Let's Talk About...STAND BACK [Archive]

Dodfather

08-26-2009, 01:42 PM

Well, after a few more random album tracks lately I thought I'd go for one of her biggest tracks for our discussion...

I LOVE this song. It's my favourite Stevie solo track (and that's no mean feat). Dani's got Rhiannon, lol, but for me it's all about Stand Back. I never tire of hearing it, whatever version it may be (and there have been some KICK ASS live versions) and it's my favourite to sing along to incredibly loudly in the car.

We've all heard the sotry about how this was written and I've always found it slightly sad (not pathetic, I mean more upseting) that so close to her wedding, I bvelieve it was her actual wedding night, they spent the night recording a song rather than just enjoying their marriage and each other. What I mean by that is that the marriage seemed even less than secondary to the importance of everything else. Then again, that was kind of the case anyway wasn't it? Such a shame.

Anyway, this song ROCKS! I think it's about men. I can't think that it's about Lindsey specifically, or Kim, or anyone else, but I just think it's about how men may struggle to cope with her success and her world even though they may share it.

"You could be standing in a line": There have been a succession of them and it's necver worked.

"Nooone knows how I feel..." Not he doesn't know, noone knows...

"In the middle of my room I could not hear from you": She's locked in her own world...

The lyrics just seem so negative (again, sad that she wrote them when just married) but at the same time it's hopeful, like Dreams in that way. There's a self awareness here. Perhpas she knew the marriage wasn;t going to work? Or as much as oine can know these things anyway.

She's realising her own faults: "He asked me...that was all"... she is acknowledging her own shortcomings and hoping to improve on them. He didn't ask for much and she just couldn't give it. In this way it's very similar to the sentiments expressed in Dreams "when the rain washes you clean, you'll know" I like this "turn" in the lyrics here, it makes things very interesting.

I've never thought that Fleetwood Mac as a band do this song as well as Stevie's solo band do. It's a very "solo" track for me so I've always found it slightly strange that of all her solo hits it's the one the band do. I can;t explain that much better - sorry!

Does anyone know what happened between Srtevie and Prince? There's a story there as to why they don't speak after working on this track but I don't know what it is...

I'm really looking forward to reading replies to this. This song is so great...

brysondt

08-26-2009, 02:40 PM

K--I could totally be wrong and have heard the wrong version of the story, but this is what I heard/read about the Stevie/Prince ordeal.

Apparently she and Prince got into some sort of argument about the way she was living her life, I think in particularly, the drug use. I think she got so upset with him because he was living his life pretty crazy at the time as well, and she didn't think it was fair he criticize her or imply some kind of double standard. Thats all I've read--I think it was some interview along time ago with Stevie, in the early 90s maybe that she said that.

Punch me in the throat if this is inaccurate.

belledejour

08-26-2009, 02:45 PM

I loved, loved, loved this song when it came out. I still love it, but not the same.
I think it has a darkside ~ for a pop song, released on the radio.

I think this song is sophisticated in it's simplicity. Everyone can relate to "no one knows how I feel"..."do not turn away my friend"...

I like when Stevie sings this song live, she says "it's not alright" ~ like it's really not alright to feel that kind of heartache or emptiness and call it love.
Even though everyone does sometimes.

there is another thread about FM members IQ's I think this is where Stevie's "genius" lies ~ is being sophisticated in her simplicity ~ telling us that everyone may go though a particular incident ~or~ something ~ but that doesn't mean "it's alright"

I thought everyone loved this song ~ even if they didn't like Stevie because it isn't so Stevieish there aren't any doves, gardens or beasts.
anyho ...
This is the song that "did it for me" it was on the radio all summer of '83 as well as the video on MTV. now the summer of '83 this song and the video are indistinguishable in my memory.

GypsyBlueEyes

08-26-2009, 04:09 PM

Stand Back is amazing! I love it live...Stevie gets so into it. I also love to turn it up real loud in the car...its just one of those songs you can jam to! I think its about a single relationship and speaks of a genuine hope that the relationship will work out...that things are complicated, things aren't going the way either of them had hoped, neither of them know what the hell they are doing, and they don't know how to relate to each other but she hopes they can figure it all out.

cristochango

08-26-2009, 06:22 PM

idk why but I think its about some guy that wanted to sleep with her or something
or at least has some sexual meaning to it

said no to him again and again, first he took my heart than he ran

stand back stand back in the middle of my room I did not hear from you.

one man did not call, he asked me for my love that was all.

I think this guy just wanted her for her looks, not who she is. he just wanted her "love"

FMlex

08-26-2009, 09:53 PM

Apparently I really like putting up Youtube videos of whatever song we're discussing :)

Anyways, here's two of my favorite "Stand Back"s:

Solid Gold (the one that our lovely Bryson lip synced to!) - Stevie is particularly beautiful in this one, and I like the added lyrics toward the end:

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

And this one has my heart because of her ramblings - so at least watch the first 45 seconds:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-2GD-d1Flk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-2GD-d1Flk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

michelej1

08-26-2009, 10:27 PM

And I love the way she turned the lyric for this tour. I first heard what she was saying at the Arizona show:

One man did not fall.
He asked me for my love.
He said, take it all.

I was taken by the the contradiction in words. First he asks for her love, but then he says take it all, as if he’s the one giving, not asking. The truth is, he didn’t ask for anything, he just wanted to give too much. More than she could accept. More commitment than she could stand. I love how she flipped the line.

I love the way the song switches her from one side of a relationship the other. First she's the one rejecting others, telling them to stand back and then the next time she is the one regretful that someone walked away from her. It's a gripping struggle between need and apathy, defiance and contrition.

Of course, even during the contrite passages, there's a fierce attitude in her voice that makes the song so energetic and killer.

Michele

gypsy4life

08-27-2009, 08:49 AM

I LOVE THIS SONG!!! It's not my very favorite Stevie song, but it ranks fairly high among thousands!!

I have spent many moments pondering the exact meaning of Stand Back, and I have come to the conclusion this song is FULL of meanings!! (just like Stevie!)

I feel a lot of one night stand references.."first he took my heart, then he ran"...most women cannot just have a bedroom fling and walk away..I'm a woman, and I know a little piece of your heart will go every time.

I also think this song is about the men in her life in general. Someone else said this as well..."NO ONE knows how I feel"...

At any rate, this song is amazing on stage, amazing on record,amazing on radio...just flat out awesome upbeat stuff!! Even my little 8 year old cousin loves it!! He looks SO cute singing..."I need a little sympathy"...lol...

DashingDan

08-27-2009, 09:02 AM

No one looked as you walked by? Awww. Really, Stevie? Really? Poor thing.

Seriously, when's the last time that happened to you, Stevie, 1961? ;)

I always loved the audacity of the opening line of S.B.

vivfox

08-27-2009, 01:05 PM

No one looked as you walked by? Awww. Really, Stevie? Really? Poor thing.

Seriously, when's the last time that happened to you, Stevie, 1961? ;)

I always loved the audacity of the opening line of S.B.

Aha, yes, so, so true.

<a href="http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/?action=view&current=z89.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/z89.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

daniellaaarisen

08-27-2009, 05:00 PM

"Like a willow, I can bend."

That is an invitation to pounce on her if I've ever heard one. Nom.

daniellaaarisen

08-27-2009, 05:02 PM

And I love the way she turned the lyric for this tour. I first heard what she was saying at the Arizona show:

One man did not fall.
He asked me for my love.
He said, take it all.

I was taken by the the contradiction in words. First he asks for her love, but then he says take it all, as if he’s the one giving, not asking. The truth is, he didn’t ask for anything, he just wanted to give too much. More than she could accept. More commitment than she could stand. I love how she flipped the line.

I love the way the song switches her from one side of a relationship the other. First she's the one rejecting others, telling them to stand back and then the next time she is the one regretful that someone walked away from her. It's a gripping struggle between need and apathy, defiance and contrition.

Of course, even during the contrite passages, there's a fierce attitude in her voice that makes the song so energetic and killer.

Michele

Agreed (again, as usual). I think that when Stevie contorts her lyrics live for a well established purpose, it can make or break the song. This is a good example of that-- lovvvvvvvvvvvveedd the way she changed it, too.

cristochango

08-27-2009, 05:16 PM

"Like a willow, I can bend."

That is an invitation to pounce on her if I've ever heard one. Nom.

thank you for agreein wit me dani

daniellaaarisen

08-27-2009, 05:19 PM

thank you for agreein wit me dani

Anytime :)

This reminds me... we are yet to do a thread for "Rhiannon." Although we've all heard the inspiration for the song a thousand times, I think there's a lot more to be said. So tempting to start that post....

mylittledemon

08-27-2009, 05:21 PM

Punch me in the throat if this is inaccurate.

:shocked:

That's graphic. Yer one sick mama! I like it.

Umm... I have always liked STAND BACK. I remember seeing the video when I was a wee lad. Its one of those songs that gives you chill bumps.

My favorite version? The one she did on SNL... which conveniently keeps disappearing from YouTube

cristochango

08-27-2009, 05:29 PM

Anytime :)

This reminds me... we are yet to do a thread for "Rhiannon." Although we've all heard the inspiration for the song a thousand times, I think there's a lot more to be said. So tempting to start that post....

do it, i'll comment on it

ChristyL17

08-27-2009, 06:07 PM

Love Stand Back, probably my favorite of hers!! One song I can listen to constantly and never get sick of. The video is great also!

michelej1

08-27-2009, 08:45 PM

Agreed (again, as usual). I think that when Stevie contorts her lyrics live for a well established purpose, it can make or break the song. This is a good example of that-- lovvvvvvvvvvvveedd the way she changed it, too.

I agree with you and the adlibs she does for GDW are also great. Sometimes they just help the live mood of the song (as with HSML) but sometimes, the stage adlibs enhance the original meaning of the song and that's what the twisted line on Stand Back does and the same is true of the GDW "you can't see me now . . . you just can't do it" additions too.

Michele

StandbackStevie

08-28-2009, 01:04 AM

This is one of my many favorites of Stevie this song to me has an eternal flame it is a timeless song no one gets tired of hearing well not me any way especially in concert or you hear it on the radio its still fresh and exciting and makes you want to roll down the windows in the car and drive so fast on the highway and sing the song so loud and if your home dance. Stevie's voice is perfect on this song love love love this song it rocks baby.:]:cool::thumbsup::D:nod:;)

billwebster

09-04-2009, 09:22 AM

Actually, Rod Stewart's cover version of this song was the first version of it that I conciously noticed listening to. His version is a great soundtrack for eating apple cake.

Hers on the other hand is the original.

drzubritsky

09-04-2009, 02:52 PM

I was 15 years old that summer when "Stand Back" was a hit, and it still brings back vivid memories of that time & place. Actually, having been a pretty big fan of FM's stuff and Bella Donna, I was pretty shocked when I first heard SB. It seemed inconceivable at the time that Stevie Nicks could release such a dance-oriented track. But after the initial surprise, I really liked it after a few listens. And of course, as noted by others, the video was inescapable. We actually didn't have MTV until later in the summer in my town, but SB was shown frequently on HBO's "Video Jukebox".

There have been many great live SB performances over the years, but my only quibble with the live versions is that she changed the melody of the chorus from the studio version on the "stand back, stand back" and "it's all right, it's all right lines". Those lines originally had a 3 note melody, but she changed it to a 2 note melody early during the live incarnations and has kept it that way since. I prefer the melody on the studio version.

cristochango

09-04-2009, 03:29 PM

I was 15 years old that summer when "Stand Back" was a hit, and it still brings back vivid memories of that time & place. Actually, having been a pretty big fan of FM's stuff and Bella Donna, I was pretty shocked when I first heard SB. It seemed inconceivable at the time that Stevie Nicks could release such a dance-oriented track. But after the initial surprise, I really liked it after a few listens. And of course, as noted by others, the video was inescapable. We actually didn't have MTV until later in the summer in my town, but SB was shown frequently on HBO's "Video Jukebox".

There have been many great live SB performances over the years, but my only quibble with the live versions is that she changed the melody of the chorus from the studio version on the "stand back, stand back" and "it's all right, it's all right lines". Those lines originally had a 3 note melody, but she changed it to a 2 note melody early during the live incarnations and has kept it that way since. I prefer the melody on the studio version.

I dont know what you mean by the 3 and 2 note melody

DestinyRules

09-16-2009, 09:58 AM

I'm sooooo sick of the studio version of "Stand Back," I go screaming for the skip button as soon as it comes on.

HOWEVER, I never tire of any of the myriad live versions of the song. They always seem to bring something different to the table.

GypsyBlueEyes

09-20-2009, 03:11 PM

So I was just listening to a live version of this and I was thinking...

The lyrics at the end..."well you could be standing in, stand back"...could that be a literal illustration of what was going on with her at that time?? I already stated previously that I thought that for the most part this song was about one relationship (which may or may not be true). Listening to these lyrics again got me thinking...she wrote this song on her honeymoon...with a man that was married to her now deceased best friend and who was also the father said friend's baby. We all know that Stevie was grieving so intensely that she felt that she should marry him and help him raise the child. So essentially, Stevie was quite literally standing in for Robin (doing so because she had loved her so much). The "stand back" part could be her warning herself that this probably wouldn't work out the way she had hoped and that she should take a step back and really consider what she was doing.

Anyway, this could be way off base...but its Sunday and I'm supposed to be studying for a test...which of course means I'm procrastinating...and this is what I've spent my time thinking about :p

Dodfather

09-21-2009, 05:36 AM

So I was just listening to a live version of this and I was thinking...

The lyrics at the end..."well you could be standing in, stand back"...could that be a literal illustration of what was going on with her at that time?? I already stated previously that I thought that for the most part this song was about one relationship (which may or may not be true). Listening to these lyrics again got me thinking...she wrote this song on her honeymoon...with a man that was married to her now deceased best friend and who was also the the father said friend's baby?? We all know that Stevie was grieving so intensely that she felt that she should marry him and help him raise the child. So essentially, Stevie was quite literally standing in for Robin (doing so because she had loved her so much). The "stand back" part could be her warning herself that this probably wouldn't work out the way she had hoped and that she should take a step back and really consider what she was doing.

Anyway, this could be way off base...but its Sunday and I'm supposed to be studying for a test...which of course means I'm procrastinating...and this is what I've spent my time thinking about :p

Nice interpretation! I think I agree and can't believe that didn't occur to me, especially as I love this song so much I started the thread - haha!

GypsyBlueEyes

09-21-2009, 08:52 AM

Nice interpretation! I think I agree and can't believe that didn't occur to me, especially as I love this song so much I started the thread - haha!

Grief is a powerful thing and everyone responds to it differently...either in a healthy way or an unhealthy way. I think her devotion to Robin compelled her to take care of the people Robin loved. The lyrics "no one looked as I walked by, just an invitation would have been just fine" and "no man calls my name, no man came" is an observation that none of her past relationships had worked out...and by that time she may not have been hopeful that someone would come along so she figured she might as well try to honor Robin and take care of her family. Of course, there were many more emotions involved...but I think that was at least part of it.

jkt711

11-20-2009, 06:39 PM

I've read that there is a version of Stand Back on the UK 12" single that lasts 7:56. I know it seems ridiculous but does anybody happen to have this? - Thanks!!:nod:

Edgeof27

11-20-2009, 09:17 PM

Apparently I really like putting up Youtube videos of whatever song we're discussing :)

Anyways, here's two of my favorite "Stand Back"s:

Solid Gold (the one that our lovely Bryson lip synced to!) - Stevie is particularly beautiful in this one, and I like the added lyrics toward the end:

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

And this one has my heart because of her ramblings - so at least watch the first 45 seconds:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-2GD-d1Flk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-2GD-d1Flk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

DavidMn,

just watched this, (US Fest 83),

thought I saw you, "Skcin, &, Bikerchic", at the front,

G.

vivfox

11-20-2009, 09:36 PM

Apparently I really like putting up Youtube videos of whatever song we're discussing .
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-2GD-d1Flk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p-2GD-d1Flk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

I've seen this clip ten million times but tonight for the first time ever I noticed Bob Glaub was playing keyboards along with Roy Bittan for this song. I also always got a kick out of when she introduced Sharon and then says, "she's yours for twentyfive thousand dollars."

vivfox

11-20-2009, 09:40 PM

vivfox

11-20-2009, 09:42 PM

Punch me in the throat if this is inaccurate.

It's statements like this that make me miss you so much. You crack me up girrrrl.

fringed n fab

11-20-2009, 10:55 PM

I love this song. And the Solid Gold performance in the red shawl and also how she was dressed during the Super Bowl performance, shorter black skirt, high black boots. I loved it!

Zanobbi

11-21-2009, 04:01 AM

I think Stevie should watch all these old performances, even the Red Rocks video, to realize how this GREAT song must be played. I don't like the way she does Stand Back now, alone or with FM, too fast and bland.
Oh, and I love the Eli Escobar remix of the song.

TheWILDheart

11-21-2009, 06:18 AM

I absolutely LOVE SB. Always have. I love everything about it. Especially live. One of my favourite versions is albuquerque 2007, Cyrstal Visions tour. She absolutely NAILED it. She always does such a good job of this one on stage, it seems. Great to see that 26 years later, she still loves performing it as much as she did in 1983. Not sure how I feel about it as a set opener though, but at least she still rocks it. I also love the drum intro she's done on it these past few solo tours.

Nathan

11-22-2009, 01:48 AM

I think Stevie should watch all these old performances, even the Red Rocks video, to realize how this GREAT song must be played. I don't like the way she does Stand Back now, alone or with FM, too fast and bland.
Oh, and I love the Eli Escobar remix of the song.

Yeah, the remix is fantastic.

I wonder if she doesn't watch Red Rocks though? I read an interview at some point that said that Gold Dust Woman came up in her iPod shuffle and she sang quietly along to it. Everyone knows she loves her own music - my thought is that she sees/hears all of her stuff reguarly.

The only difference being that if she feels like rolling a joint and watching the HBO special, she gets to see it uncut.
:mad:

louielouie2000

11-22-2009, 02:35 AM

I've never cared too much for Stand Back... in my mind, it perhaps strays furthest musically from what I believe Stevie's music should sound like. Too poppy, too dancy, too cliche for my tastes. But then again, I pretty much dislike the entire Wild Heart album. I do however like the video... total '80s cheesiness :thumbsup:.

What interestingly enough got me to view the song in a different light was hearing it performed by Fleetwood Mac in 2003. I *LOVED* how they sped up the song, and totally made it rock. It was the one song of the entire SYW tour that seemed to get people up on their feet dancing, and brought down the house. Stand Back was the highlight of all my Mac shows that tour. But I still hit "skip" any time the Stevie solo version comes through my speakers. It's just not my kind of music.