Lyrical: “No Matter What” (Part One)

Songs that contain the phrase “No Matter What” in the lyrics.

“Beautiful,” performed by Christina Aguilera and released in 2002 on her Stripped album, was written and produced by Linda Perry. The song is a poignant pop ballad celebrated for its themes of self-acceptance and inner beauty, resonating deeply as an anthem for empowerment, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

It received critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2004. Over the years, the track has been reimagined, including a stripped-down acoustic version and a remastered music video in 2022 for its 20th anniversary.

The song has been ranked among Aguilera’s finest works and listed by outlets like Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of the 21st century, cementing its legacy as a timeless pop classic.

And suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain,
I'm so ashamed
(You are what you are...)
You are beautiful no matter what they

“Everyday Glory” is the closing track on Rush’s 1993 album Counterparts, with music composed by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, and lyrics by Neil Peart. The song delves into themes of personal struggle and resilience, portraying individuals confronting daily adversities and finding moments of triumph amidst challenges.

While not released as a single, “Everyday Glory” has been appreciated by fans for its poignant lyrics and emotive composition. The track was remastered in 2004, enhancing its sound quality for contemporary audiences.

Although it may not be as commercially prominent as some of Rush’s other works, “Everyday Glory” remains a testament to the band’s ability to blend profound lyrical content with compelling musical arrangements.

Girl later
Right now they don't care at all
No matter what they say
No matter what they say
No matter what they say
No matter what they say

“Got My Mojo Working” is a blues standard written by Preston “Red” Foster1 and first recorded by Ann Cole in 1956. Muddy Waters popularized the song with his 1957 rendition, which featured modified lyrics and a new arrangement. The term “mojo” refers to a talisman associated with hoodoo folk magic, symbolizing charm or allure.

Waters’ live performance at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival is particularly celebrated and was included on his album At Newport 1960. The song has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and is ranked number 203 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, cementing its place as a blues classic.

Hands off of her, she belongs to me
Mojo working don't belong to you
Well, she's mine all mine no matter what you do
Play it boys, play it boys

“Englishman in New York” is a song by English singer-songwriter Sting, from his second studio album …Nothing Like the Sun, released in October 1987. The song was inspired by English writer and gay icon Quentin Crisp2, who had moved from London to Manhattan’s Bowery neighborhood. Sting wrote the song after meeting Crisp,

capturing his experiences and the feeling of being an outsider in a foreign city. Musically, the track features Branford Marsalis3 on soprano saxophone, Manu Katché on drums, and Mino Cinélu on percussion, blending elements of jazz, reggae, rock, and pop. Released as a single in February 1988, it reached No. 51 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 84 on the US Billboard Hot 100,

gaining more popularity in continental Europe. The song has been revisited multiple times, including a 1990 remix by Dutch DJ Ben Liebrand, which reached No. 15 in the UK charts, and a 2010 orchestral version for Sting’s album Symphonicities. In 2021, Sting collaborated with African artist Shirazee4 to release

“Englishman/African in New York,” a reimagined version celebrating cultural diversity. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its themes of individuality and self-acceptance, encapsulated in the refrain, “Be yourself no matter what they say.”

As someone said
He's the hero of the day
It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile
Be yourself no matter what they say
Oh, I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
I'm an Englishman in New York

“No Matter What” is a song by Badfinger from their 1970 album No Dice, written by lead vocalist and guitarist Pete Ham and produced by Mal Evans5. The track is characterized by its catchy melody and harmonies, exemplifying the power pop genre. Upon its release, it achieved significant chart success, reaching number 5 in the UK and number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The song has been praised for its strong melody and Beatlesque harmonies, with AllMusic critic Ritchie Unterberger noting its “infectious lilting cheer.” Over the years, “No Matter What” has been covered by various artists, including a notable version by Def Leppard in 2005. The song remains one of Badfinger’s most enduring and popular tracks.

No matter what you are
I will always be with you
Doesn't matter what you do, girl
Ooh girl, with you

“If It’ll Make U Happy” is a song by Prince, recorded on April 6, 1982, at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, during the sessions for his 1999 album. Although it was considered for inclusion, the track remained unreleased until 2019, when it appeared on the 1999 Super Deluxe Edition6.

The song features Prince on vocals and instruments, with contributions from guitarist Dez Dickerson7. Musically, it showcases Prince’s signature blend of funk and rock elements characteristic of his early 1980s work. “If It’ll Make U Happy” provides insight into Prince’s prolific output during this period.

Ohh oh-oh
Really love you baby
No matter what they say
If it'll make you happy, girl
I'll come home right away
Footnotes
  1. Preston “Red” Foster was an African-American musician and songwriter best known for penning the blues standard “Got My Mojo Working.” Described by music publisher Sol Rabinowitz as “one of the shyest human beings I’ve ever met,” Foster approached Rabinowitz in the mid-1950s with several songs, including “Mo Jo.” The song was first recorded by R&B singer Ann Cole in 1956. During a 1957 tour where Cole opened for Muddy Waters, she performed the song with Waters’ band backing her. Impressed by the piece, Waters later recorded his own version, introducing some lyrical and musical changes. This led to a dispute over authorship, but ultimately, Foster retained the songwriting credit. Despite his significant contribution to blues music, little else is known about Foster’s life and career. ↩︎
  2. Quentin Crisp (1908–1999) was an English writer, actor, and gay icon, known for his wit, flamboyance, and unapologetic embrace of individuality. Born Denis Charles Pratt in Sutton, Surrey, Crisp gained recognition with his memoir The Naked Civil Servant (1968), which detailed his experiences as an openly gay man in mid-20th century England. The book’s 1975 television adaptation, starring John Hurt, brought him international fame. In 1981, Crisp moved to New York City, where he became a celebrated figure in the counterculture scene, hosting one-man shows and publishing essays on style, relationships, and life. Sting’s song “Englishman in New York” was inspired by Crisp’s experiences as a British expatriate. Crisp’s legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights and self-expression endures, with his works and life continuing to inspire. ↩︎
  3. Branford Marsalis (born August 26, 1960) is an acclaimed American saxophonist, bandleader, and composer known for his work in jazz and classical music. Hailing from a renowned musical family in New Orleans, Marsalis is the eldest of Ellis Marsalis’s six sons, including his brother Wynton Marsalis. He gained prominence as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and later joined Sting’s band during the mid-1980s. Marsalis founded the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 1986, which has become a staple of modern jazz. A Grammy Award winner, he has explored various genres, including classical collaborations with leading orchestras and recording with pop artists. Marsalis also served as the musical director for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the early 1990s. His innovative approach to music and commitment to artistry have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation. ↩︎
  4. Shirazee, born Paolo Prudencio in Benin, is a singer-songwriter renowned for his unique blend of African rhythms and global musical influences. Educated in Ghana, he later lived in the UK, South Africa, and Paris before settling in Atlanta, USA, where he initially pursued songwriting, contributing to works by artists like Ty Dolla $ign and K-pop group Girls’ Generation. Transitioning to a solo career, Shirazee gained recognition with his 2017 hit “Iguana” and the collaborative track “Soweto” with Michael Brun. In 2021, he released “African in New York,” a reimagined version of Sting’s “Englishman in New York,” reflecting his experiences as an African expatriate; this rendition received Sting’s endorsement and led to a collaborative performance. Shirazee’s music continues to resonate globally, celebrated for its cross-cultural appeal and innovative fusion of styles. ↩︎
  5. Mal Evans (1935–1976) was a trusted road manager, assistant, and confidant to The Beatles, playing a key role in their success. Born in Liverpool, he worked as a telephone engineer before joining The Beatles’ team in 1963. Evans managed equipment, coordinated logistics, and offered personal support during tours and studio sessions. He contributed to the band’s creative process, receiving credits for minor roles, such as playing the anvil in “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” and providing backing vocals on other tracks. After The Beatles’ breakup, Evans attempted to produce music and write a memoir. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1976 when he was fatally shot by police in Los Angeles during a mental health crisis. Evans’ invaluable contributions to The Beatles’ history remain celebrated among fans and scholars of the band. ↩︎
  6. The 1999 Super Deluxe Edition is an expanded reissue of Prince’s iconic 1982 album 1999, released on November 29, 2019, by Warner Records. This comprehensive set includes remastered versions of the original album’s 11 tracks, plus 35 previously unreleased recordings from Prince’s vault, showcasing his prolific creativity during this period. The release also features two full live performances: one from Detroit in 1982 and another from Houston in 1983, as well as rare B-sides, remixes, and promotional singles. Accompanied by a detailed booklet with liner notes, photos, and commentary, the edition provides an in-depth exploration of Prince’s artistic peak. Critics and fans alike praised the set for its breadth and insight into Prince’s genius, cementing 1999 as a transformative album in pop and funk history. ↩︎
  7. Dez Dickerson is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work with Prince, particularly in the early 1980s. Born on December 18, 1955, in Minneapolis, Dickerson was a key member of Prince’s backing band, playing guitar on tracks such as “Little Red Corvette” and “1999.” His energetic performances became an integral part of the band’s live shows. In addition to his work with Prince, Dickerson pursued a solo career, releasing albums like The Only One (1986). After leaving Prince’s band, he focused more on his personal musical endeavors and moved into a career in the corporate world. Dickerson’s contributions to Prince’s early success remain highly regarded by fans and critics ↩︎
Further Reading
Sources

Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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