About the song
“Rhiannon,” released as a single under the title “Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win),” is a captivating song written by Stevie Nicks and recorded by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. It first appeared on their self-titled album in 1975 and was issued as a single the following year. The song reached its peak on the U.S. charts in June 1976, climbing to number 11, and later peaked at number 46 in the UK singles chart after a re-release in February 1978.
Stevie Nicks, who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, wrote “Rhiannon” after being inspired by a character in the novel “Triad” by Mary Bartlet Leader. The novel introduced Nicks to the Welsh legend of Rhiannon, a powerful and mystical figure. This connection added a deep, ethereal quality to the song, which is reflected in its haunting melody and Nicks’ evocative lyrics. During live performances, Nicks often introduced the song by saying, “This is a song about an old Welsh witch,” adding to the song’s mythical allure.
The recording process of “Rhiannon” was notably challenging. Unlike most of Fleetwood Mac’s songs, which were typically nailed down in five takes or fewer, “Rhiannon” required significantly more effort. Producer Keith Olsen explained that capturing the perfect version took over a day, involving numerous cuts and splices to piece together the final track. Despite the difficulties, the result was a magical and timeless piece of music.
When performed live from 1975 to 1982, “Rhiannon” took on a life of its own, becoming a theatrical highlight of Fleetwood Mac’s concerts. Nicks’ passionate vocals and intense stage presence turned each performance into a powerful experience, described by drummer Mick Fleetwood as akin to an “exorcism.”
“Rhiannon” has earned its place in rock history, voted number 488 in Rolling Stone magazine’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and ranked number six on their list of the 50 greatest Fleetwood Mac songs. The song’s enduring popularity is also evident in its frequent airplay on classic hits radio stations and its presence at various sports events and cultural moments.
The mystical and enchanting nature of “Rhiannon” didn’t stop at the song itself. After writing the song, Nicks delved deeper into the mythology of the Welsh goddess Rhiannon. In early 1978, a fan sent her a collection of novels that explored the mythology, which included Evangeline Walton’s adaptation of the ancient British Mabinogion. Transfixed by the stories, Nicks envisioned a broader project centered around Rhiannon, contemplating formats such as a movie, musical, cartoon, or ballet. Although the project remained unfinished, it inspired several other songs, including “Three Birds of Rhiannon (Maker of Birds),” “Forest of the Black Roses,” and “Stay Away,” as well as the Fleetwood Mac song “Angel.”
In 2020, Nicks revealed that she had revived her Rhiannon project, planning to develop it into a television miniseries with ten new songs. This announcement was a testament to the lasting influence and inspiration that the legend of Rhiannon has provided to Nicks and her music.
“Rhiannon” remains a beloved classic, symbolizing the mystical and creative spirit of Stevie Nicks and the enduring legacy of Fleetwood Mac.
Video
Lyrics
Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn’t you love to love her?
Takes to the sky like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover?
All your life you’ve never seen
Woman taken by the wind
Would you stay if she promised you heaven?
Will you ever win?
She is like a cat in the dark
And then she is to darkness
She rules her life like a fine skylark
And when the sky is starless
All your life you’ve never seen
Woman taken by the wind
Would you stay if she promised you heaven?
Will you ever win?
Will you ever win?
(Rhiannon)
(Rhiannon)
(Rhiannon)
(Rhiannon)
She rings like a bell through the night
And wouldn’t you love to love her?
She rules her life like a bird in flight
And who will be her lover?
All your life you’ve never seen
Woman taken by the wind
Would you stay if she promised you heaven?
Will you ever win?
Will you ever win?
(Rhiannon)
(Rhiannon)
(Rhiannon)
Taken by taken by the sky
(ah-ah)
Taken by taken by the sky
(ah-ah)
Taken by taken by the sky
(ah-ah)
Dreams unwind
Love’s a state of mind
Dreams unwind
Love’s a state of mind