Circle Dance

[mikeschmike]

After hearing of Jess Nicks' passing I listened to Stevie's cover of Circle Dance, and it makes a lot of sense now. Especially after reading her note on the nicksfix, I think she decided to do this song as a tribute to her father. Of course this is all my personal opinion, and it could be 100% wrong but to me I think this was part of Stevie letting her Dad go. I've read posts here and there about how people would see him rocking out in his wheelchair at her shows, so I'm guessing his health was steadily declining these past few years. Stevie knew, and after all that she had been through (and coincidently put her family through) she just wanted to give a final message of eternal love and admiration for her knight in shining armor. Her source of strength, and of course the man responsible for giving her those ears. :laugh:

I'm glad he stayed with her through the end of her tours this year. I truly believe he wanted to stay around to be there for Stevie just one more time. It's just another example of what a great guy he was, and how he can be an inspiration for others.

[amber]

Nice insight, I think you have something there. :nod:

[skcin]

I have had a tremendous urge to listen to this song since I heard about Mr. Nicks.

[DashingDan]

After hearing of Jess Nicks' passing I listened to Stevie's cover of Circle Dance, and it makes a lot of sense now. Especially after reading her note on the nicksfix, I think she decided to do this song as a tribute to her father. Of course this is all my personal opinion, and it could be 100% wrong but to me I think this was part of Stevie letting her Dad go. I've read posts here and there about how people would see him rocking out in his wheelchair at her shows, so I'm guessing his health was steadily declining these past few years. Stevie knew, and after all that she had been through (and coincidently put her family through) she just wanted to give a final message of eternal love and admiration for her knight in shining armor. Her source of strength, and of course the man responsible for giving her those ears. :laugh:

I'm glad he stayed with her through the end of her tours this year. I truly believe he wanted to stay around to be there for Stevie just one more time. It's just another example of what a great guy he was, and how he can be an inspiration for others.

I completely agree.

[mikeschmike]

I have had a tremendous urge to listen to this song since I heard about Mr. Nicks.


I've listened to it a few times throughout the day today. To me, this was one of those songs that had to grow on me before I really liked it.

[SapphireSister]

Of course it is...I thought that the moment I heard her say Bonnie wrote it for her father. I think that is one of the main reasons she chose it. I'm so glad someone started a thread about Circle Dance. I've mentioned it before but I'm going to say it again. When I first heard she was covering a Bonnie Raitt song I kind of turned my nose up and thought it would be something boring and/or cheesy. I wasn't excited at all. But when I got a boot of Stevie and Don singing it I instantly fell in love. You know when a song just hits you and you can feel it in your body and it touches you somewhere so special? That is how I felt when I heard it. Now, the interesting part. It was the highlight for me at my first Gold Dust show in San Diego. I had no idea I was going to love the performance so much. I guess it was a combination of how much I loved the song coupled with seeing her perform a song I've never seen her do before. I actually got all choked up and I've never cried at a Stevie concert before.
Well since then I listen to that particular song on the CD constantly (far more than the others). In fact I had the song in my head this entire week (which did get annoying at one point) and I don't think it's any accident that it was the week of Jess' passing.
I can't express how much this song means to me and the emotional effect it has on me. I've been going through a tough time and Circle Dance has turned out to be my angel. Sorry for writing so much...

[amber]

Of course it is...I thought that the moment I heard her say Bonnie wrote it for her father. I think that is one of the main reasons she chose it. I'm so glad someone started a thread about Circle Dance. I've mentioned it before but I'm going to say it again. When I first heard she was covering a Bonnie Raitt song I kind of turned my nose up and thought it would be something boring and/or cheesy. I wasn't excited at all. But when I got a boot of Stevie and Don singing it I instantly fell in love. You know when a song just hits you and you can feel it in your body and it touches you somewhere so special? That is how I felt when I heard it. Now, the interesting part. It was the highlight for me at my first Gold Dust show in San Diego. I had no idea I was going to love the performance so much. I guess it was a combination of how much I loved the song coupled with seeing her perform a song I've never seen her do before. I actually got all choked up and I've never cried at a Stevie concert before.
Well since then I listen to that particular song on the CD constantly (far more than the others). In fact I had the song in my head this entire week (which did get annoying at one point) and I don't think it's any accident that it was the week of Jess' passing.
I can't express how much this song means to me and the emotional effect it has on me. I've been going through a tough time and Circle Dance has turned out to be my angel. Sorry for writing so much...
that was very nice. I hope things look up for you soon. {hugs}.

[DeeGeMe]

I was so happy when someone posted a boot of this from a show. I loved the song the very first time I heard it. It has a lot of personal meaning for me to and I can totally relate to the words. I knew that if Stevie was covering somenoe else's song, it had to have GREAT personal meaning for her.

[JazmenFlowers]

Of course it is...I thought that the moment I heard her say Bonnie wrote it for her father. I think that is one of the main reasons she chose it. I'm so glad someone started a thread about Circle Dance. I've mentioned it before but I'm going to say it again. When I first heard she was covering a Bonnie Raitt song I kind of turned my nose up and thought it would be something boring and/or cheesy. I wasn't excited at all. But when I got a boot of Stevie and Don singing it I instantly fell in love. You know when a song just hits you and you can feel it in your body and it touches you somewhere so special? That is how I felt when I heard it. Now, the interesting part. It was the highlight for me at my first Gold Dust show in San Diego. I had no idea I was going to love the performance so much. I guess it was a combination of how much I loved the song coupled with seeing her perform a song I've never seen her do before. I actually got all choked up and I've never cried at a Stevie concert before.
Well since then I listen to that particular song on the CD constantly (far more than the others). In fact I had the song in my head this entire week (which did get annoying at one point) and I don't think it's any accident that it was the week of Jess' passing.
I can't express how much this song means to me and the emotional effect it has on me. I've been going through a tough time and Circle Dance has turned out to be my angel. Sorry for writing so much...

that's very cool and so sweetly put. I love Circle Dance. I love how her voice breaks as she's changing into "it's a bitter..." ahh - pure bliss

when I saw Stevie in Dallas, I had brought someone to the show that was familiar with Stevie but not an avid fan. she had just been through a breakup with her girlfriend and when Stevie sang this song, she teared up...that goes to show the effect of La Nicks and her power

[SapphireSister]

that's very cool and so sweetly put. I love Circle Dance. I love how her voice breaks as she's changing into "it's a bitter..." ahh - pure bliss

when I saw Stevie in Dallas, I had brought someone to the show that was familiar with Stevie but not an avid fan. she had just been through a breakup with her girlfriend and when Stevie sang this song, she teared up...that goes to show the effect of La Nicks and her power

Thanks :). My favorite part is:

"Can't go back to make things right
though I wish I'd understood
time has made things clearer now
We did the best we could"

Oh I have tears agaon lol. If anyone happens to have a copy of the Bonnie version I'd love to hear it :)

[mikeschmike]

that's very cool and so sweetly put. I love Circle Dance. I love how her voice breaks as she's changing into "it's a bitter..." ahh - pure bliss

when I saw Stevie in Dallas, I had brought someone to the show that was familiar with Stevie but not an avid fan. she had just been through a breakup with her girlfriend and when Stevie sang this song, she teared up...that goes to show the effect of La Nicks and her power


She has a tendency to do that. You should have seen the waterworks I had to sit next to at the Minneapolis show. I had to inch away slowly during Beauty and the Beast to avoid getting soaked

[strandinthewind]

Of course it is...I thought that the moment I heard her say Bonnie wrote it for her father. I think that is one of the main reasons she chose it. I'm so glad someone started a thread about Circle Dance. I've mentioned it before but I'm going to say it again. When I first heard she was covering a Bonnie Raitt song I kind of turned my nose up and thought it would be something boring and/or cheesy. I wasn't excited at all. But when I got a boot of Stevie and Don singing it I instantly fell in love. You know when a song just hits you and you can feel it in your body and it touches you somewhere so special? That is how I felt when I heard it. Now, the interesting part. It was the highlight for me at my first Gold Dust show in San Diego. I had no idea I was going to love the performance so much. I guess it was a combination of how much I loved the song coupled with seeing her perform a song I've never seen her do before. I actually got all choked up and I've never cried at a Stevie concert before.
Well since then I listen to that particular song on the CD constantly (far more than the others). In fact I had the song in my head this entire week (which did get annoying at one point) and I don't think it's any accident that it was the week of Jess' passing.
I can't express how much this song means to me and the emotional effect it has on me. I've been going through a tough time and Circle Dance has turned out to be my angel. Sorry for writing so much...

Your post was great. I recently had to let someone go who was the world to me. I wrote a long email post explaining why . . . but then cut cut it down to two sentences and then said Ms.. Raitt wrote the reasons better than I could ever write them and "its time to let your go." She and Stevie are just amazing women. It always amazes me that as a man I think I am supposed to be the strong one, and, in reality, my strength pales in the shadow of the strength of women. Proof to the point, she sang that song knowing the obvious about her father - her last love letter :distress: :distress:

[SuzeQuze]

After hearing of Jess Nicks' passing I listened to Stevie's cover of Circle Dance, and it makes a lot of sense now. Especially after reading her note on the nicksfix, I think she decided to do this song as a tribute to her father. Of course this is all my personal opinion, and it could be 100% wrong but to me I think this was part of Stevie letting her Dad go. I've read posts here and there about how people would see him rocking out in his wheelchair at her shows, so I'm guessing his health was steadily declining these past few years. Stevie knew, and after all that she had been through (and coincidently put her family through) she just wanted to give a final message of eternal love and admiration for her knight in shining armor. Her source of strength, and of course the man responsible for giving her those ears. :laugh:

I'm glad he stayed with her through the end of her tours this year. I truly believe he wanted to stay around to be there for Stevie just one more time. It's just another example of what a great guy he was, and how he can be an inspiration for others.

You are a genius! Of course this is why she added it. Why didn't I think of that? The song is gorgeous, I love it. I'm also a Bonnie fan so this was quite a sentimental choice for me. I loved the way Stevie sounded on it. Amazing.

[Beachwood Mac]

Stevie and Bonnie led similar lives as strong independent women. Both survived either alcohol or drug dependencies and came out of it better women. Circle Dance was a perfect cover choice for Stevie and I am reminded of a statement Bonnie made when she won all of her Grammy awards for Nick of Time. I'm paraphrasing here but she said she was glad to receive all of the great feedback for her album and career at a time when she was sober and could really appreciate it. I believe Stevie has enjoyed performing more the last 8 years since The Dance and appreciates her family and fans more today than ever before. Both had strong fathers that greatly influenced their lives and how ironic that Stevie's cover of this song and the recent deaths of both of their fathers occurred so close in time to each other.

[emfan2377]

By request Bonnie's version.

http://s56.yousendit.com/d.php?id=3SPOSLUR0D6O42N07O1N8TZEOS

[BlackWidow]

:nod: After hearing of Jess Nicks' passing I listened to Stevie's cover of Circle Dance, and it makes a lot of sense now. Especially after reading her note on the nicksfix, I think she decided to do this song as a tribute to her father. Of course this is all my personal opinion, and it could be 100% wrong but to me I think this was part of Stevie letting her Dad go. I've read posts here and there about how people would see him rocking out in his wheelchair at her shows, so I'm guessing his health was steadily declining these past few years. Stevie knew, and after all that she had been through (and coincidently put her family through) she just wanted to give a final message of eternal love and admiration for her knight in shining armor. Her source of strength, and of course the man responsible for giving her those ears. :laugh:

I'm glad he stayed with her through the end of her tours this year. I truly believe he wanted to stay around to be there for Stevie just one more time. It's just another example of what a great guy he was, and how he can be an inspiration for others.
You hit the nail on the head! Great post!

[SapphireSister]

Thanks so much Mike! I just downloaded Circle Dance from the LA show and I'm listening right now. I'm in heaven....Oh Stevie you are such a source of strength and inspiration for so many people. I wish you so much love right now in your time of need. You mean so much to us.

As I read the lyrics to CD i realized that this song which Bonnie wrote in regards to her relationship with her father was a much different situation than Stevie and her father. Bonnie's father was not there for her and made promises he could not keep. He couldn't give her the love she needed and it seems as if she resented him for a long time but was finally able to let go of that resentment when he passed as it was time to "let you go" and that "you did the best you could".

We all know what a great dad Jess was...

[Kelly]

I sometimes have a tendency to get worked up at what I perceive to be a lack of sensitivity around here at Stevie's choices. Circle Dance was no different. Alot of fans were upset she chose to cover a song when she could do something old from her own catalog. It was so obvious to me why she chose the song and it broke my heart to see people moaning and groaning about it. It is wonderful how now everyone seems to either really like, or even LOVE the song.
Watching her sing it the first time in Philly, I was struck at how SAD the song was. I was unfamiliar with it but the words and Stevie's voice, not Don's..STEVIE'S...really overwhelmed Marissa and I. The emotion in Stevie's voice was so heavy. After seeing it live a few more times, I started to feel the song was theraputic for her to sing. Her voice tended to crack on the "it's time to let you go" lines more often than not and I knew she was singing this to her Dad. The audience may have been in front of her but she seemed to go to another place when performing Circle Dance. It became one of my favorite parts of this summer tour. If I had to chose between CD and something like Rhiannon, I would chose CD in a heartbeat. I had been so worried about Stevie this whole summer, wondering how she was coping with her Dad's steady decline, wondering how she had the strength to get out there on the stage every night, wondering what would happen if Jess passed away why Stevie was still on the road. (the similarities to what happened when Robin passed would be too much) Watching and listening to her do CD made me realize that she was preparing and that gave me comfort. I wanted to know she would be ok and of course, there was no way for me to have that guarantee. Circle Dance, however, brought me hope. I could see the strength, underneath the sadness, in Stevie's eyes. I could hear the love, but acceptance, in Stevie's voice. Circle Dance was the perfect song for Stevie this summer and it will always remain my most favorite cover.

[mikeschmike]

I sometimes have a tendency to get worked up at what I perceive to be a lack of sensitivity around here at Stevie's choices. Circle Dance was no different. Alot of fans were upset she chose to cover a song when she could do something old from her own catalog. It was so obvious to me why she chose the song and it broke my heart to see people moaning and groaning about it. It is wonderful how now everyone seems to either really like, or even LOVE the song.
Watching her sing it the first time in Philly, I was struck at how SAD the song was. I was unfamiliar with it but the words and Stevie's voice, not Don's..STEVIE'S...really overwhelmed Marissa and I. The emotion in Stevie's voice was so heavy. After seeing it live a few more times, I started to feel the song was theraputic for her to sing. Her voice tended to crack on the "it's time to let you go" lines more often than not and I knew she was singing this to her Dad. The audience may have been in front of her but she seemed to go to another place when performing Circle Dance. It became one of my favorite parts of this summer tour. If I had to chose between CD and something like Rhiannon, I would chose CD in a heartbeat. I had been so worried about Stevie this whole summer, wondering how she was coping with her Dad's steady decline, wondering how she had the strength to get out there on the stage every night, wondering what would happen if Jess passed away why Stevie was still on the road. (the similarities to what happened when Robin passed would be too much) Watching and listening to her do CD made me realize that she was preparing and that gave me comfort. I wanted to know she would be ok and of course, there was no way for me to have that guarantee. Circle Dance, however, brought me hope. I could see the strength, underneath the sadness, in Stevie's eyes. I could hear the love, but acceptance, in Stevie's voice. Circle Dance was the perfect song for Stevie this summer and it will always remain my most favorite cover.


I couldn't have said it better. Beautiful.

[SapphireSister]

I sometimes have a tendency to get worked up at what I perceive to be a lack of sensitivity around here at Stevie's choices. Circle Dance was no different. Alot of fans were upset she chose to cover a song when she could do something old from her own catalog. It was so obvious to me why she chose the song and it broke my heart to see people moaning and groaning about it. It is wonderful how now everyone seems to either really like, or even LOVE the song.
Watching her sing it the first time in Philly, I was struck at how SAD the song was. I was unfamiliar with it but the words and Stevie's voice, not Don's..STEVIE'S...really overwhelmed Marissa and I. The emotion in Stevie's voice was so heavy. After seeing it live a few more times, I started to feel the song was theraputic for her to sing. Her voice tended to crack on the "it's time to let you go" lines more often than not and I knew she was singing this to her Dad. The audience may have been in front of her but she seemed to go to another place when performing Circle Dance. It became one of my favorite parts of this summer tour. If I had to chose between CD and something like Rhiannon, I would chose CD in a heartbeat. I had been so worried about Stevie this whole summer, wondering how she was coping with her Dad's steady decline, wondering how she had the strength to get out there on the stage every night, wondering what would happen if Jess passed away why Stevie was still on the road. (the similarities to what happened when Robin passed would be too much) Watching and listening to her do CD made me realize that she was preparing and that gave me comfort. I wanted to know she would be ok and of course, there was no way for me to have that guarantee. Circle Dance, however, brought me hope. I could see the strength, underneath the sadness, in Stevie's eyes. I could hear the love, but acceptance, in Stevie's voice. Circle Dance was the perfect song for Stevie this summer and it will always remain my most favorite cover.

I'm so glad you feel the same way I do. Thanks for writing this. I was one of those people who was upset she was doing it but it turned out to be the highlight of the tour for me and this song has changed my life. I just realized it's now my favorite cover of hers evah!