The Rumor

Album: Stage Fright (1970)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about the small-town rumor mill, where everyone knows each other's business, creating a toxic environment. The town in this case is Woodstock, New York, which The Band called home for years. Woodstock was subject to extraordinary scrutiny and innuendo because it was home to Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Janis Joplin and many of far less renown who came there to be part of the scene.
  • The Band had three lead vocalists, and they used them all on this track. In order, Rick Danko, Levon Helm and Richard Manuel sing. Like most of their songs, it was written by guitarist Robbie Robertson.

Comments: 1

  • Skip Coblyn from MdOne of the least appreciated gems in the Band's catalog.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."