About the song
Released in 1979, “Sisters of the Moon” is a standout track from Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album, “Tusk”. This album marked a significant departure from the band’s previous work, moving away from their earlier, polished pop-rock sound towards a more experimental, raw, and intricate approach. “Sisters of the Moon” is an example of this evolution, a deeply atmospheric and haunting song that features the distinctive vocals of Stevie Nicks and captures the enigmatic essence of the band’s new musical direction.
“Sisters of the Moon” is driven by an eerie, almost ethereal quality, with its brooding instrumentation and Nicks’ soulful, yet mysterious vocal delivery. The song weaves a powerful narrative that touches on themes of vulnerability, inner conflict, and empowerment. It has often been interpreted as a reflection of Nicks’ personal struggles and emotional turmoil, particularly during the band’s tumultuous period of recording Tusk, when relationships within the band were strained, and Nicks herself was going through a difficult breakup. In the song, she sings about the conflicting forces within her—representing both the strength and fragility of womanhood, as well as the haunting influence of the “moon” as a metaphor for an elusive and often uncontrollable force.
The lyrics of “Sisters of the Moon” are poetic and layered, using the moon as a metaphor for the cycles of life, the feminine power, and the complexities of emotions that go unnoticed by the outside world. Lines like “She is the night” and “Her eyes are like the moon” evoke the mysterious and alluring nature of the song’s subject, while also hinting at a certain sense of foreboding. It’s a reflection of the internal battles women often face, navigating societal expectations and personal desires, which resonates deeply with listeners on a personal and emotional level.
Musically, the song features a minimalist, yet driving arrangement, with a prominent bassline and a tribal-like percussion that adds to the song’s dark atmosphere. There is also a deep use of layering and complex textures that reflect Fleetwood Mac’s growing artistic ambition during the making of Tusk. Unlike the more polished sounds of their earlier albums, “Sisters of the Moon” embraces an almost raw, experimental approach to production. This departure in sound marked a bold shift for Fleetwood Mac, showing their willingness to explore new musical territory even if it meant alienating some of their previous fans. But for those who embraced the new direction, the song is considered one of the album’s true highlights.
The track’s impact on Fleetwood Mac’s legacy is significant. While “Tusk” was initially a divisive album among critics and fans due to its departure from the band’s familiar sound, songs like “Sisters of the Moon” have since become fan favorites, admired for their emotional depth and complex soundscapes. The song’s themes of empowerment, introspection, and the untamed nature of the feminine spirit also have a lasting cultural resonance, especially within the context of the late 1970s, a time when women were increasingly asserting their voices in both the music industry and the wider social sphere. It has come to be seen as part of the broader movement of women’s expression in music during that period, where artists like Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell were carving out space for more vulnerable, introspective songwriting.
Despite not being released as a single, “Sisters of the Moon” has grown in stature over the years and is regarded as one of Fleetwood Mac’s more emotionally charged and introspective tracks. It encapsulates the band’s ability to push boundaries while still maintaining their signature sound—melodic yet experimental, introspective yet expansive.
In conclusion, “Sisters of the Moon” remains one of the most intriguing and haunting tracks in Fleetwood Mac’s catalog. It captures the mystical and emotional complexities of Stevie Nicks’ songwriting, offering a glimpse into her personal struggles while also embodying the broader cultural movements of the time. The track’s mix of mystery, emotion, and raw musicality stands as a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s artistic ambition and their ability to evolve while maintaining a deep connection with their audience. Whether as part of Tusk or in the broader context of the band’s career, “Sisters of the Moon” is a reminder of the power of music to evoke complex emotions and timeless themes.
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Lyrics
Intense silenceAs she walked in the roomHer black robes trailingSister of the moonAnd a black widow spider makesMore sound than sheAnd black moons in those eyes of hersMade more sense to meHeavy persuasionIt was hard to breatheShe was dark at the top of the stairsAnd she called to me(Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)And so I followed as friends often doI cared not for love nor moneyAnd I think she knewWell, the people, they love herAnd still they are the most cruelShe asked me, “Be my sisterSister, sister of the moon”(Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)(Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)Some call her sister of the moonSome say, illusions are her gameThey like to wrap her in velvetDoes anyone, ooh, know her name?