Invisible input - inspiration

Background

The Penguin lyrics interpreter

It is perhaps the most archaic of all cliches to say that "Less is More," yet that principle could very well apply to Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. This is not in regards to his music, but to his lyrics.

Buckingham is not the member of the group best known for lyric mastery, admitting to writing the music first, contradictory to the lyric-writing practices of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. He often weaves simple, sometimes quirky poetry into his songs. Within this simplicity, however, lies a hidden complexity of thought and power, of emotion and passion, of love and heartache, and no better example of this delicate intricacy exists than in his U.S. Top Ten hit, "Big Love," from the album Tango in the Night. The lyrics to "Big Love" could get lost somewhere in the liner notes; a haiku, on occasion, has shown greater length. Yet, the emotional intensity within such few words clutches one's heart almost with the force as Stevie Nicks' "Sara."

Since the end of his six-year relationship with Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham has been unfortunate in the area of true love.

Drugs, accusations, lies, and harsh breakups have plagued his relationships, some of which have lasted longer than with Stevie. "Big Love" was following his romantic involvement with Carol Ann Harris, at a time when Lindsey was at an emotional crossroads.

This period was also in the aftermath of his "lay-the-cards-on-the-table" vent of emotion expressed during the album Go Insane. Now, plagued by his lack of luck for love, Lindsey is withdrawn, saddened, maybe even frightened.

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