Let's talk about... THAT'S ALRIGHT

[FMlex]

That's Alright.

This is definitely a country-rooted song. As most of us know, it was called "Designs of Love" (a demo) waaay back in the BN era.

I love this song. I'll admit, when I first heard it on [I]Mirage, I thought it was kind of... out of place. (It's sandwiched between two (odd) Lindsey songs. It's kind of funny -- out of the first five tracks, I lovelovelove 1, 3, and 5 (Love in Store, That's Alright, Gypsy, respectively).)
I've grown to love it and it's one of my favorite Stevie songs.

This has got to be about Lindsey, right? There's no doubt in my mind about that.

I really love "I decided yesterday that I would leave you... I'm alright" which then turns into "I hope you find a love, your own designs of love... that's alright"
It's like she's leaving him but she still wants the best for him.

Your turn. Love it? Hate it? Favorite lyrics?

[michelej1]

I don't associate this song with Lindsey, but I do think the "I don't know why I always trusted" dovetails nicely with the sentiment that would come later in FFG and Thrown Down.

I had faith in you. I took what you said as the truth only. I believed in you and believing made me a fool. Again.

Indeed, you can parallel her turning around and getting pushed down in That's Alright, to being thrown down like a barricade years later.

To me "your own designs of love" suggests that the other person is looking for something out of a relationship that's unrealistic. She can't give it to him, but maybe he's created something in his head that no one else can give him either. She says she can't define love like it should be, but the implication is she knows what they have is not the way it should be, even though she doesn't know how to change it.

Maybe he asked her for another chance. She gave it time, "been taking my time," but nothing has changed. He knows that leaving has been on her mind and now she's made the final decision to do it.

Also, when she starts off waiting at the railway station, I can't help linking it to lyrics from another song on the album, "hours and hours of waiting this way."

Lyrically, I find "That's Alright" one of the least interesting of Stevie's songs and, for me, the vocal arrangement doesn't necessarily help the flat lyrics, as it usually does in FM/SN songs. The song is too straightforward. I don't dislike it though. I just don't get excited about it.

Michele

[vivfox]

I absolutely LOVE this song! From the very first listen back in 1982 until right now, I feel the same way about it. Love all it's demos too. Man I really wish she would do an all country album some day.
<a href="http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/?action=view&current=z29.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/z29.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Nathan]

I have to log in to respond and say that I love this song too.

I think it;s just about perfect as it is on Mirage - what I mean to say is that I really prefer the album cut to the demos and outtakes, not like with so much of the rest of FM stuff.

"Designs of love" was one of the phrases that always struck me as being telling and pretty.

[drzubritsky]

Lyrically, I find "That's Alright" one of the least interesting of Stevie's songs and for me, the vocal arrangement don't necessarily help the flat lyrics, as it usually does in FM/SN songs. The song is too straightforward. I don't dislike it though. I just don't get excited about it.



I agree that the lyrics don't have enough of those uniquely "Stevie" qualities to rank with her classics, but it is a nice song. It has a pretty melody and the chorus harmonies on the Mirage version are quite rich.

I think it fits the mellow rock vibe of Mirage very well.

[FMlex]

I don't associate this song with Lindsey, but I do think the "I don't know why I always trusted" dovetails nicely with the sentiment that would come later in FFG and Thrown Down.

I had faith in you. I took what you said as the truth only. I believed in you and believing made me a fool. Again.

Indeed, you can parallel her turning around and getting pushed down in That's Alright, to being thrown down like a barricade years later.

Michele

Very interesting connection there, Michele. Hadn't really connected it to "Thrown Down" before, but you're exactly right.

And Vivfox, I want to hear a Stevie country album too! "Red River Valley" and "It's Late" plus this one and a couple other countryish ones are great from Stevie.
Then I want a big band album, a la "At Last" .... I know, I'm a silly dreamer. ;)

[michelej1]

"Designs of love" was one of the phrases that always struck me as being telling and pretty.

Yes, I can see why it was a title. The phrase suggests to me something that is beautiful, but manufactured and artificial. A love that exists in dreams and theory, but not in life. In that way, it reminds me of "reinvent the pleasure," because it's as if you think love is something you can shape and control, but then you find it's not.

Michele

[Nathan]

Yes, I can see why it was a title. The phrase suggests to me something that is beautiful, but manufactured and artificial. A love that exists in dreams and theory, but not in life. In that way, it reminds me of "reinvent the pleasure," because it's as if you think love is something you can shape and control, but then you find it's not.

Michele



As a title, you're right. I read the same thing.

[jbrownsjr]

Musically... here's what I love..

Sometimes I think...

that I must have (all three blending their melodies and harmonies)
I must have been crazy.....

Lyrically... I think a lot revolves around the line...

The train sings the same kind of blues....

I know exactly what she means by this.. because ultimately we sometimes get the same blues only you're dating someone different and realize damn I've been here before....

[vivfox]

Very interesting connection there, Michele. Hadn't really connected it to "Thrown Down" before, but you're exactly right.

And Vivfox, I want to hear a Stevie country album too! "Red River Valley" and "It's Late" plus this one and a couple other countryish ones are great from Stevie.
Then I want a big band album, a la "At Last" .... I know, I'm a silly dreamer. ;)
Sounds good to me. And after the big band recording I want an entire rock-n-roll album with NO ballads.

[michelej1]

Musically... here's what I love..

Sometimes I think...

that I must have (all three blending their melodies and harmonies)
I must have been crazy.....



Yes, I like that. And I like the way her voice gets high on "Ple- EASS -e" and then comes down for "I've been taking my time." It kind of does make the "please" a plea.

Michele

[jbrownsjr]

Yes, I like that. And I like the way her voice gets high on "Ple- EASS -e" and then comes down for "I've been taking my time." It kind of does make the "please" a plea.

Michele

I adore this tune... I think it's as Fleetwood Mac as it gets... and the musicians give it that train / semi-country feel... a true team effort... driven by Stevie..

[Dodfather]

How did I not notice this thread?! I love this song. It's one of my favourite Stevie tracks with the Mac and is an underrated gem.

Then again, I suppose I would say that as I love country music and am a big fan of all of Stevie's country related tracks (After The Glitter Fades and Too For From Texas among others).

I'm not actually sure who this is about. Lindsey is the obvious choice because the song talks so much about waiting and hanging around for a relationship to get better. The things is though, this song may actually be about herself more than anyone else. As unusual as it is for Stevie to use the first person when talking about herself in songs (she usually uses the 3rd ("her/she"), the sparse arrangement of this song kind of makes it appropriate for a far more direct form of address. Am I being a bit too serious with this?! haha!

As for the lyrics that others have described as "flat" etc I think that they work well with the country arrangement, They fit with how straight to the point most country lyrics are. There's often not much room in country music for such mystical lyrics as she often writes! It's a great blend of style and lyric.

Has everyone heard the Nora O'Connor version? It's excellent. Commercially available, on itunes.

[Dodfather]

How did I not notice this thread?! I love this song. It's one of my favourite Stevie tracks with the Mac and is an underrated gem.

Then again, I suppose I would say that as I love country music and am a big fan of all of Stevie's country related tracks (After The Glitter Fades and Too For From Texas among others).

I'm not actually sure who this is about. Lindsey is the obvious choice because the song talks so much about waiting and hanging around for a relationship to get better. The things is though, this song may actually be about herself more than anyone else. As unusual as it is for Stevie to use the first person when talking about herself in songs (she usually uses the 3rd ("her/she"), the sparse arrangement of this song kind of makes it appropriate for a far more direct form of address. Am I being a bit too serious with this?! haha!

It also fits with how straight to the point most country lyrics are. There's often not much room in country music for such mystical lyrics as she often writes!

Has everyone heard the Nora O'Connor version? It's excellent. Commercially available, on itunes.

By the way, did they ever perform this live? I haven't heard anyive versions of this song and it's sadly missing from the Mirage show.

[CADreaming]

I love this song. And, I don't think it's about anyone. It's just a straight up country song. I'm glad it saw the light of day for Mirage, and the cleanliness of that recording is nice with LB's harmony, but I do prefer the demo.

[nailatixela]

Dodfather, they have never done it live.

I LOVE this song. It is one of my all time favorites. And I don't consider myself to be a fan of country music but I love the tune. "designs of love" is so pretty. Stevie's love with who every is over but whatever that other persons designs of love is all about - she hopes they find it. Whatever makes them happy.

I also like how the lines of this song are seperated. For example:
I never did believe in time
Changing anybody's mind
I like how she pauses the thought than finishes it in the next line...makes you think a little more.

And the ending of the song is the best from the high note on PleeEEEAse and the "whoa I've been taking my time" It's just one of those songs I never tire of.

[bellagypsy79]

Love, love this song! If I ever became a country star I would totaly ask Stevie if I could cover this song for my album. I would love to sing it karaoke, but they never released it on karaoke. I love singing this song to myself when I am at work especially. It's very uplifting and has great rythum. I somethimes sing it to myself when I am working in the yard mowing. LOL! :laugh:

[Fannymac]

One of my all-time favorite Stevie/Fleetwood songs, behind only "Angel!"

It was just so different for the band, so fresh! And it has some of Stevie's best, most down to earth, lyrics!

[Gypsycat999]

I love this song as well, especially the BN demos. I always call it "Designs of Love" even when I'm talking about the Mirage version. Probably because it was the title I heard first and I'm a person who doesn't like changes. It was my first macrelated favourite song and still makes me feel comfortable and save whenever and wherever I listen to it.
My favourite line is "I decided yesterday that I would leave you and I'm alright". It always makes me laugh because I imagine her saying "I will leave you but don't worry, I'm alright". She doesn't even wonder about the feelings the one she's breaking up with has. Just my personal thought. On the other hand I think it's very cute of her to wish the one this song's about his own designs of love. I don't believe she's talking about a love this someone will never find. She's just saying that it's alright with her that whoever will find a love that he can deal with that is his "own design of love". Everyone has different desires especially in love and if a couple can't see their desires fulfilled it's just alright to break up and search for a love that suits better.

[David]

I love this song as well, especially the BN demos. I always call it "Designs of Love" even when I'm talking about the Mirage version. Probably because it was the title I heard first and I'm a person who doesn't like changes.
I'd rather call it DESIGNS OF LOVE, too. But I don't ever say CANDLEBRIGHT--I always call that one NOMAD.

[jbrownsjr]

I'd rather call it DESIGNS OF LOVE, too. But I don't ever say CANDLEBRIGHT--I always call that one NOMAD.

Designs of Love sounds so much better...

[LiamMcConville]

My absolute favorite Fleetwood Mac song. I love Stevie singing a long with herself here, as live as we're ever going to hear it:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YGuEkREFdNo&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YGuEkREFdNo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Lala]

I prefer the demo and working versions of this song...both the BN demo and Mirage sessions...to the finished product. The BN Demo is probably my favourite version...very simple and true to the country feel. A lot of that is lost on the album version.

I really go back and forth between hating and loving this song. The Mirage version kind of reminds me of my estranged mother, which often leads me to skip it, depending on what kind of mood I'm in. Plus...I always want to get to Book of Love and Gypsy without having to wait. It's definitely one I enjoy playing on guitar though.

The lyrics came so early in Stevie's career, I have trouble connecting it with anything going on in her life, the way we can without much doubt connect some of her later work. I do connect myself with the whole theme of making a decision to leave a bad situation and almost being surprised and proud when you find out that you survived it.

[Glittermoondust]

This is another Stevie song that I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing........ although I do have to say this is one of those times where I think the finished Mirage version outshines the demo...... I would love to hear the demo Stevie is singing to in that video clip--and I wish the sound was a little clearer--she sounds amazing singing in that clip :nod:

[Musicman408]

This is a unique song that shows a slightly less unique side of Stevie- but I still love it all the same!:)

[singatnight]

Hi Everyone! FMLex- I'm so glad you got another round going :) I've been so busy since I"ve been back from vacation.
Anyways...on to..... Let's talk about....I"M ALRIGHT.

*I agree with alot that has been said already about this song: it's country feel, simple lryics, beautiful harmonies, etc.

*My Mom first introduced me to this song and I hated it the first couple of times I heard it. It was too country for me and so different from FM's other material. However, in time, I found myself getting hooked on it. It has such a catchy beat....one that is so fun to sing along to.

*I didn't know that this was written during the BN days.Interesting...I assumed it came from the early 80s and was all about the SN/LB breakup.

*The words are so unlike Stevie's other songs...not much imagery..rather simple....not mysterious at all. But it's ALRIGHT...lol. It's still a really fun song.
And the harmonies are AWESOME!!

[petep9000]

It reminds me of Stevie riding a horse in a sunset, in a canyon somewhere, her hat low on her eyes. Country, but kind of pretty.

[PenguinHead]

I believe...I believe...that this is one of Stevie's most universally accessible songs. It's too bad Stevie's country influences have been only minorly exploited, because she could excel in this arena.

I don't understand the reasons for disparaging the song because it's not her expected style. She wrote it, she sung it...it's Stevie and it's very good! Why put such limits to her range? It's refreshing to hear her sing a song with straight forward lyrics that don't include over-used "mystical" words, such as dreams, shadows, light, moon etc...

I love the lines "I'm still waiting for you / the train sings the same kind of blues."

This song fits nicely in her group of country-style songs such as:

The Highway Man
Leather and Lace
Rose Garden
It's Late
I Still Miss Someone

The demo version certainly sounds more country-like, and the album version more Mac-ified - as to be expected, and I like both of them.

[PenguinHead]

This has got to be about Lindsey, right? There's no doubt in my mind about that.



Why are you so sure this song is about Lindsey?

[michelej1]

I don't understand the reasons for disparaging the song because it's not her expected style. She wrote it, she sung it...it's Stevie and it's very good! Why put such limits to her range? It's refreshing to hear her sing a song with straight forward lyrics that don't include over-used "mystical" words, such as dreams, shadows, light, moon etc...


Well, I agree that would not be a good reason to disparage the song. I don't care that it's not Stevie's style. I just don't think the lyrics are very interesting. I love Say You Will and that's not her style either and I like country songs too, even Rose Garden. I think a song can be straightforward without being facile and these lyrics strike me as the latter.

However, I like what Jbrownsjr said about the vocals and, thinking of it that way, it would not be a bad closer for them, all 5 at the foot of the stage, Farmer's Daughter like.

Michele

[CADreaming]

Well, I agree that would not be a good reason to disparage the song. I don't care that it's not Stevie's style. I just don't think the lyrics are very interesting. I love Say You Will and that's not her style either and I like country songs too, even Rose Garden. I think a song can be straightforward without being facile and these lyrics strike me as the latter.


Michele

I don't know, the one line - "I can't define love the way it should be and that's alright" - it always strikes me. I don't think of it as being facile at all. Probably because it's so out of place (or would have been in the time) in a country song. The rest of it, I see your point : "meet me down by the railway station...I decided yesterday that I would leave you..." As my Dad would say, "pour me another Bud!" :laugh:

[BellaDonna]

I prefer the demo and working versions of this song...both the BN demo and Mirage sessions...to the finished product. The BN Demo is probably my favourite version...very simple and true to the country feel. A lot of that is lost on the album version.

I agree! I loooove the early demos, it is so pretty!! One of my favorites. :thumbsup: I wish they would have kept it 'Designs of Love' though, I like that better. :nod: