About the song
“The Chain,” a 1977 masterpiece by Fleetwood Mac, is a standout track from their legendary album Rumours. It’s unique within their discography as the only song credited to all five band members: Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. This collaborative effort reflects the band’s complex dynamics and the often turbulent relationships that fueled their creativity. Unlike many of their songs crafted by single writers, “The Chain” emerged from various musical fragments and ideas, pieced together into the powerful piece we know today.
The song is immediately recognizable by its driving, iconic bassline, a signature sound that has captivated listeners for decades. Coupled with heavy guitar riffs, soaring vocals by both Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, it creates a powerful and emotionally charged experience. The lyrics, touching on themes of broken relationships and the enduring ties that bind people, mirror the internal tensions within the band at the time. “The Chain” takes the listener on a musical journey, moving from haunting, introspective verses to an anthemic, explosive climax.
Although “The Chain” was not released as a standalone single in 1977, its importance to the success of Rumours is immense. Rumours was a monumental commercial success and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978. While “The Chain” itself didn’t win any specific awards, its contribution to the overall triumph of Rumours cannot be overstated. It has become one of Fleetwood Mac’s most recognizable songs, often featured in movies, television, and advertising, further cementing its place in popular culture.
“The Chain” has become a beloved and enduring rock anthem, frequently cited as one of the band’s best and a defining track of the 1970s. Its enduring popularity speaks to its musical power, songwriting depth, and the raw emotion it evokes. It’s more than just a song; it’s a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s resilience and their ability to create something truly remarkable from a collaboration born from both friction and shared artistic vision. It’s a classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Video
Lyrics
Listen to the wind blow, watch the sun rise
Running in the shadows, damn your love, damn your lies
And if you don’t love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain (never break the chain)
And if you don’t love me now (you don’t love me now)
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying (still hear you saying)
You would never break the chain (never break the chain)
Listen to the wind blow, down comes the night
Running in the shadows, damn your love, damn your lies
Break the silence, damn the dark, damn the light
And if you don’t love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying
You would never break the chain (never break the chain)
And if you don’t love me now (you don’t love me now)
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying (still hear you saying)
You would never break the chain (never break the chain)
And if you don’t love me now (you don’t love me now)
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying (still hear you saying)
You would never break the chain (never break the chain)
Chain keep us together (running in the shadow)
Chain keep us together (running in the shadow)
Chain keep us together (running in the shadow)
Chain keep us together (running in the shadow)
Chain keep us together (running in the shadow)
Chain