About the song
“Sara” by Fleetwood Mac is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that was released in 1979 as part of their critically acclaimed album “Tusk.” Written by Stevie Nicks, one of the band’s key members, the song captures the emotional depth and complexity of Nicks’ personal life and relationships, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. Known for her poetic lyrics and ethereal voice, Nicks delivered a song that resonated with listeners both for its personal nature and its larger universal themes.
“Sara” is often seen as a reflection of Nicks’ turbulent relationship with her bandmate Lindsey Buckingham and the emotional complications surrounding their romantic entanglements. The song, named after a close friend of Nicks, explores feelings of loss, love, and the passage of time. With lyrics that express both longing and resignation, it evokes the bittersweet nature of human relationships and the complex emotions that come with personal and professional struggles. While the song’s lyrics have often been interpreted as a reflection on Nicks’ own personal life, it also touches on the themes of self-discovery and the desire for peace and clarity, making it relatable to many.
Musically, “Sara” stands out for its lush orchestration and the contrast between the soft, reflective verses and the soaring, emotional chorus. The track features a combination of acoustic and electric instrumentation, which creates a rich, atmospheric sound that supports the song’s emotional weight. The lush production of “Sara” was part of the experimental approach taken on the “Tusk” album, which was notably different from Fleetwood Mac’s previous work, thanks to its more eclectic and unconventional production choices. The album itself marked a departure from the polished pop sound of their previous albums and embraced a more experimental, multi-layered approach to music, with “Sara” serving as a perfect example of this shift.
“Sara” was released as a single and became one of Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved songs. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s most commercially successful hits from the “Tusk” album. Its success, combined with the song’s emotional resonance, helped solidify Fleetwood Mac as one of the most influential bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In terms of societal impact, “Sara” continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and its reflection of the complexities of life and love. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its vulnerability and its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, making it one of the enduring classics in Fleetwood Mac’s extensive catalog. As part of “Tusk”, “Sara” represented a bold artistic choice for the band, showing that they were not just pop icons but musicians willing to experiment and push boundaries.
Today, “Sara” is a staple in Fleetwood Mac’s live performances and remains a favorite among fans for its haunting melody, rich storytelling, and the emotional depth brought to life by Stevie Nicks‘s iconic voice. It’s a song that not only encapsulates the spirit of Fleetwood Mac but also continues to stand as one of the band’s finest achievements.
Video
Lyrics
Wait a minute babyStay with me a whileSaid you’d give me lightBut you never told me about the fireDrowningIn the sea of loveWhere everyone would love to drownBut now it’s goneIt doesn’t matter what forWhen you build your houseThen call me homeAnd he was just likeA great dark wingWithin the wings of a stormI think I had met my matchHe was singingAnd undoingAnd undoingOoh, the lacesUndoing the lacesSaid SaraYou’re the poet in my heartNever changeNever stopBut now it’s goneIt doesn’t matter what forBut when you build your houseOh, then call me homeHold onThe night is comingAnd the starling flew for daysI’d stay at home at nightAll the timeI’d go anywhereAnywhere, anywhereAsk me and I’m thereYeahAsk me and I’m there‘Cause I careIn the sea of loveWhere everyone would love to drownBut now it’s goneThey say it doesn’t matter anymoreIf you build your houseThen please, call me homeSaraYou’re the poet in my heartNever change, and don’t you ever stopNow it’s goneNo it doesn’t matter anymoreWhen you build your houseI’ll come byThere’s a heartbeatAnd it never really died (Ah)Never really died (Sara, ah)Would you swallow all your pride?Would you swallow all your pride?All I ever wanted