The Stone (Dave Matthews Band song)

"The Stone" is a song by the Dave Matthews Band, appearing on their 2001 album Everyday. It's a high-energy, upbeat song characterized by its driving rhythm and complex instrumental arrangements. While not released as a single, it has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band's live performances.

The song is notable for its intricate instrumentation, featuring violin work by Boyd Tinsley, saxophone from LeRoi Moore (on the album version and early live performances), and driving percussion from Carter Beauford. The lyrics, written by Dave Matthews, are somewhat abstract and open to interpretation, but are often understood to be about finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The "stone" itself is thought to represent a symbol of steadfastness or something enduring.

"The Stone" underwent several musical transformations before its final release on Everyday. Early live versions featured different arrangements and lyrical variations, showcasing the band's tendency to experiment with their music in live settings. These earlier versions, often referred to by fans as "The Stone (original)," are significantly different in tempo and instrumentation than the album version. The band ultimately reworked the song during the Everyday recording sessions, resulting in the faster, more pop-oriented version that made it onto the album. This transformation was a point of contention for some fans who preferred the more improvisational and jam-oriented style of the early live performances. Despite these differences, "The Stone" remains a popular and well-regarded song within the Dave Matthews Band's extensive catalog.