And if you don't love me now

Track 7 on Fleetwood Mac’s eleventh studio album ‘Rumours’  nestled between ‘Songbird’ and ‘You Make Loving Fun’. Known to you and me as ‘The Chain’ has quite the story and also happens to be a song that has a very special place in my heart. Especially on today’s date, as I’m writing this post. February 3rd.

‘The Chain’ is quite a unique song in Fleetwood Mac’s discography each of the band receive a songwriting credit. Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and John McVie are all credited with bringing this song into the world. 

Giving us not only one of the best songs on ‘Rumours’ which is a difficult fete in itself, but one of the very best songs of the decade. ‘The Chain’ is a masterpiece. On an album littered with brilliant songs.

A song created initially from rejected bits of other compositions including solo work from Nicks, Buckingham and Christine McVie.

It has gone to become much more than a rehash of some rejected demos though. The song has become a Fleetwood Mac fan favourite and since the release of the song in 1977 has become a mainstay in Fleetwood Mac live shows. Most often as the shows opener. 

Due to its use for Formula One coverage in the UK the song amassed huge popularity, becoming synonymous with the sport, especially the guitar solo towards the end. It’s instantly recognisable.

 The Chain” is the bond that keeps the relationship going and never-ending. It can also be seen as the chain that keeps the band together; linking the members together in ways that don’t allow them to truly part ways. Written in a time when the band members were not on talking terms due to breakups and rifts in the relationships they had, the lyrics are often said to have been attacks at each other, but the band also suggests that there is some underlying love that doesn’t let them completely part ways. Its acts as almost a metaphor for the band at that time.

In terms of what the song means to me, it’s a song I associate with a particular person and a particular time in my life, as time as passed I have began to associate Fleetwood Mac with that person. They were one of her favourite bands, and this song was one her favourites to.

It was played at a rather significant and poignant moment. Which stopped me in my tracks and reminded me just the power of music. Those of you who know, know why.

I don’t think I am prepared to reveal anymore than that in this domain.

Fleetwood Mac and in particular this song have been there for me, and it will always remind me of them.

I’m sure you all have songs that remind you of specific people, places, memories both good and bad. This happens to be one of mine.

Thank you for reading 

For Archie, Andrew, Conner, Ellie, Harry,  Katie, Lewis, Liv, Patrick, Tom 💜