Why 'Why' should be unearthed and resurrected

[PenguinHead]

Here's Why:

Among all of Christine's pre-rumours era songs, 'Why' is one her most emotional, sensitive, and epic ballads. It was performed early on in 1975 and 1976, but it's been dormant ever since then. I suspect a large proportion of fans/casual fans aren't even aware of the song's existence. I think it parallels or rivals 'Songbird' in emotional impact and accessibility, with a sense of strength and resilience, yet also deep sadness. People who don't know the song, hearing it for the first time, would easily connect with it, being that it has such a universal, simple message. If she sang this song on the upcoming tour, it would be somewhat of a surprise revelation for many people.

There’s no use in crying, it’s all over
And I know there will always be another day
Well, my heart will rise up with the morning sun
And the hurt I feel will simply melt away

You make me feel I just can’t carry on
But I know I won’t always be that way
‘Cause my heart will rise up with the morning sun
And the hurt I feel will simply melt away

You don’t have to give up, why is it all wrong?
Why don’t you love me, why don’t you just be strong?
You don’t have to give up, why is it all wrong?
Why don’t you love me?

[McLamb]

Originally Posted by PenguinHead

Here's Why:

Among all of Christine's pre-rumours era songs, 'Why' is one her most emotional, sensitive, and epic ballads. It was performed early on in 1975, but it's been dormant ever since then. I suspect a large proportion of fans/casual fans aren't even aware of the song's existence. I think it parallels or rivals 'Songbird' in emotional impact and accessibility, with a sense of strength and resilience, yet also deep sadness. People who don't know the song, hearing it for the first time, would easily connect with it , being that it has such a universal and simple message. If she sang this song on the upcoming tour, it would be somewhat of a surprise relatable revelation for many people.

Superbly stated. I couldn't agree more!!!

[bethelblues]

I posted this in another topic and it was quickly buried. I feel the same way!

I'm obsessed with Why and have been listening to it over the past few days (including it in my most recent setlist brainstorming)! I think it is a fantastic song that has been forgotten in the known history of Fleetwood Mac. I believe that bands have a duty to remind fans, critics, and the public of their oeuvre when it is not endlessly studied/returned to and FM is doing a serious disservice to a period of outstanding music that can really boost their significance even more in conversations of greatest bands of all time. I was so mad when I saw publications, including the usually knowledgable (and upper brow) Village Voice, listing top Christine songs upon her return to the band and passing over everything pre-1975 as well as her best deep-cuts (Oh Daddy, Isn't It Midnight, Over and Over). When I hear Why I think of how it serves as a wonderful synthesis of genres: blues, rock ballad, gospel even (I can hear an Aretha + choir version in my head). Christine really is one of the all-time great singer-songwriters, when there really are so few female rock stars out there who can actually write with something meaningful to say. So many of them attach themselves to songs to reap the royalties when they played almost no role in the writing or arranging process. I'd love to hear Why live to see that the band honors its past before Stevie and Lindsey. Christine did say that Mystery to Me was in her top two favorite FM albums. And if it does get played, I'd love to read reviews that pick up on that lost blues era of FM.

[bethelblues]

I agree it would be a surprise revelation, not only for fans but also critics who pass over early FM when considering the current band. Christine's the only one, besides Mick and John, who can span both eras. I seriously think articles will be praising her talents to the high heavens and could perhaps re-evaluate her significance to the band and as a female rock artist if this song is performed (and it's not just the limited, regurgitated Rumours set from The Dance). This is an extremely talented musician who's honestly never really gotten her due.

[TrueFaith77]

Great idea. It's a proven great song (especially with Lindsey and Stevie on it!). And it would feel fresh for audiences today, as if it were a new, classic-worthy song. Now is the time. I wouldn't hate them if they re-recorded for the new album.

[bethelblues]

Live performance of Why with Stevie and Lindsey (and a little of the "Never Going Back Again" riff): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4oec-I2Vl0

[PenguinHead]

Originally Posted by TrueFaith77

Great idea. It's a proven great song (especially with Lindsey and Stevie on it!). And it would feel fresh for audiences today, as if it were a new, classic-worthy song. Now is the time. I wouldn't hate them if they re-recorded for the new album.

I would prefer just new songs on the new album. I can't imagine them going in reverse. 'Why' as it is on record is how it should stay.

Any attempts redo it forty-something years later will fall short, don't you think? But it could excel as a live performance, even better than the old clip we have. Fleetwood Mac's live "mini Mac" band of support musicians/singers would help make the song even stronger.

[Villavic]

I've tried lot of times.
I really don't like that song.

[He's So Unusual]

It would be great to hear Why again. I bet a lot of casual fans aren't even aware it exists.

[redbird]

I like "Why" twice as much as "Songbird" tbh.