If Anyone Falls

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the ethereal vibes of "If Anyone Falls" by Stevie Nicks from her 1983 album The Wild Heart. This track, the second on the album, is a dreamy collaboration with singer-songwriter Sandy Stewart, marking the beginning of a fruitful songwriting partnership. Stewart crafted the instrumental on a synthesizer, but struggled with lyrics, so she handed it to Nicks, who wove her poetic magic to create the song we know today. Nicks has shared that she’d long prayed for a collaborator like Stewart, describing her as a “totally crazy” yet “brilliant musician” from Houston who’d record tracks with a band and send them to Nicks to sing over in her bathroom studio setup. This process birthed a song that hit No. 14 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and No. 8 on the Mainstream Rock chart, complete with a music video featuring iconic Nicks imagery—think chiffon skirts, leg warmers, ballet dancers, and even a cameo by Mick Fleetwood.

The lyrics of "If Anyone Falls" are deeply personal, inspired by Nicks’ intense connection with guitarist Waddy Wachtel. In the liner notes for her 1991 compilation Timespace, Nicks revealed the song captured a moment when she was “falling out of one love and into another,” with Wachtel embodying everything she aspired to be—a true rock ‘n’ roller with a Stones-loving edge. She described their bond as so profound that “he became me, and I became him,” making her feel safe and untouchable when they were together. Though their professional paths later diverged, Nicks noted Wachtel’s spirit remained with her, a testament to the song’s emotional depth. Fans on Reddit love its iconic sound, with one user, Kevin from Woburn, MA, calling it one of her best alongside “Sara” and “Stand Back,” praising its intricate lyrics over the bigger hit from the same album.

"If Anyone Falls" also carries a poignant connection to Nicks’ personal life. Written in the wake of her best friend Robin Snyder Anderson’s death, the song reflects themes of love enduring through pain, as noted in a 2023 Dig! article. Nicks dedicated The Wild Heart to Robin, and this track, with its hopeful yet haunting tone, foreshadows the grand passion of later songs like “Rooms on Fire.” The music video’s opening scene reportedly portrays Nicks as Queen Alexandra of Russia, with Fleetwood as Rasputin, adding a layer of mystical storytelling that Zoo Freaks will dig. Posts on X highlight the song’s chart success, noting its debut at No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 10, 1983, and its climb to No. 14, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Now, let’s rewind to how Stevie Nicks became the rock goddess she is. Born Stephanie Lynn Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, she was singing country duets with her grandfather, a country music artist, by age four. Her love for music blossomed early, and after moving to San Francisco, she met Lindsey Buckingham at Menlo-Atherton High School. The two formed a musical and romantic partnership, eventually releasing the 1973 album Buckingham Nicks, which flopped commercially but caught the ear of Fleetwood Mac. Joining the band in 1975, Nicks helped transform them into one of the best-selling acts of all time, with Rumours (1977) selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Her distinctive raspy voice and mystical lyrics on hits like “Rhiannon” and “Dreams” made her a star. In 1981, while still with Fleetwood Mac, she launched her solo career with Bella Donna, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went multi-platinum, cementing her as a solo powerhouse.

Connect with Stevie Nicks and her magical world through her official website, where you can find tour dates and news. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, though she’s known for keeping a mystical distance from oversharing, as she once said, “I’m all about mystery.” Join fan communities like The Nicks Fix, a dedicated fan site with detailed song info, or dive into discussions on the Stevie Nicks Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for her music. For more fan vibes, check out r/StevieNicks on Reddit, where fans swap stories and trivia about the Queen of Rock.