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]

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]

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

Thanks for referencing those performances, which appeared on the late great Midnight Special.

I'm old enough to say I used to love watching it live on TV. I have an amazing set of DVDs (take note: no apostrophe!) that compile performances from each year of the show. (I bought it from watching an infomercial at two in the morning.). Those two performances are featured. That show is like a time capsule, and pulls you right back into a very different and diverse world. It's a treasure trove of music history.

[BLY]

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



Those were the days! Loved those vocals. I think I heard the Rumours line up do this on a boot before I heard the MTM version.

[lbfan]

Thanks for referencing those performances, which appeared on the late great Midnight Special.

I'm old enough to say I used to love watching it live on TV. I have an amazing set of DVDs (take note: no apostrophe!) that compile performances from each year of the show. (I bought it from watching an infomercial at two in the morning.). Those two performances are featured. That show is like a time capsule, and pulls you right back into a very different and diverse world. It's a treasure trove of music history.

I thought only "Over My Head" and "Rhiannon" have been released on commercial DVDs. If "Why" has been, I would like to obtain a copy.

[PenguinHead]

I thought only "Over My Head" and "Rhiannon" have been released on commercial DVDs. If "Why" has been, I would like to obtain a copy.

You're right. I remembered it wrong. Also on YouTube is a fantastic performance of "Miles Away," which I think was also from the Midnight Special, but wasn't included on the DVD set.

[PenguinHead]

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.

[nicepace]

I have an amazing set of DVDs (take note: no apostrophe!)

To find someone who cares about (and understands!) the proper use of apostrophes is a delight. Thank you!

[sorcerer999]

I concur, wholeheartedly! "Why" is my all time favorite Christine song. If they put this back in the live set, my head would explode with joy!

Isn't that a lovely visual?

[jbrownsjr]

'Why' gives me just as many tears as Songbird does. (If not more.) I love this tune.

I wish they covered the intro (guitar) and then went into the piano like they do on the album. I think the buildup in the intro makes the song really shine when it finally kicks in.

In the Bob Welch era, I believe Christine would play the piano intro to Come A LIttle Bit Closer, then go into Why. That was cool, but I rather have this incarnation play it as close to the album as possible.

I mean if we are going to have 10 other musicians out there, then just do it. And Christine, you need to be playing the soloing parts of every song in the set. NO pushing organ chords while Brett plays the solo parts. I hate that! Crap what am I saying Christine can do no wrong... carry on.. :)

[sasja]

I concur, wholeheartedly! "Why" is my all time favorite Christine song. If they put this back in the live set, my head would explode with joy!




This :nod:

[PenguinHead]

To find someone who cares about (and understands!) the proper use of apostrophes is a delight. Thank you!

:laugh: Thank you! I feel honored nicepace! (I grew up in Milford, MA. Most of my family resides there. I spent many summers at the Cape.) I'm a professional copywriter; essentially a word nerd who reads grammar books for fun! I'm very sensitive to bad grammar. I don't claim to be perfect. But lazy, hackneyed communication holds no integrity. If you can't be bothered to write a simple sentence with commas, periods, and proper use of capital and lower case letters, then I can't take you seriously. I've heavily edited all I want to say; this isn't the place for it. Back to why we love Why!

[Villavic]

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

[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.

[goldustsongbird]

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.

No, it's a slice of heaven in its original state. I don't even want to think of a re-do! They would want to record it the way they sang it live, with Stevie and Lindsey backing, and I don't want Stevie's flat vocals all over it.

[jbrownsjr]

No, it's a slice of heaven in its original state. I don't even want to think of a re-do! They would want to record it the way they sang it live, with Stevie and Lindsey backing, and I don't want Stevie's flat vocals all over it.

Is she flat on it? I have to go back and listen.

[goldustsongbird]

Is she flat on it? I have to go back and listen.

Not on the Midnight Special, but she would be in her current voice. I can't have that happen to Why.

[secondhandchain]

Why is beautiful. Would love to hear it. Loved Stevie and Lindsey's harmonies when they played it live.

[secondhandchain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4oec-I2Vl0 Great version with Stevie and Lindsey.

[Iamwilliame]

Christine has a number of great songs I would love to hear live. It is a shame that tracks like Why, Come A Little Bit Closer, Remember Me, Heroes Are Hard To Find and Spare Me A Little Of Your Love are ignored. A short set of Buckingham-Nicks and pre 1975 songs would be nice. I wish they'd get over the pandering to casual fans and mix things up from night to night.