About the song
“Gypsy,” a notable track by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, is a poignant reflection of Stevie Nicks’ personal experiences and emotions during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Written by Nicks around 1979, the song originally appeared as a demo for her debut solo album *Bella Donna*. However, following the death of Nicks’ close friend, Robin Anderson, from leukemia, “Gypsy” evolved into a deeply personal tribute and has been dedicated to Anderson in live performances.
“Gypsy” was released as the second single from Fleetwood Mac’s *Mirage* album in 1982 and achieved considerable success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining in the top 20 for several weeks. Its success was a testament to both the band’s enduring popularity and Nicks’ songwriting prowess.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, capturing the carefree spirit of Nicks’ early adulthood. It reminisces about a simpler time before Fleetwood Mac’s fame, highlighting her memories of living with Lindsey Buckingham and their modest lifestyle. Nicks often described how she and Buckingham, despite their financial struggles, created a charming home with just a mattress on the floor and vintage decor. This imagery, including references to San Francisco’s Velvet Underground clothing store, symbolizes a return to her roots and a time of personal simplicity.
In addition to its personal resonance, “Gypsy” became notable for its ambitious music video. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the video was the highest-budget music video of its time, featuring elaborate sets and costumes. It also marked a milestone as MTV’s first-ever “World Premiere Video.” The production of the video, however, was fraught with challenges, including Nicks’ struggles with cocaine addiction and interpersonal tensions among band members. Despite these difficulties, the video remains a visually striking representation of the song’s themes.
The track’s emotional depth is underscored by Nicks’ powerful vocal performance and the lush instrumental arrangement, which includes Buckingham’s evocative guitar work and Christine McVie’s atmospheric keyboard contributions. The B-side of the single, “Cool Water,” provides a rare vocal performance by bassist John McVie and adds another layer of interest to the release.
Overall, “Gypsy” stands as a testament to Stevie Nicks’ lyrical and vocal talents, capturing a mix of nostalgia and tribute that resonates with listeners. Its success, both commercially and critically, reflects Fleetwood Mac’s continued impact on the rock genre and their ability to weave personal stories into universally appealing music.
Video
Lyrics
So I’m back to the velvet underground
Back to the floor that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was
To the gypsy that I was
And it all comes down to you
Well, you know that it does and
Lightning strikes maybe once, maybe twice
Oh and it lights up the night
And you see your gypsy
You see your gypsy
To the gypsy
That remains
Her face says freedom
With a little fear
I have no fear
Have only love
And if I was a child
And the child was enough
Enough for me to love
Enough to love
She is dancing away from you now
She was just a wish
She was just a wish
And her memory is all that is left for you now
You see your gypsy, oh
You see your gypsy
Ooh ooh, ohh, ohh-oh
Lightning strikes
Maybe once, maybe twice
And it all comes down to you
Ooh oh, and it all comes down to you
Lightning strikes
Maybe once, maybe twice
And (oh) it all comes down to you
I still see your (your) bright eyes, bright eyes
(And it all comes down to you)