Change is inevitable. Sometimes, it creeps in slowly, and other times, it crashes down all at once. Whether it’s the shift of seasons, a major life decision, or simply growing into a new version of yourself, change can feel overwhelming. But instead of resisting it, maybe it’s time to embrace the change–which is exactly what “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac captures. The fear, beauty, and acceptance of transformation.

Stevie Nicks wrote “Landslide” back in 1973 whilst being in a difficult point and situation in her career. At the time, Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, her ex and fellow band member, were struggling musicians and were faced with the insincerity of either continuing to chase their dreams or to give it all up. However, Nicks dedicated her song more to a love song to herself, as she wanted to get out of her job at the time as a waitress. She wanted to be more than just what they were, striving after the adrenaline of fame and glory.

Verse 1:

“I took my love, I took it down

Climbed a mountain and I turned around

And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills

‘Til the landslide brought me”

The song opens with a vivid metaphor for self-reflection and change. Nicks describes climbing a mountain, her symbol of her journey of life and love, only to see her reflection. The reflection suggests the moment of realization, a quick pause to analyze her life and everything that she’s done. But whilst Nicks breathes in all of this newfound information about herself, sudden changes in her life start to happen, restarting the cycle of finding herself again.

Verse 2:

“Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?

Can the child within my heart rise above?

Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?

Can I handle the seasons of my life?”

Here, Nicks questions her ability to navigate life’s transitions. She acknowledges her fate or destiny, asking if her love for others and herself will be able to endure the struggles of change. Although she is grown and wise, she still feels a sense of purity and innocence inside her heart, like a child, even as the reality of her situation settles in. She writes of the universal fear between all–can we adapt to what life throws at us, or will we crumble under the weight?

Chorus:

“Well, I’ve been afraid of changing

‘Cause I’ve built my life around you

But time makes you bolder, even children get older

And I’m getting older too”

This part is definitely the most emotionally charged part of the entire song, encapsulating the fear of change and the passage of time. Nicks finally admits to herself and to the listeners that she is terrified of the idea of changing, terrified of the thought that she has built her life completely around someone else and their standards. This verse holds strong tones of maternal love, specifically watching bitter-sweetly as your child grows older. In this case however, Nicks is referring to wanting to stay with her partner at the time.

–

“Landslide” is a timeless song filled to the brim with emotion. It is an ode to the change and growth that everyone must face during their life. Nicks beautifully writes of the struggles that naturally come with being human. The melancholy and hopeful tone of the song resonates deeply within everyone who has felt this hopelessness before.

Though the idea of change may be scary, especially when it replaces a normality that is comforting, it is important to know you will always get through it. It is an inevitability of life that change, whether good or bad, will always occur. Instead of ignoring it, choose to face it bravely and welcome change.