All Will Be Well

Album: Live at World Cafe (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Dixon wrote this song with Dan Wilson of Semisonic, who later co-wrote hits for Adele ("Someone Like You") and Dixie Chicks ("Not Ready To Make Nice"). The two got together at Wilson's house in Minneapolis for four days of work. On Day 3, Dixon played him "All Will Be Well," which was finished, but didn't go over well with his bandmates or record label. Wilson changed the beginning of the chorus to a minor key and work with him on a pre-chorus:

    And all the children walking home past the factories
    Can see the light shining in my window as
    I write this song to you
    All the cars running fast along the interstate
    Can feel that love that radiates, illuminating
    what I know is true


    After a few more tweaks, the new version was finished; this time it earned the approval of the stakeholders.
  • This joyful, reassuring song encapsulates Dixon's personality. "Every time I hear Gabe sing 'All Will Be Well,' I get an emotional charge," his co-writer Dan Wilson said. "It's very specific to his spirit. His voice is half-mournful and half-hopeful, and the song seems beautifully tailored to that sound."
  • The song was used in the 2011 episode of Parks and Recreation, "End of the World." It was also used in promotional spots for the short-lived 2006 TV series Conviction.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise AgainstSongwriter Interviews

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath explains the meanings behind some of their biggest songs and names the sci-fi books that have influenced him.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.