"The Space Between" is a song written by American rock band Dave Matthews Band from their fourth studio album, Everyday (2001). Released as a single in April 2001, it gave the band their first top-40 hit in their home country, peaking at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the United Kingdom, it became the band's only top-40 hit when it reached number 36 on the UK Singles Chart. "The Space Between" is also included on the Dave Matthews Band compilation album The Best of What's Around Vol. 1.

Composition

The song was written by Dave Matthews and Glen Ballard. Ballard interpreted the lyrics as "an apology" to a loved one; "It’s telling the person who is most vivid in your life, whenever we’ve been apart, I want to make sure that we’re back together."

Music video

The music video, directed by Dave Meyers, was filmed on Lake Pickett surrounded by CGI factories and power plants near Orlando, Florida. The video features Matthews and the band playing the song on the dock of the pond. It also features scenes depicting an old man in a boat, a mother walking through the pond while holding her baby, and a young couple sitting in the back of a pickup truck. As the video progresses, it begins to rain on the band and the unnamed characters; the band plays on, the old man removes rainwater from his boat with a cup, the mother shields her baby from the rain, and the young couple covers themselves with a blanket. In the final scene, the rain stops and Matthews is singing alone on the dock. A woman approaches, and Matthews walks off with her.

Live performances

"The Space Between" was performed live on Saturday Night Live on February 24, 2001.

Track listings

Australian single

1. "The Space Between" (remix) – 3:34

2. "The Space Between" – 4:02

3. "What You Are" – 4:33

UK CD1 single

1. "The Space Between" (album edit) – 4:02

2. "Fool to Think" – 4:13

3. "The Space Between" (video) – 3:38

UK CD2 single

1. "The Space Between" (radio edit) – 3:34

2. "What You Are" – 3:48

3. "I Did It" (video) – 3:38

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Release history

References