Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

Written by: Emily Singh

Edited by: Jonathan

Music is an incredibly beautiful form of expression. Every note is intentional and can convey emotions with no words. In Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, themes such as anxiety, grief and fear are dealt with. Artist and author of the piece Stevie Nicks says the piece has no specific meaning. Anyone can interpret the song and find comfort in it as they choose!

In the song Landslide, Nicks speaks of anxiety she was feeling at the time and uncertainty with life decisions, both personally and career-wise. The lyrics below illuminate the fear of failure and bracing life’s challenges. 

“Can I sail through the 

changin’ ocean tides ?

Can I handle the seasons 

of my life?”

Regardless of fame and status, anxiety is a human emotion. Life naturally has “ups’ and “downs”. Nicks uses the ocean as a metaphor for uncertainty and rough patches. Much like a sailor, one gets jolted around by life, thrown side to side. The metaphor of seasons emphasizes how life is constantly changing. As much as we wish life could be paused for a moment, it is always moving forward, and so must we! 

Another context in which Stevie Nicks wrote the song is about loss and her father. During multiple performances Nicks dedicates the song to her father in loving memory. Through her lyrics, we feel her fear of loss and dealing with grief after a loved one has passed. 

“Well, I’ve been afraid of 

changin’ 

‘Cause I’ve built my life

around you”

The lyrics above depict how it feels to “move on” with grief. It is difficult continuing one’s journey after experiencing severe loss. The idea of not seeing the loved one or sharing special memories is a dreadful emotion shared by all. Nicks expresses her fear of her life changing without her father and what that would mean for her. Her past is filled with acceptance and support from her father, and moving forward she will no longer have that. 

The song covers the themes of acceptances. Ultimately Nicks comes to terms with the fact she must persevere. The lyrics below remind me of the quote “The only way out is through”.  

“But time makes you bolder

Even children get older

And I'm gettin' older, too”

With each era of life comes a new set of challenges, each progressively harder. Death and uncertainty follow us our whole lives. We only can rely on our mindset and strength to help us pull through. A sure notion we can rely on is through our battles we are not alone. We can look towards others for reassurance, or art such as music. Listening to lyrics that convey the human experience, one of love, loss and overcoming obstacles helps us remember that we are never alone.