A standout track from Fleetwood Mac's hugely successful 1975 self-titled album (the first featuring the Buckingham/Nicks lineup), "Rhiannon" introduced the world to Stevie Nicks' unique songwriting voice within the band. Released as a hit single in 1976, its distinctive Rock sound blends a memorable electric piano riff, a driving rhythm section, and Nicks’ captivating lead vocal, creating an irresistible, mystical atmosphere.
"Rhiannon" climbed high on the charts worldwide and became inextricably linked with Stevie Nicks, often featuring intense, theatrical performances in concert, solidifying her "witchy" persona for many. Inspired initially by a novel character later connected to Welsh mythology, the song's mysterious allure has fascinated listeners for decades, ensuring its legacy as a classic rock staple today, April 13, 2025.
SONG MEANING: Inspired initially by a novel, "Rhiannon" tells the story of a powerful, enchanting, almost otherworldly woman who captivates the narrator ("She rules her life like a bird in flight," "Would you stay if she promised you heaven?"). Stevie Nicks later embraced the song's connection to the Welsh mythological figure Rhiannon, a goddess/possible witch associated with birds and horses, adding layers of meaning about powerful feminine mystique, freedom, and unknowable allure.