"No Questions Asked" ~ Love & Discussion

[mikebise]

Twenty-two years... wow!!!!!

I remember getting CHILLS on the line:

"And who gets
The cold chill of it all
EVERY time?!"

STEVIE's voice is AMAZING!!!!

The piano is better on the outtakes, and the mix is better on The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac (2002), but STEVIE's vocal is constant!!!!!!

Anyone ELSE love this song, like me????

[MissLadyLoki]

I gotta ask: what is this song about anyways?

[louielouie2000]

I really love this song. I don't even know why, there's nothing particularly spectacular about it. I still remember exactly what I was doing the first time I heard it. My Aunt had given me Greatest Hits for Christmas in '94. I was watching tv with my headphones on (typical kid, huh?) and No Questions Asked came on. And I just adored it from the first few notes. Something about the song is just pure saturated Stevieness... and I love every ounce of it... "intenseness" and all! :lol: I still think the guitar sound on the song is really nifty, too. Thoroughly '80s... but in a FUN way. I think the sentiments in the lyrics are very honest and true, too. Relationships are unpredictable... ups and downs, and you never know where they'll take you. If only Behind The Mask were as consistent and good as No Questions Asked and As Long As You Follow. There was potential squandered with that lineup, for sure.

[mikebise]

It is one of Stevie's more mysterious songs!

"Broke down like a little girl" is a Bob Dylan reference, which could refer to her 1986 tour of Australia with Bob & Tom meaning the song's about Tom.

Yes, I'm one of those who believes Stevie secretly loved Tom Petty in 1980-1985 (?). "If You Were My Love" is CLEARLY about Tom. Stevie telegraphs that in the September 1981 interview in B.A M.

So, MY opinion is that "No Questions Asked" is about Tom, but I have no inside sources to confirm this at all.

[SuperFleetwood]

i like no questions asked!

[Nikolaj]

Love this song, there's a desperation to it that soothed something hurt and broken in me way back when- I turned my ear the other way for 'that's a woman's right they say'--because I felt such a connection to the song. It was so adaptable to what I was feeling, bigtime, in the late 1980s.
" I can't see you, not now, not tomorrow, not until it's right, not until nyther* of us is pushed up against the wall"--
* I love the 'neither' pronounciation as 'nythter'- so right for the song!
Even the ending, "I need you now, no questions asked, I broke down like a little girl" seemed to be a unisex sentiment that fit what I was feeling, and I loved it and didn't find the 'little girl' to be obstructive to my enjoyment of the song, or embarrassing. To me, it sounded like honest, emotional pain as fitting for a man to feel he "broke down like a little girl" as much as for a woman to, when the love you know is it ---just won't work out.
Now, that's a good song- when a guy can hear his life in it, through the "little girl" and all.
I think it's one of those songs that those who relate to it, really relate to it. I find the guitars in it likeably George Harrison-esque sounding, NQA has a bit of the 'What Is Life' kind of vibe to it.

I really like NQA. I think what I substituted for "well that's a woman's right they say" was 'I can change my mind ten times a day'- as my alternate interior dialogue lyric when I listened to 'No Questions Asked' - blasted full volume on headphones, regularly, for a good year.
Edit: Thanks to gldstwmn for the full lyrics, I corrected my incorrect memory of the lyrics above.

[tilthefirefades]

One of my favorite songs ever. Everything about it is so intense and beautiful. The harmonies are spot on, it is a shining moment for Billy and Rick.

My favorite part is:

"So how can you say
Well, I don't know what love is
You haven't and you have no time for it
You feel completely indifferent
You feel pushed up against the wall
And then one day it just almost goes away
You spend lots of time alone
Sometimes you spend years
And you miss those arms that used to go around you"

I find myself screeching along every time to that :o

Which reminds me, why does Stevie and Lindsey use some lyrics over? Is it to emphasize a point, or just because it happens to sound good? Also, this song has always reminded me of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star at the beginning :laugh:

[LukeA]

I absolutely recognize this song's shortcomings, but I still love it- and not just for sentimental reasons.

[gldstwmn]

When I see him --
I feel him.
There's an intenseness
In him --
In his eyes.

He wants me to be with him --
He wants me with him now.
She just seems to be missing. . .
How could that happen
Anyhow?

So, how can you say,
Well, I don't know what love is?
You have it --
And you have no time for it.
You feel completely indifferent --
You feel pushed up against the wall --
Then, one day
It just almost goes away!

You spend lots of time alone --
Sometimes you spend years,
And you miss those arms that used to go around you.

Night after night,
No Questions Asked --
And, who gets the cold wind
Of it all everytime?

Well, it's hard to be civil
And it's real hard to be nice!
But you did it, my Love,
Everytime --

So, how can you say
Well, I can't see you,
Not now,
Not tomorrow,
Not until it's right
Not until --
Neither of us is pushed up against the wall.

I don't throw the cold wind
Of it at you anymore!

So today, she says,
Well, I've changed my mind.
That's a woman's right, they say.

Well, I -- (Well, I --)
Well, I'm frightened,
And I'm lost.
And I can't give you up.
Not now.
I need you now.
I'm broken hearted --
I broke down
Like a little girl.

Well, I need you now.
Well, I'm broken-hearted.
Well, I broke down like a little girl.

(I need you now)
No Questions Asked
Well, I broke down like a little girl.

(I need you now)
No Questions Asked
I broke down like a little girl.

Like a little girl.

[Nikolaj]

^
Thanks gdw, for the lyrics- So I am remembering wrong
It's not "I need your love no questions asked"
It is "I need you now, no questions asked'-

That is better! "NOW! No questions asked."


"I need you now, no questions asked" is such an honest demand or request to make of another person. It's perfect writing, that line.
Too powerful for part of it to be in ( ).

[Oooh Missionary]

Not to bring down the level of love in this thread, but I can barely hum "No Questions Asked".

I've been revisiting my Stevie and Fleetwood Mac records this week for the first time in a very long time and it occured to me yesterday that, despite all of the years of and having owned NQA (on multiple formats) I've just never gotten into it. Odd for a song that is (a) by Stevie Nicks and (b) included on two major Fleetwood Mac compilations. Time to commence brainwashing.

Earlier someone in the thread mentioned that the mix on The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac was better... is it in fact a remix/alternate mix on that release or just the 1988 Greatest Hits recording remastered?

[LukeA]

Earlier someone in the thread mentioned that the mix on The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac was better... is it in fact a remix/alternate mix on that release or just the 1988 Greatest Hits recording remastered?

Its the same recording except louder (aka "remastered")

[mitzo]

I've always ranked this as one of my favourite Stevie songs - as someone said here, pure Stevieness. And the whole musical package is delicious, the BTM lineup were at their best in this.

[APerfectLie]

Not to bring down the level of love in this thread, but I can barely hum "No Questions Asked".

I've been revisiting my Stevie and Fleetwood Mac records this week for the first time in a very long time and it occured to me yesterday that, despite all of the years of and having owned NQA (on multiple formats) I've just never gotten into it. Odd for a song that is (a) by Stevie Nicks and (b) included on two major Fleetwood Mac compilations. Time to commence brainwashing.

Earlier someone in the thread mentioned that the mix on The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac was better... is it in fact a remix/alternate mix on that release or just the 1988 Greatest Hits recording remastered?

OMFG do you have a bigger version of your avatar? Do want!!

Also, I never gave No Questions Asked the time of day until last fall. I was riding the shuttle bus to campus and it came on my iPod and fit my life so perfectly on that overcast day. One of my favorites.

[APerfectLie]

One of my favorite songs ever. Everything about it is so intense and beautiful. The harmonies are spot on, it is a shining moment for Billy and Rick.

My favorite part is:

"So how can you say
Well, I don't know what love is
You haven't and you have no time for it
You feel completely indifferent
You feel pushed up against the wall
And then one day it just almost goes away
You spend lots of time alone
Sometimes you spend years
And you miss those arms that used to go around you"

I find myself screeching along every time to that :o

Which reminds me, why does Stevie and Lindsey use some lyrics over? Is it to emphasize a point, or just because it happens to sound good? Also, this song has always reminded me of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star at the beginning :laugh:

I think it is both. Sometimes I write things and there is a line I really love, but when I let people read it, they seem to really enjoy other lines, but not that one. So I think sometimes they feel some of their really good lines go unnoticed. Also, I think it is just habit. You start writing something and some familiar words come out that fit so perfectly and then you realize you have written them before, but since they fit so well you just leave them there! Speaking of this subject, I always knew "Enchanted" and "Destiny" had similar lyrics. It took me all these years however to realize that the first verse is word for word the same in both songs!

[Nikolaj]

I've always ranked this as one of my favourite Stevie songs - as someone said here, pure Stevieness. And the whole musical package is delicious, the BTM lineup were at their best in this.

I'm glad Mike brought this up, it's good to see there is some 'love & discussion' for NQA.

[Oooh Missionary]

Its the same recording except louder (aka "remastered")
Thanks, LukeA.

OMFG do you have a bigger version of your avatar? Do want!!

I made that years ago... this is the largest I could find:
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd420/obeythepineapple/dancingwithmyself.png

If I remake the main image again I'll post it for you. :)

[APerfectLie]

Thanks, LukeA.



I made that years ago... this is the largest I could find:
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd420/obeythepineapple/dancingwithmyself.png

If I remake the main image again I'll post it for you. :)

Ahh thanks! Thats freaking awesome :]

[louielouie2000]

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd420/obeythepineapple/dancingwithmyself.png

I've always wondered exactly what the concept for the Dance cover was. I guess the band shares a shattered background, yet they all still stand together? It just makes me laugh that Stevie's lying across a piano that appears to have broken under her. There were a lot of jokes about her weight at the time ;). I remember when they called Fleetwood Mac "Fatso & The Corpses" on the tv show Unhappily Ever After :laugh:.

[fringed n fab]

I've always wondered exactly what the concept for the Dance cover was. I guess the band shares a shattered background, yet they all still stand together? It just makes me laugh that Stevie's lying across a piano that appears to have broken under her. There were a lot of jokes about her weight at the time ;). I remember when they called Fleetwood Mac "Fatso & The Corpses" on the tv show Unhappily Ever After :laugh:.

This was discussed on 7W way back when. Members were saying the band loved this painting and that was the inspiration for The Dance cover. I can kind of see it.

From 7W: The title is from 'The Dance' by Henri Matisse:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Stoic13/misc2/matisse-54.jpg

[fringed n fab]

I like the artistic approach on the Dance cover and thought Stevie looked rather good. I was happy with the photo. The Say You Will cover as art was alright, I loved Stevie's wavy hair although it was almost brown looking.

[louielouie2000]

This was discussed on 7W way back when. Members were saying the band loved this painting and that was the inspiration for The Dance cover. I can kind of see it.

From 7W: The title is from 'The Dance' by Henri Matisse:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/Stoic13/misc2/matisse-54.jpg

I knew that they were inspired by that painting and/or similar sculptures for the name of the album. I've just always wondered what the point of the cover was. You know, them standing in the midst of a bunch of broken sh!t :lol:. The only thing I've been able to figure is that it's supposed to stand for their broken past, yet they stand united in the midst of it. :shrug:

[baboles]

I have to admit that I never really listen to the song. This thread has inspired me to pull it up and give it a go. I think it will have to grow on me. Maybe I'll like it better once I learn the lyrics.

[fringed n fab]

I knew that they were inspired by that painting and/or similar sculptures for the name of the album. I've just always wondered what the point of the cover was. You know, them standing in the midst of a bunch of broken sh!t :lol:. The only thing I've been able to figure is that it's supposed to stand for their broken past, yet they stand united in the midst of it. :shrug:

That's what I gather too. Makes sense. Artistically it's still a pretty cover.

[mikebise]

I'm glad Mike brought this up, it's good to see there is some 'love & discussion' for NQA.

And I love your descriptions and thoughts!

And John's description of the time of year and the feelings it brings.

It's such a great song that always puts me in a good mood!

[michelej1]

You know, them standing in the midst of a bunch of broken sh!t :lol:. The only thing I've been able to figure is that it's supposed to stand for their broken past, yet they stand united in the midst of it. :shrug:

I think the stuff is their past, but I don't think it's broken. Actually, your saying that reminds me of the Hold Me video when Mick and John are digging in the sand for their instruments. Also, the insert picture for SYW of the outstretched hands reminds me of the Hold Me video too, when they kept reaching out and never touched each other.

I feel a little sentimental:(.

Michele

[GoldDustOrphan]

David LaChapelle, who photographed The Dance cover, said this in 1998 about the difference in Stevie's weight by comparing it to shooting her in 1994: "I want everyone I photograph to look like movie and rock stars. I'm not into exposing their flaws of wrinkles or pimples. I am totally into making them look amazing. I was photographing Stevie Nicks a few years back when she was heavy. I sat her down and said, 'It doesn't matter because I'm going to make you look great.' But then when I shot her for her last album I didn't have to do anything, because she had lost that weight. Maybe that earlier sitting inspired her and gave her a little incentive.

He also said that he specifically put Mick in the same position that he was in for the Rumours cover.

[SapphireSister]

I have to admit that I never really listen to the song. This thread has inspired me to pull it up and give it a go. I think it will have to grow on me. Maybe I'll like it better once I learn the lyrics.
My sentiments exactly! I can't believe this isn't in my iTunes. I've heard it before but never paid to much attention. I'm really digging it!

I also have the demo and for some reason it's labeled OSOTM Demos and Outtakes but obviously that's impossible since it came out before on FM Greatest Hits a year before, right?

[Fannymac]

I have ALWAYS hated this song, long considering it one of Stevie's all-time worst!

However, after reading the lyrics here, I REALLY like them! Maybe it's just the production that leaves me cold....it just seems like a jumbled mess, and I think Stevie's vocal is only so-so.

I really loved "As Long As You Follow", but I can't help but wonder what both songs would have sounded like had the original plans of working with Don Gehman seen fruition....I just think Greg Laydani was too slick!

[mitzo]

I have ALWAYS hated this song, long considering it one of Stevie's all-time worst!

However, after reading the lyrics here, I REALLY like them! Maybe it's just the production that leaves me cold....it just seems like a jumbled mess, and I think Stevie's vocal is only so-so.

I really loved "As Long As You Follow", but I can't help but wonder what both songs would have sounded like had the original plans of working with Don Gehman seen fruition....I just think Greg Laydani was too slick!

To me the kind of chaotic arrangement fits somehow, I can't explain it. I feel the same about Whole Lotta Trouble - both songs set a certain kind of mood, almost like the feelings expressed in the song are loud and messy and Stevie is trying to shout through them

[johnnystorms]

not sure what that means, but i think the song got "short shrift" because it was on GH. as a new song amidst SUCH iconic work, it tended to get a bit overlooked. it would have fared much better as a track on Behind the Mask.

[David]

However, after reading the lyrics here, I REALLY like them! Maybe it's just the production that leaves me cold....it just seems like a jumbled mess, and I think Stevie's vocal is only so-so. I like the way the drum tracks were engineered. They have a nice wallop to them. The problem to me with the track is that the dynamic is so unvarying; there's no soft & there's no loud. In that regard, it's like being in an arena, listening to the band play live.

[starshine]

Its probably only an ok song to me but I have always thought the song was about Joe Walsh?? Could be wrong but it just sounds like its about him and about there time when they were together. " He wants me to be with him, he wants me with him now..' it just sounds similar to other songs supposedly about Joe too like Battle of The Dragon I think has some of him in there (amoung others too like FMac) than Mirror, Mirror , Long Way To Go etc. I think I may like some of the outtakes a little bit more guess I'll have to listen to the GH /Very Best of cd versions again. Its been awhile since I have.

[Sahara]

David LaChapelle, who photographed The Dance cover...

I never realised that was his work -- no wonder it's so awesome. I had a 36x24 poster of it in my room for years and I just love it to death. I've swapped it out for a Tusk poster now but I might change it back soon. I presume everyone's spotted the hidden penguin? ;)

Gldstwmn -- I love how you've laid out the lyrics for us, it's just perfect. A great little song :)

[galestreet]

like the song pretty sure who its about:blob2: