Review of "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac
A Mystical Masterpiece
Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon", with its jagged, mystical guitar riff, casts a spell as potent as its lyrics. The song is a testament to the band's mastery, conjuring an atmosphere that's both enchanting and haunting.
Stevie Nicks' Signature Song
As Stevie Nicks' signature song, it's no surprise that "Rhiannon" is consistently ranked among the top 500 songs of all time. Drawing inspiration from the legend of an old Welsh witch or goddess, the song captures the essence of a powerful, captivating, and perhaps even dangerous feminine figure.
Chart Success and Enduring Appeal
Featured on the band's second best-selling album, also titled "Fleetwood Mac," "Rhiannon" (released as a single under the extended title "Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)") became a major hit in the US, peaking at number 11 in 1976. It also enjoyed success in the UK upon its re-release in 1978. The song's enduring appeal is evident in its accolades, including its ranking as number 488 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list and number six on their list of the 50 greatest Fleetwood Mac songs.
Theatrical Live Performances
Nicks often introduced the song in live performances as being "about an old Welsh witch," adding to its mystique. These live renditions, particularly between 1975 and 1982, were known for their theatrical intensity, with Nicks' impassioned vocals creating an almost exorcism-like experience, as described by Mick Fleetwood.
Unraveling the Lyrics
The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of Rhiannon, a woman who is both alluring and elusive. The opening lines, "Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night / And wouldn't you love to love her?" immediately establish her captivating presence. The imagery of her taking "to the sky like a bird in flight" further emphasizes her freedom and untamed spirit. The repeated question, "Will you ever win?" hints at the challenges and complexities of loving such a free-spirited being. Rhiannon is described as being "like a cat in the dark / And then she is the darkness," highlighting her mysterious and enigmatic nature. The lyrics evoke a sense of awe and wonder, leaving the listener to ponder the depths of Rhiannon's character and the implications of her power.
Fleetwood Mac Rhiannon: A Timeless Classic
"Rhiannon" is more than just a song; it's an experience. It transports the listener into a world of myth and magic, where love and power intertwine. It's a testament to Stevie Nicks' songwriting prowess and Fleetwood Mac's ability to create timeless music that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Listen to Fleetwood Mac Rhiannon
Fleetwood Mac Rhiannon Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac is an exploration of the allure and complexities of loving a free spirit. The song portrays Rhiannon as a powerful, enigmatic woman who embodies both captivating beauty and elusive independence. Drawing inspiration from Welsh mythology, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who defies conventional expectations and societal norms, symbolized by her being "taken by the wind." The song raises questions about the challenges and rewards of loving such a free-spirited individual, while celebrating the transformative power of love and the beauty of individuality. Ultimately, "Rhiannon" encourages listeners to embrace their own unique paths and to appreciate the enduring strength of the human spirit, even in the face of the unknown.
Captivating Presence
"Rhiannon" delves into the complexities of loving a free spirit, painting a vivid portrait of a woman who is both captivating and elusive. From the outset, the lyrics establish Rhiannon's magnetic presence: "Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night / And wouldn't you love to love her?" This imagery evokes her ability to command attention, much like a bell's sound pierces the silence.
Freedom and Independence
Her connection to the natural world and freedom is further emphasized as she "takes to the sky like a bird in flight," echoing her mythological association with birds. The question "And who will be her lover?" hints at the challenge of capturing her heart, given her independent nature.
The Allure and Challenge of Love
The chorus reinforces Rhiannon's uniqueness and power. She's described as a "woman taken by the wind," unbound by conventional expectations, leaving an impression of awe and mystery. The lyrics probe the allure and difficulties of loving such a free spirit, asking, "Would you stay if she promised you heaven? / Will you ever win?" This repetition underscores the uncertainty and potential heartbreak of such a relationship.
Enigmatic Nature
Further into the song, Rhiannon's enigmatic nature is revealed through the simile "She is like a cat in the dark / And then she is the darkness." This imagery portrays her as both elusive and powerful, capable of blending into the shadows and embodying them. The line "She rules her life like a fine skylark" showcases her self-assuredness and independence, drawing a parallel to the skylark's soaring flight and melodious song. Even "when the sky is starless," Rhiannon navigates her path with confidence.
Connection to the Heavens
The bridge and outro reinforce Rhiannon's connection to the heavens and her freedom from earthly constraints through the repetition of "Taken by, taken by the sky." The final lines, "Dreams unwind / Love's a state of mind," suggest that love, like dreams, can be fleeting and subjective. It echoes the song's central theme of the complexities of love and the challenge of capturing a free spirit.
Deeper Meanings and Interpretations
Beyond the surface, the song hints at deeper meanings. The inserted lines at the beginning ("And he says...") allude to a longing for Rhiannon's presence, highlighting the impact she has on those around her. The blurring of the line between "witch" and "goddess" reflects her complex nature as a powerful, supernatural figure. The song's ending, with its focus on dreams and the subjective nature of love, invites introspection and leaves room for individual interpretation.
Fleetwood Mac Rhiannon Meaning
In essence, "Rhiannon" explores the allure and complexities of loving someone who embodies freedom and power. It's a celebration of independence and a challenge to traditional notions of love, prompting listeners to contemplate the mysteries of the heart and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Fleetwood Mac Rhiannon Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn't you love to love her?
Takes to the sky like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover?
[Chorus]
All your life you've never seen
Woman taken by the wind
Would you stay if she promised you heaven?
Will you ever win?
[Verse 2]
She is like a cat in the dark
And then she is the darkness
She rules her life like a fine skylark
And when the sky is starless
[Chorus]
All your life you've never seen
Woman taken by the wind
Would you stay if she promised you heaven?
Will you ever win?
Will you ever win?
[Post-Chorus]
Rhiannon
Rhiannon
Rhiannon
Rhiannon
[Verse 3]
She rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn't you love to love her?
She rules her life like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover?
[Chorus]
All your life you've never seen
Woman taken by the wind
Would you stay if she promised you heaven?
Will you ever win?
Will you ever win?
[Post-Chorus]
Rhiannon
Rhiannon
Rhiannon
[Bridge]
Taken by, taken by the sky
(Ah-ah)
Taken by, taken by the sky
(Ah-ah)
Taken by, taken by the sky
(Ah-ah)
[Guitar Solo]
[Outro]
Dreams unwind
Love's a state of mind
Dreams unwind
Love's a state of mind
Commentaires