Every so often, a musical supergroup comes along that transcends both genre and time, attracting a wide range of avid listeners. Fleetwood Mac is certainly one such group.
With their captivating lyrical imagery and their irresistible musical hooks, the five-piece rock band took the world by storm when they first burst onto the scene in the late ’70s. Decades later, they’ve garnered innumerable fans from all walks of life and have inspired countless musical artists after them.
The British American band has rotated members several times, though one of their most famous lineups is the one that released Rumours in 1977: guitarist and vocalist Lindsey Buckingham, drummer Mick Fleetwood, keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVie, bassist John McVie, and vocalist Stevie Nicks. Buckingham and Nicks, who both joined the group years after its formation, added a pop sensibility that would propel the band to the top of the Billboard charts and into the canon of legendary classic rock groups.
Songwriting responsibilities were shared among McVie, Nicks, Fleetwood, and Buckingham. Common themes included relationships, the supernatural, and introspective contemplation on life and identity.
Indeed, the band’s enduring legacy is largely due to their fascinating, powerful subject matter combined with concise, catchy lyrics and melodies. There’s also a sort of mystique about the group, owing to their complicated internal relationships and infamous behind-the-scenes drama. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most memorable Fleetwood Mac lyrics of all time, from their early years to further down their extensive catalogue.
Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’ / ‘Cause I’ve built my life around you / But time makes you bolder / Even children get older / And I’m getting older too.“Landslide,” 1975
Rock on, ancient queen / Follow those who pale in your shadow / Rulers make bad lovers / You better put your kingdom up for sale.“Gold Dust Woman,” 1977
And I wish you all the love in the world / But most of all, I wish it from myself.“Songbird,” 1977
And if you don’t love me now / You will never love me again / I can still hear you sayin’ / You would never break the chain.“The Chain,” 1977
And a black widow spider makes / More sound than she / And black moons in those eyes of hers / Made more sense to me.“Sisters of the Moon,”1979
I never did believe in miracles / But I’ve a feeling it’s time to try / I never did believe in the ways of magic / But I’m beginning to wonder why.“You Make Loving Fun," 1977
All your life you’ve never seen / Woman taken by the wind / Would you stay if she promised you heaven? / Will you ever win?“Rhiannon,” 1975
Why not think about times to come / And not about the things that you’ve done? / If your life was bad to you / Just think what tomorrow will do.“Don’t Stop,” 1977
In the sea of love / Where every woman would love to drown / But now it’s gone / They say it doesn’t matter anymore / Oh, if you build your house / Then please call me home.“Sara,” 1979
In silence the lonely make all their mistakes / Tore a page of my heart / Someone in heaven above / Show me how to love.“Book of Love,” 1982
She was just a dream maker / Dreamer of sighs / Shadow on the one who used to cry / A face as soft as a tear in a clown’s eye / I want to go back.“Can’t Go Back,” 1982
Looking out for love / In the night so still / Oh, I’ll build you a kingdom / In that house on the hill.“Big Love,” 1987
Now, here I go again / I see the crystal visions / I keep my visions to myself / It’s only me who wants to / Wrap around your dreams / And have you any dreams you’d like to sell?“Dreams,” 1977
You only want me when I get over you / First you love me, then you get on down the line / But I don’t mind / No, I don’t mind.“Monday Morning,” 1975
If I live to see the seven wonders / I’ll make a path to the rainbow’s end / I’ll never live to match the beauty again.“Seven Wonders,” 1987
Can you hear me calling out your name? / You know that I’m falling and I don’t know what to say / I’ll speak a little louder, I’ll even shout / You know that I’m proud and I can’t get the words out.“Everywhere,” 1987
I don’t want to stand between you and love, honey / I just want you to feel fine / I don’t want to know the reasons why love keeps / Right on walkin’ on down the line.“I Don’t Want to Know,” 1977
Now you are here today / But easily you might just go away / ‘Cause we live in a time / When paintings have no color, words don’t rhyme / And that’s why I’ve traveled far / ‘Cause I come so together where you are.“Sentimental Lady,” 1972
Featured image credit: CBW/ Alamy Stock Photo
