The Stone

Album: Before These Crowded Streets (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song tells the story of a man who has committed a terrible deed. The lyrics describe how he wants to get away to escape the consequences of his actions, but wants someone else (likely a woman for whom the speaker has affection for) to join him. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jack - Providence, RI
  • Dave Matthews knew he wanted to add strings to the song the moment he wrote it and enlisted the San Francisco-based Kronos Quartet, who provided violins, viola, and cello on the track. "The Kronos Quartet come from the classical school. They read fantastically and with fire, they read what's on the page and bring it to life beautifully," Matthews explained. "But that was really different for us."
  • During some live performances, Matthews interpolates Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love" in the outro with the crowd singing along.
  • American Idol album Phillip Phillips covered this on his 2012 compilation album, Phillip Phillips: Journey to the Finale.

Comments: 1

  • Thomas from St. Charles, IlThe real meaning of this song is about Dave's Sister's husband. The husband murdered his wife (Dave's sister) and this song is about the perspective of the killer. The song shares what the killer was thinking before and after the attack. Its a great song with powerful meaning, but this song explains how great of an artist you have to be to compose somehting like this, out of the ordinary.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

Tommy James

Tommy JamesSongwriter Interviews

"Mony Mony," "Crimson and Clover," "Draggin' The Line"... the hits kept coming for Tommy James, and in a plot line fit for a movie, his record company was controlled by the mafia.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.