Fleetwood Mac-The Story Behind "Go Your Own Way"

Summary

This episode of Rock Music History Lesson delves into the backstory of Fleetwood Mac's hit 'Go Your Own Way.' Lindsey Buckingham reflects on the song's creation during a tumultuous period with Stevie Nicks, marking the end of their relationship and setting the tone for the 'Rumours' album. The track, inspired by a raw emotional dialogue and influenced by The Rolling Stones' drum patterns, became a symbol of personal and musical liberation. Despite Nicks' objections to certain lyrics, the song showcases Buckingham's emotional resolve and Fleetwood Mac's collaborative spirit, ultimately reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977.

Takeaways

• 🎸 Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974, enhancing the band's lineup.
• 📚 The album 'Rumours' released by Fleetwood Mac in 1977 became one of the best-selling albums ever, with over 40 million copies sold.
• 🎧 'Go Your Own Way' was the first song Lindsey Buckingham wrote for the 'Rumours' album, marking the beginning of his dialogue with Stevie Nicks post their split.
• 📝 The song's lyrics, starting with 'Loving you isn't the right thing to do', reflect a raw expression of emotion and a conversational tone with Nicks.
• 🤖 Mick Fleetwood's drum pattern in 'Go Your Own Way' was inspired by 'Street Fighting Man' by The Rolling Stones, showcasing a creative adaptation.
• 🎲 John McVie contributed a memorable bass melody line to the song, while Lindsey Buckingham played all the guitar parts.
• 💃 The chorus of 'Go Your Own Way' reflects Stevie Nicks' childhood of frequent relocations, suggesting a theme of pursuing one's own path despite potential loneliness.
• 😡 Stevie Nicks was unhappy with the lyrics 'Packing up, shacking up is all you want to do', which she felt misrepresented her, but Buckingham refused to remove the line.
• 🎶 'Go Your Own Way' achieved significant success, climbing to number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard Chart in 1977.
• 💌 The creation of 'Rumours' and 'Go Your Own Way' involved deep personal emotions and relationships within Fleetwood Mac, highlighting the intertwined nature of their music and personal lives.

Q & A

How did Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks join Fleetwood Mac?

Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974, along with his girlfriend at the time, Stevie Nicks. They had previously recorded an album called Buckingham Nicks, which received modest attention. After the band's guitarist Bob Welch decided to leave, Mick Fleetwood approached Lindsey to join the band, but Lindsey insisted that Stevie also come along.

What was the inspiration behind the song "Go Your Own Way"?

The song "Go Your Own Way" was initially written by Lindsey Buckingham as a stream of consciousness, reflecting his on-again, off-again relationship with Stevie Nicks during the recording of the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours. The song was a raw expression of the emotions Lindsey was experiencing due to their breakup.

How did Mick Fleetwood's contribution shape the rhythm of "Go Your Own Way"?

Lindsey Buckingham had a specific drum pattern in mind, inspired by the Rolling Stones' song "Street Fighting Man." However, he couldn't play it himself. Lindsey showed Mick Fleetwood the pattern, but Mick couldn't quite grasp it, so he created his own unique interpretation, which became the signature rhythm for "Go Your Own Way."

What was Stevie Nicks' reaction to the lyrics of "Go Your Own Way"?

Stevie Nicks was unhappy with the lyrics "Packing up, shacking up is all you want to do," which implied that she was unfaithful during their relationship. She asked Lindsey Buckingham to remove the line, as she claimed she never cheated on him, but he declined to take it out.

How did Stevie Nicks' childhood experiences influence the theme of "Go Your Own Way"?

Stevie Nicks experienced multiple relocations throughout her childhood due to her father's job changes, which instilled a sense of rhythm and discomfort with things persisting for too long. This observation is reflected in the chorus of "Go Your Own Way," which suggests pursuing one's own path but acknowledges the potential loneliness that may come with it.

How successful was the song "Go Your Own Way"?

The song "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac climbed to number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard Chart in 1977, becoming a significant hit for the band.

What was the first song written for the Rumours album during the Florida session?

The very first song that came up during the Florida session, where the band took a break from touring to work on new material for the upcoming album, was "Go Your Own Way." It was the initial track Lindsey Buckingham wrote for the album that eventually became Rumours.

Who played the various instruments on the song "Go Your Own Way"?

Lindsey Buckingham played all the guitars on "Go Your Own Way," while John McVie came up with the great bass melody line, and Mick Fleetwood provided the mutated interpretation of the drum pattern Lindsey had in mind.

What was Lindsey Buckingham's emotional state while recording the lead vocal for "Go Your Own Way"?

Lindsey Buckingham talks about the lead vocal in "Go Your Own Way" as having "a lot of oomph" and "a lot of resolve" behind it, as he was feeling the subject matter of the song, which was a reflection of his personal life at the time. He found the vocal cathartic, as it was a way of exercising certain hurts.

What was the significance of the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours?

The Fleetwood Mac album Rumours, released in 1977, was hugely successful, selling over 40 million copies and becoming one of the best-selling albums ever. It exceeded everyone's expectations regarding success and was a significant milestone in the band's career.

Outlines

00:00

🎸 The Genesis of 'Go Your Own Way' and Fleetwood Mac's Transformation

This segment explores the intriguing backstory of Fleetwood Mac's monumental hit 'Go Your Own Way', focusing on the pivotal moments that led to its creation. Lindsey Buckingham's entry into Fleetwood Mac in 1974 alongside Stevie Nicks marked the beginning of a new era for the band, culminating in the release of their breakthrough album 'Rumours' in 1977. The narrative delves into the complex relationship between Buckingham and Nicks, from their modest beginnings with the album 'Buckingham Nicks' to their tumultuous dynamics during the recording of 'Rumours'. The inspiration for 'Go Your Own Way' is traced back to a songwriting session in Florida, revealing Buckingham's process of channeling his emotional turmoil and relationship with Nicks into the song's lyrics and composition. The segment also highlights Mick Fleetwood's innovative approach to the song's drum pattern, influenced by 'Street Fighting Man' by The Rolling Stones, and the collaborative effort in the studio that brought the track to life.

05:01

🔊 Lyrical Tensions and Chart Success

This section delves into the lyrical content of 'Go Your Own Way' and the tension it created between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, particularly over the line 'Packing up, shacking up is all you want to do', which Nicks contested. Despite the internal conflicts, the song achieved commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard Chart in 1977. The narrative also touches upon Nicks' background, revealing how her frequent relocations during childhood influenced her perspective on change and movement, a theme reflected in the song's lyrics. The segment concludes with a call to action for the audience to engage with the content and subscribe to the channel, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Fleetwood Mac's music and its impact on rock history.

Keywords

💡Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band formed in the late 1960s, known for their evolving sound and tumultuous interpersonal relationships. The video discusses the period when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the band in 1974, marking a significant shift towards a more pop-oriented sound. This era, particularly with the release of the album 'Rumours' in 1977, catapulted the band to international fame, illustrating Fleetwood Mac's impact on rock music and popular culture.

💡Rumours

The album 'Rumours,' released by Fleetwood Mac in 1977, is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide. The script highlights its significance as a monumental achievement in the band's history, showcasing the personal and emotional turmoil among band members, particularly between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. 'Rumours' is renowned for its lyrical honesty and musical innovation, embodying the band's peak creativity and personal conflicts.

💡Go Your Own Way

A standout track from 'Rumours,' 'Go Your Own Way' is Lindsey Buckingham's raw expression of his tumultuous relationship with Stevie Nicks. The script describes it as the first song he wrote for the album, signifying the beginning of a dialogue with Nicks. Its creation story, involving innovative drum patterns inspired by the Rolling Stones and emotional vocal performances, reflects the song's importance as a cathartic piece for Buckingham and a defining moment in the band's history.

💡Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham is portrayed in the video as a pivotal figure in Fleetwood Mac's history, joining the band in 1974 alongside Stevie Nicks. His contributions as a singer-songwriter and record producer are highlighted, with particular focus on his role in crafting 'Go Your Own Way.' Buckingham's personal and professional relationship with Nicks, including their break-up, deeply influenced the emotional depth and musical direction of 'Rumours.'

💡Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks, described in the script as Lindsey Buckingham's musical partner and lover, is an iconic figure in rock music, known for her distinctive voice and mystical stage persona. Her relationship with Buckingham and the broader dynamics within Fleetwood Mac significantly shaped the emotional landscape of 'Rumours.' The script mentions Nicks' unease with the song's lyrics, highlighting her personal connection to the music and its impact on her relationship with Buckingham.

💡Sound City

Sound City is a recording studio in California where Fleetwood Mac, among other famous artists, recorded some of their seminal works. The script references a serendipitous moment when Mick Fleetwood overheard Buckingham and Nicks' song 'Frozen Love' at the studio, leading to their invitation to join Fleetwood Mac. Sound City represents a place of creative serendipity and a critical juncture in the band's history.

💡Catharsis

Catharsis, in the context of the script, refers to the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions. Lindsey Buckingham's creation of 'Go Your Own Way' serves as a form of catharsis, allowing him to express the pain and frustration of his break-up with Stevie Nicks. The script emphasizes the emotional rawness and honesty in Buckingham's songwriting and performance, illustrating the therapeutic aspect of musical expression.

💡Musical dialogue

The term 'musical dialogue' in the script refers to the way Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks communicated their personal feelings and experiences through their music. 'Go Your Own Way' is described as the beginning of Buckingham's dialogue with Nicks, symbolizing how their tumultuous relationship was explored and expressed through the band's music. This concept underlines the deeply personal and communicative nature of Fleetwood Mac's songwriting process during the 'Rumours' era.

💡Innovation

The script highlights innovation in the creation of 'Go Your Own Way,' particularly through the adaptation of a drum pattern inspired by the Rolling Stones and Lindsey Buckingham's multi-layered guitar work. Mick Fleetwood's interpretation of Buckingham's initial idea for the drum part, despite not fully grasping it, resulted in a distinctive sound. This focus on innovation illustrates Fleetwood Mac's approach to music production, blending inspiration with individual creativity to forge new sounds.

💡Interpersonal dynamics

The video script delves into the complex interpersonal dynamics within Fleetwood Mac, especially between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Their romantic relationship, its dissolution, and the ongoing tension significantly influenced the lyrical content and emotional intensity of 'Rumours.' The script's narrative demonstrates how personal relationships within the band were both a source of creative inspiration and discord, shaping the music's authenticity and resonance.

Highlights

Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the popular rock band Fleetwood Mac in 1974.

Fleetwood Mac's hugely successful album Rumours, released in 1977, sold over 40 million copies and became one of the best-selling albums ever.

Lindsey and Stevie had previously recorded an album called Buckingham Nicks, which had received some modest attention but was largely overlooked.

Lindsey was working on new music at Sound City recording studio when Mick Fleetwood heard a song from Buckingham Nicks and asked Lindsey to join Fleetwood Mac.

Lindsey hesitated to join Fleetwood Mac unless his girlfriend Stevie could also join.

The first Fleetwood Mac album with Lindsey and Stevie, released in 1975, exceeded everyone's expectations regarding success.

The band rented a house in Florida to work on new material for their upcoming album, and the first song Lindsey wrote was "Go Your Own Way".

"Go Your Own Way" was Lindsey's initial track for the album that eventually became Rumours, and it was a raw expression of his emotions towards his on-again, off-again relationship with Stevie.

The band rented places to live in Sausalito, California, and Lindsey saw it as the final nail in the coffin of his relationship with Stevie.

Mick Fleetwood's drum pattern for "Go Your Own Way" was inspired by the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" but was his own mutated interpretation.

John McVie came up with the great bass melody line for "Go Your Own Way".

The lead vocal on "Go Your Own Way" had a lot of emotion and resolve behind it, as Lindsey was living through the subject matter and it was cathartic for him.

Stevie's frequent relocations in childhood instilled a sense of rhythm in her, leading her to be uncomfortable with things persisting for too long, which is reflected in the chorus of "Go Your Own Way".

Stevie was unhappy with the lyrics "Packing up, shacking up is all you want to do" and asked Lindsey to remove them, but he declined.

"Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac climbed to number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard Chart in 1977.

Transcripts

The story behind Fleetwood Mac's gigantic hit "Go Your Own Way"

and who is about...mmm,you'll find out coming up on Rock Music History Lesson

Lindsey Buckingham, singer-songwriter and record producer, joined the popular rock band Fleetwood Mac in 1974, along with his girlfriend at the time, Stevie Nicks

A few years later, in 1977, Fleetwood Mac released their hugely successful album Rumours, which sold over 40 million copies and became one of the best-selling albums ever

Stevie and Lindsey had previously recorded an album called Buckingham Nicks, which had received some modest attention but was largely overlooked

One day, while working on new music at Sound City recording studio, Lindsey went into Studio A

where Keith Olsen, who had worked on both Buckingham Nicks and Fleetwood Mac's first album, happened to be playing a song called "Frozen Love" from Buckingham Nicks

As it turned out, Mick Fleetwood, the drummer of Fleetwood Mac, was in the studio grooving along to the song

Lindsey greeted Mick and then returned to his work

A few weeks later, Mick reached out and informed him that their guitarist, Bob Welch, was leaving Fleetwood Mac

Mick then asked if he would be interested in joining the band.

Lindsey hesitated and said, "If I were to join, my girlfriend would have to come along, too,"

The first album was released in 1975 and exceeded everyone's expectations regarding success.

They had been touring and discussing the preparation for their second album

They decided to take a break from touring and rent a house in Florida for about a week to work on some new material for the upcoming album

The very first song that came up during this session was "Go Your Own Way."

It was the initial track Lindsey wrote for the album that eventually became Rumours.

In an interview with songexploder.net, Lindsey says, "It was the beginning of my having a dialogue with Stevie, who had been my lover and musical partner pretty much through the time that the first album was made, and we were sort of on-again, off-again, on-again, off-again

But, by the time we got to Rumours, she had sort of split. And "Go Your Own Way" was written almost as a stream of consciousness."

If you start with the first lyric, "Loving you isn't the right thing to do," it sounds like you're beginning a conversation with someone

There was nothing about it that was thought out. It was just the raw expression of the emotion behind the song.

Mick had this bright idea of getting out of Los Angeles, almost an extension of the Florida idea

Let's make it a working vacation or something

So we went up to Sausalito;

We rented a couple of places to live, and, you know, again, that was sort of my final nail in the coffin with Stevie because I thought maybe she and I would find a place together, and she was not into doing that

But we settled in Sausalito."

there was a song by the Rolling Stones that had a really great drum pattern that he thought would work over "Go Your Own Way."

The song is "Street Fighting Man" by The Rolling Stones

Lindsay showed Mick the drum pattern he felt would be right, but he couldn't play it

Lindsay told Mick to paraphrase and make it his own

After a while, he did

In an interview with Songfacts.com, Mick Fleetwood said, "Go your own way rhythm was a tom-tom structure that Lindsey demoed by hitting Kleenex boxes or something

I never quite got to grips with what he wanted, so the end result was my mutated interpretation".

John Mcvie came up with the great bass melody line.

Lindsey played all the guitars.

Lindsey talks about the lead vocal in an interview with songexploder.net:

"There's a lot of oomph behind the lead vocal in "Go Your Own Way" because there was a lot of resolve behind the subject matter

I was feeling a lot of that subject matter as being something I was living. And so, it was cathartic to get that vocal out

It was a way of exercising certain hurts".

Buckingham says that Stevie experienced multiple relocations throughout her childhood due to her father changing jobs and cities, which happened approximately six or seven times.

However, this frequent change instilled a sense of rhythm as she grew uncomfortable with things that persisted for too long

This observation is reflected in the chorus of the song "Go Your Own Way," which suggests that one should pursue one's own path but acknowledges the potential loneliness that may come with it.

Ultimately, you may find yourself continuously isolated if you cannot move past a particular situation.

Stevie was unhappy with the lyrics "Packing up, shacking up is all you want to do," which implied that she was unfaithful when they were dating

She asked Lindsey to remove the line as she claimed she never cheated on him, but he declined to take it out.

Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac climbed to number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard Chart in 1977.

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I'm K.W. Keene.Thanks for watching Rock Music History Lesson