"Silver Springs," Fleetwood Mac

“Silver Springs” is one of those great songs that almost got lost to rock history.  Written by Stevie Nicks, it was originally recorded for Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album Rumours, but instead became the B-side to the “Go Your Own Way” single.  As vinyl turned into cassettes and compact discs, “Silver Springs” was increasingly difficult to find.

All that changed in 1997 when Fleetwood Mac reunited its most popular lineup for The Dance.  Though the album predominately featured the group’s greatest hits, it also provided a showcase for “Silver Springs.”  The song reportedly detailed the end of Nicks’ relationship with Fleetwood Mac singer and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham – in many ways, the counterpoint to Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way.” 

The 1997 recording of “Silver Springs” left no doubt that Buckingham was the subject of the song.   As the song builds to its ending crescendo, Nicks turns toward Buckingham and sings: “I’ll follow you down ‘til the sound of my voice will haunt you/Was I just a fool?/You’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loved you.”  Though her delivery is both angry and vulnerable, it also seems to provide closure to the Nicks-Buckingham saga – especially since it was reportedly excluded from Rumours at Buckingham’s request. 

With The Dance performance, “Silver Springs” finally got its turn in the spotlight, introducing a new generation to Fleetwood Mac and helping the album sell over five million copies.  

Though Christine McVie has since left Fleetwood Mac since The Dance reunion, the group’s remaining members are reportedly working on a new album and plan to tour next year.  


Want more classic breakup songs?  Check out our throwbacks on Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" and George Michael's "One More Try."