Stevie Nicks has unveiled her first original single in four years, titled “The Lighthouse.” The song, which she has been developing since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, was produced by Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and Dave Cobb.
In a statement regarding the release, Nicks emphasized the significance of the song’s theme. “I have often said to myself: This may be the most important thing I ever do, to stand up for the women of the United States and their daughters and granddaughters — and the men that love them,” she stated. “This is an anthem.” Nicks is set to perform “The Lighthouse” as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on October 12, alongside host Ariana Grande. This appearance marks her first on the show since December 1983.
The lyrics of “The Lighthouse” convey a mix of outrage and hope. Nicks sings about lost rights and fear: “All the rights that you had yesterday are taken away / And now you’re afraid / You should be afraid.”
However, she also encourages resilience: “Don’t let it happen again / I have my scars, you have yours / Don’t let them take your power / Don’t leave it alone in the final hours.”
Nicks explained that she wrote the song shortly after Roe v. Wade was overturned. She felt compelled to respond to the collective call for action. One morning, after hearing a newscaster discuss the implications of losing Roe v. Wade, she was inspired to write the song.
She completed it on September 6, 2022.
Co-written with Magnus Birgersson and Vincent Villuis, “The Lighthouse” features Crow on electric guitar and bass, with Cobb contributing guitar as well. Nicks’ longtime guitarist Waddy Wachtel also plays on the track, joined by Philip Town on keys and Lori Nicks providing background vocals.
Nicks’ last original release was “Show Them the Way,” which she wrote in 2020 with then-presidential candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in mind. Since then, she has also released her rendition of “For What It’s Worth.”
On September 11, Nicks urged her fans to register to vote, echoing sentiments expressed by her friend Taylor Swift. While she did not endorse a specific candidate, she emphasized the importance of voting: “Your vote in this election may be one of the most important things you ever do,” including a link to vote.gov. She signed off her message humorously as “Love, Stevie Nicks, Childless Dog Lady.”
In summary, “The Lighthouse” serves as both a personal statement and a rallying cry for women’s rights amid ongoing political changes in America.
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