in the recurring phrase "It doesn't matter." This isn't nihilism, but a mature acknowledgement that clinging to specific outcomes or fantasies is ultimately futile. The second verse introduces a sense of urgency ("Run a bit faster, Here comes the catcher"), suggesting the relentless pursuit of fleeting desires. There's a warning against stagnation ("You had better not stay, You will soon be surrounded"), implying that clinging to the past or to unrealistic expectations leads to entrapment. Even the memories, the shared "fantasies," are subject to this impermanence. The lyrics analysis points to a quiet struggle between the desire for connection and the acceptance of solitude. Ultimately, "It Doesn't Matter" resolves into a call for presence. The final verse emphasizes living in the moment: "Live for the living, Give for the giving, Moment by moment, One day at a time." The repetition of "It doesn't matter" takes on a new resonance here, suggesting that the anxieties and disappointments of the past are insignificant compared to the potential of the present. The song concludes with a poignant acceptance of life's inherent dreamlike quality ("It's nothing but dreaming Anyhow"). Fogelberg isn't advocating for apathy, but for a gentle release of expectations, allowing life to unfold without the weight of predetermined narratives. The song becomes a soothing balm for the soul, a reminder that sometimes, the most profound wisdom lies in letting go.