Peacekeeper - What Do We Think?

[nodmod]

Now that Peacekeeper has been posted (thanks a million Sara)maybe we can move on into another thread and describe what you think of the track.

I believe this is a Lindsey solo version and maybe the Fleetwood Mac version will sound a little different, maybe with Stevie's voice as a harmony on the chorus.

I like the song, especially whilst reading the lyrics, the song flows very well, would love to hear Seteca's and the other musicains here on The Ledge take on this.

[madformac]

I think it is a very well crafted song with the facilities Lindsey had at his disposal at the time, drum machines etc.

It has a very strong melody, good lyrics and most importantly it is radio friendly. The only major downside I can find (which is mostly selfish on my part) is that there is no real solo. However the upshot of this is the song is very strong and powerful all the way through. The lack of dynamics within the song is quite unusual for Lindsey.

It sounds perfect for a Buckingham only album but I suspect it will be changed (or spoiled depending on your view) with Stevie adding some backing vocals and harmonies. Personally I don't think it needs it, it's very strong as it is. I do think it will be a hit as long as they don't mess with the song too much.

:wavey:

[Mac Fan]

I like it. I hope that there are some Stevie backing vocals on it, so it doesn't sound like a song just by Lindsey.(and no-one else really involved in doing anything with it)

[BlueGrass]

Yeah, this is all Lindsey. I love the drum kicks which do sound programmed, and not like Mick's work.

I'm hoping the album version will be a bit different just so I can have an excuse to listen to this version.

The song is well crafted and perfected. I think this would make a good first single if you added some Stevie in the background.

[Jessica Leigh]

kodachrooooooome give us those nice bright colors gives us those greens of summers makes you think allll the worlds a sunny day ohhh yeahhhhh


that's what it sounds like to me

but i like it

[seteca]

I think between the time I downloaded it and now I've listened to this song probably about 50 times. It is fantastic!

There are very few songs that I "get into" DURING my first listen, but this was one of them.

The opening country style guitar riff has Fleetwood Mac (more specifically, Lindsey Buckingham) written all over it. The bassline is quite plain at the moment, and I can almost already hear John's eternally awesome signature bass in its place. The main electric guitar is tonally identical (with possibly just a bit more distortion/overdrive added) to the guitar used in "Thrown Down" - that classic "Isn't It Midnight" Lindsey tone, it seems to have become Lindsey's signature studio tone.

Lindsey really is the master of "less is more" isn't he! The simple E-B, E-C, F#-D, F#-G-F# single notes under the vocals are what makes the song, in my opinion. They're what gives the song that sorrowful yet hopeful mood.

As Madformac said, as a guitarist I must rather selfishly say I wish there would be a huge guitar solo in ANY LB song, but somehow the lack of one in this song seems to be the musically right choice: it all fits together perfectly the way it is and that mini guitar solo that goes along with the final chorus is awesome. My favourite part has to be that fret 22(->24) bend at 3:00...from a guitarist's point of view my ears aren't usually expecting anything higher in pitch than a 21->23 bend and I like it when I get surprised like that. Again, not technically difficult, but fits that final run of the chorus SO well!!!

My favourite single thing about the whole song: those "Gift Of Screws" voice machine generated "laughs" during the chorus. The way they fill those gaps in the chorus so perfectly.....inspired.:nod:

The song is, again as Madformac said, very radio friendly, and more importantly, it sounds really FRESH (even though it is now 2 years old.) The Fleetwood Mac version which we will hear on the new album will undoubtedly sound even newer: the combination of Lindsey's, Stevie's, Mick's and John's talents here will in my opinion result in one of the best songs on this upcoming album.

[Mike B]

Well I for one love it. I skimmed the lyrics when they were posted earlier, but I didn't examine them closely. My first thought after listening to Peacekeepr was - "Wow, between this and Murrow, Lindsey really is exploring unchartered territory." Fleetwood Mac, for the most part, have stuck with themes of love, loneliness, and stardom/success. I'm surpised to see such a politically fueled song. But I like it, alot. And could this song <i>be</i> any more appropriate for the world right now?

I do expect we'll hear some additional lyrics from Stevie, but hopefully she'll just be hovering in the background. I think this one is pretty damn close to perfect now.

I burned this onto a CD with Thrown Down and have listened to them back to back several times today. They flow perfectly and it just makes me even more excited about what we have coming.

Mike B.

[BlueGrass]

Yeah, it is great and refreshing hearing Linds sing about more topics instead of the cliched ones about Love. I love these political songs he is doing now.

[estranged4life]

I like the song more than I do "Thrown Down" (It kept skipping as I listened to it...frikkin internet...) so I would like to hear it stay basically the same on the upcoming album...Brian "Dont take my Kodachrome away" J.

[sodascouts]

This song is EXCELLENT, and I don't just gush about everything Lindsey Buckingham puts out either. It's got such a strong melody and it moves so well. I like it much better than Thrown Down (althuogh I like Thrown Down!) and a lot better than almost all of the GOS demos I've heard.

It rocks! I really don't know what Stevie could add to it, except become a member of the background chorus.

[wondergirl9847]

I did not download Thrown Down (not one of my fave SN demos anyways...) but I HAD to listen to this...come on, it's LINDSEY!! LOL I love it, I have been listening to it continuously for over an hour now...it's country/rock/pop/AWESOME! :nod: That last line "take no prisoners, only kill..." gives me CHILLS!! This song should DEFINITELY be a single, and on the radio and on VH1...PLEASE GOD, let there be a video for this song...but only if Lindsey gets lip-synching lessons. :laugh:;) I agree with the cliched love songs...kinda sick of them...I mean, I'm not all for a whole political album or anything (YIKES!!), but it's a nice change of pace to hear a different issue in a song besides love. :cool:

BTW, like MFM and seteca, I was looking for a SEARING guitar solo, but yeah, I think that would overdo the song...there is this one guitar part that has me going back to it..it's a very "80's" sound....and I FRICKIN (seteca..hehe) LOVE IT!!! It's at 2:32...listen for it...it's COOL!!!!!!

[Mac Fan]

LOL @ Christy for her commentsd on Lindsey and lip synching.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally posted by Mike B
Fleetwood Mac, for the most part, have stuck with themes of love, loneliness, and stardom/success. I'm surpised to see such a politically fueled song.I may be the only person who *doesn't* think "Peacekeeper" is about world politics, but is rather about the "politics of love" (as corny as that may sound).

To me, it's about the search for love... it's about finding it, and trying to keep it.
A relationship can be like a political scenario, because it's all about making the right choices at the right times, so that both parties can come to an "agreement."
You have to learn which compromises you're willing to make, and which you aren't.

Lindsey talks about the consequences of our actions...
"We make all of our suns the same... every one will suffer the fire we've made. They all explode just the same... and there's no going back on the plans we've made...."

He also talks about the self-defeating behaviour we sometimes engage in, when we get cold feet....
"Only creatures who are on their way... ever poison their own well."

Later, he sings....
"You know all of our friends are gods... and they all tell us how to paint our face.
But there's only one brush we need... it's the one that never leaves a trace."

Friends are offering advice... telling you what you should do, and shouldn't do. Telling you to stay, or to go.
But, in the end, it comes down to you... and if you make the choices that are truest to your heart, then you won't have the burden of regret.


"When the night is cold and still... when you thought you'd had your fill.
Take all the time you will... This is not a test, it's not a drill.
Take no prisoners, only kill."

Those lines refer to caving in to our fears. You feel like you can't handle it anymore, and you're contemplating throwing in the towel. Love just doesn't seem worth all of the pain and hurt.

That last line... "take no prisoners, only kill...".... is definitely one of the most fascinating things he's ever written, and is kind of cynical.
If you're out to find love, then do what you have to do, to find it. Like the old saying says, "you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs."
He's saying that we're going to hurt people, we're going to screw up, but you can't be afraid of those things, otherwise you'll never find what we're all seeking... and that's love and acceptance.

"Don't be afraid to fight... love is the sweet surprise...."


Well, at least that's how I interpret the song.




Johnny Stew

[Cristian]

Originally posted by Johnny Stew
To me, it's about the search for love... it's about finding it, and trying to keep it.[...]Well, at least that's how I interpret the song.I absolutely agree with your interpretation. I never thought it was about politics anyway... knowing the story of this band and the interests of the songwriters, it would have been kind of a shock to me. But reading the lyrics I can only agree with your interpretation, Johnny. :nod:


Song of the moment - Peacekeeper

[CarneVaca]

I would agree with Johnny and Christian before I knew "Murrow" ever existed. Or even the song that goes by "Shuffle Riff." Those are political songs, as is "Peacekeeper."

The references to war paint and the "something we can sell" line are the giveaways. Lindsey is pissed off about what's going on in this country (and the world), and he is telling us that. Shortly after the impeachment of Bill Clinton, Lindsey expressed disgust with the state of politics. It was the first time I remember him addressing political issues.

I am glad that he's writing about this stuff. I hope we get more.

Having said all that, I think Johnny's interpretation works too. But I am going to opt for the political interpretation.

[John]

Some very interesting interpretations here, I love reading everyone's thoughts. I've only heard the first minute or so of the song (I have a SUPER SLOW dial up connection and it cut out part way through the download) but like what I hear and the the lyrics as well. If this is an indication of what the album may sound like then I'm really impressed and can't wait to hear the rest of it.

[Les]

Originally posted by CarneVaca
Having said all that, I think Johnny's interpretation works too. But I am going to opt for the political interpretation.

That's kind of where I am too. I'm a bit in between. I really like your interp, Johnny, and I think it really does work well. The political aspect seems likely to me too though because of a couple of the specific lines Carne mentioned. Either way, it makes for an interesting song!

[DownOnRodeo]

lol Johhny you covered everything except 'Peacekeeper'! That's to me what makes it more about Peace/War than the usual broken hearts club anthem.

PEACEKEEPER... dont be afraid to fight, love is the sweet surprise.

'Peacekeeper' doesn't imply 'loveseeker' to me at all - cause love is certainly not peace, at least not in the, as you said, cynical framework this song is presented in. No, I think 'Peacekeeper' and the whole 'War for Peace' is a whole new concept. But if you disregard those interpretations of 'peacekeeper', then the rest of the lyrics follow your 'lovelost' interpretation.

[Johnny Stew]

:D
I actually purposely avoided touching upon the references to a "peacekeeper," because I was worried that Stevie's comment about being the peacekeeper within Fleetwood Mac, might cloud the interpretation.

It's an interesting thought though... what if Lindsey IS singing this song to Stevie?
I mean, I hate to go there... after all, I'm definitely not one of the people who think every one of Stevie's songs is written about Lindsey, and vice verse.... but, what if?

In recent years, Stevie has said in many interviews that a romantic relationship just isn't a priority for her. That she feels unable to adequately balance a romance, with her career. So she'd rather just live at home, with her friends around her.

So if Stevie is the "peacekeeper" (and the walrus is Paul ;) ), then Lindsey might be speaking directly to her. Telling her not to give up on love, but to keep fighting the good fight, because the prize... love... is worth it all.
"Peacekeeper, dont be afraid to fight... love is the sweet surprise."

Beyond that... in a more universal way... the "peacekeeper" could be anyone who tries to make a relationship work. Sometimes sacrificing who they are in the process.
But even those people eventually stop to ask themselves if it's all worth it. Are they giving too much, for something that may never work out?
To me, Lindsey is saying that the end justifies the means.

By the way, I didn't mean to imply that I thought the song was at all cynical... in fact, overall, it's probably one of Lindsey's most hopeful songs.
But that one line, "take no prisoners, only kill," is rather dark.
To me, it comes back to what I said earlier... Lindsey's basically saying to go out there, and do what you have to do, to make love work. (ie: "In order to make an omelet, you have to break some eggs.")

Love isn't pretty, and people get hurt... but if something in this life is really worth having, then it's worth making some sacrifices for.

Just watch though... in three month's time, Lindsey's going to be discussing this song in some magazine article, and he'll say, "Oh, I was watching CNN late one night in my studio, as I was trying to alter the sound of my harp, using my VSO. I heard Dick Cheney call Colin Powell a 'peacekeeper,' and inspiration struck!"
Thereby completely discrediting my theory! :laugh:



Johnny Stew

[myndpeace]

I haven't posted here in a while, but now that there's new songs to talk about, I guess I'm gonna be spending more time here...

Musically, I think Thrown Down is better (the production is absoultely perfect, imo), but Peacekeeper has better lyrics. In the past, I've always felt that Lindsey's lyrics were rather simple and unintriguing (but most often more than made up for by a searing guitar solo). This is the first time that I've personally preferred Lindsey lyrics over Stevie lyrics.

Anyways, here's my interpretation. I think this song is about war and American international policy. In the first verse, "suns" are a metaphor for nuclear weapons. They are all the same, and they will all explode in a horrible war. "Suns" also suggests the homonym "sons," representing America's sons going off to fight and die in war. And of course once we start something, we have to finish it, even if its a losing proposition (think Vietnam).

For the chorus... "Peacekeeper" represents American foreign policy and how America has a military presence in nearly every part of the world claiming to be on a "peacekeeping" mission, whereas in reality our presence is in no small way intended to increase our global domination. Thus it is used here in an ironic sarcastic meaning. "Wait for the dark of night / Soon all our suns will rise..." Again using the metaphor of suns for nukes, rising suns is the launching of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, mushroom clouds have been described to look like a rising sun. "Peacekeeper don't tell why/ Don't be afraid to fight"... Since the Gulf War, American policy has frequently been to strike first and explain later.

"Only creatures who are on their way/ Ever poison their own well/ But we still have time to hate/ And there's still something we can sell"... War brings necessary death and destruction, and using nukes is essentially suicide, so only a decadant, dying imperial power would do such a thing. As Carne et al suggested, the last two lines of this verse tell of the use of war to further our economic interests.

The chorus again, and then I think a guitar solo would fit well here...

The next verse... night=destruction/confusion, or more cynically, nuclear winter. "This is not a test, it's not a drill," as in Dan Rather reporting from the CBS basement, "This is not a test. Please calmly and orderly go to your nearest fallout shelter"

"You know all of our friends are gods..." This reminds me of the Bob Dylan song "With God On Our Side," another disturbingly cynical song.

"Take no prisoners only kill" is arguably the most cryptic line in the song, and on the most basic level simply represents the atrocities of war. On another level, though, it suggests to me that there is no middle ground and that we may already have stepped over the edge into the abyss.

Sure, my interpretation is so farfetched that it's most likely wrong, or else Lindsey has much more foresight than I'm giving him credit for. But it wouldn't surprise me if Lindsey intended it to be political, seeing as the lyrics from his other political songs, as well as his participation on GLAAD and ACLU projects, shows he's quite liberal. Anyway, I'd love to here more songs of this nature by Lindsey.

***myndpeace***

[CarneVaca]

Myndpeace, you posted the interpretation that I was too lazy to write. And besides, you did a better job than I would.

And you made two great points:

--The presence of the song in an ACLU-related CD

--The Bob Dylan reference, which I hadn't even thought about. We know that Lindsey is a Dylan fan, and that he was listening to Dylan songs in recent times. So it's quite possible the Dylan stuff influenced him for this song.

Johnny Stew, I think we must be careful not to try to relate all lyrics to what has happened between Lindsey and Stevie. I suspect he stopped writing about her long ago. After all, the man has had other relationships and now has a wife and kids. I think it's time to face reality.

Just because Stevie claimed herself to be a peacekeeper -- which by the way I interpreted as yet another one of those fantasy-land statements she made because I don't believe for a second she is a peacekeeper -- it doesn't mean Lindsey went out and wrote a song about her being a peacekeeper. I mean, if she says she went "nuclear" one day over something and then we uncover a Lindsey song about nuclear war, are we going to interpret it as Lindsey writing about Stevie again?

I think you got a little carried away, Johnny. Of course, watch Lindsey give an interview and mention that this song has nothing to do with politics. Then I'll have to eat crow. But somehow I can't imagine this song being about anything but politics.

Peace, all.

[Amy Y]

Meh.

I'd like to hear the rest of the band's contributions. I prefer Murrow or Red Rover over Peacekeeper. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. I certainly like it better than Thrown Down (which is also not bad, either). I just find Peacekeeper lacks something. Lindsey sort of sounds bored singing it, which would be okay if he had some seizing guitar work to make up for it. Peacekeeper reminds me of This Weight On Me by Chris de Burgh (which I love), exept without the vocal dramatic tension.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally posted by CarneVaca
Just because Stevie claimed herself to be a peacekeeper -- which by the way I interpreted as yet another one of those fantasy-land statements she made because I don't believe for a second she is a peacekeeper.Ouch... no love for the brownie/blond-haired girl, I see. *lol*
Better be careful, Carne, or people might start accusing you of misogynism! ;) (that was just a joke, by the way.)

Originally posted by CarneVaca
Johnny Stew, I think we must be careful not to try to relate all lyrics to what has happened between Lindsey and Stevie. I suspect he stopped writing about her long ago.
I think it's time to face reality.D'Oh! See, I knew if I mentioned Stevie's name within my interpretation, the whole thing would be dismissed as fluff.

I'm not saying that it *is* written about her, or that I even *think* it is... I'm just saying that it's one possible theory. One of those "what ifs."
I even tried to make the whole "Stevie is the Peacekeeper" thing a bit tongue-in-cheek, with the Beatles/"the walrus is Paul" reference.

Anyway, I still strongly feel that the "peacekeeper" in the song, is someone who has given a lot of themselves, to make a relationship work out. Now they're battle-fatigued, and on the brink of giving up... so, within his lyrics, Lindsey's telling them to keep their eyes on the prize.

But then, hey, this is the best example of a great song... that we can all have such vastly different opinions on its meaning, and yet still enjoy it to such a degree.
He seems to be giving almost as much attention to his lyrics now, as he always has to the music behind them... which is something I don't think can necessarily be said for some of Lindsey's earlier work, and is definitely something I'm really loving about his new songs.
For me, the lyrics are the meat and potatoes of a song, and everything else is just gravy... so I'm very happy with this turn of events. :)



Johnny Stew

[CarneVaca]

Originally posted by Johnny Stew
Ouch... no love for the brownie/blond-haired girl, I see. *lol*
Better be careful, Carne, or people might start accusing you of misogynism! ;) (that was just a joke, by the way.)


Ah, but how wrong that would be. I love women. I just don't love Stevie...

[Johnny Stew]

Originally posted by CarneVaca
I just don't love Stevie... Now see, I never would have guessed that. ;) :laugh:


:)
Johnny Stew

[stefan]

Originally posted by Amy Y
Meh.

Peacekeeper reminds me of This Weight On Me by Chris de Burgh (which I love), exept without the vocal dramatic tension.
Oh no please! The last thing possible is a comparison between Chris de Burgh and LB. Don`t do that to us:p :

[DownOnRodeo]

Hmm, Myndpeace a very well thought out post. And definitely a convincing argument for the song's theme being interpretably related at least 60/40 to War.

But you failed to remark on the line 'love is the sweet surprise' which doesn't fit with the rest of your interpretation, just as 'peacekeeper' didnt fit with Johnny's (Haha, JohnnyStew, that 'Stevie mentioned she was a peacekeeper' rationale? You don't seriously think that is likely relevant?lol)

So I'm just running with my same old theory about how the theme is about 'War for Peace', as this explains all the lyrics.

UNLESS Myndpeace and Johnny can come with some credible explanations for those respective lines!! OR as Carne says, till Lindsey puts an end to the discussion!:laugh:

[Mike B]

Well, at least that's how I interpret the song.

Nice interp, Johnny Stew. ;) I didn't even think of that side of it, but I can see how it fits. And while I do still think it was politically motivated, I like that there is more than one way to absorb the song. :) I think that's one of my favorite things about this band's music...we can kinda mold their words to fit our own personal view.

Mike B.

[Mac Fan]

I'm so addicted to Peacekeeper.

[Johnny Stew]

Originally posted by DownOnRodeo
But you failed to remark on the line 'love is the sweet surprise' which doesn't fit with the rest of your interpretation, just as 'peacekeeper' didnt fit with Johnny's (Haha, JohnnyStew, that 'Stevie mentioned she was a peacekeeper' rationale? You don't seriously think that is likely relevant?lol)

So I'm just running with my same old theory about how the theme is about 'War for Peace', as this explains all the lyrics.

UNLESS Myndpeace and Johnny can come with some credible explanations for those respective lines!!Ah, but I did offer an explanation for the usage of the word "peacekeeper"... although whether it's credible or not is entirely up to the reader!

Alas, I made the unfortunate, and completely self-defeating, choice of first doing a "what if" in regards to Stevie being the "peacekeeper"... and that seems to be the only aspect of my interpretation that people are focusing on.
No one seems to have noticed the comment that followed....
In a more universal way... the "peacekeeper" could be anyone who tries to make a relationship work. Sometimes sacrificing who they are in the process.THAT is who I really think the "peacekeeper" is.
Someone who has worked hard to make their relationships work out. Who's given their all, to the point where they feel tapped-out, and doubtful of whether or not they can continue on.

My whole Stevie/Peacekeeper scenario was just meant as a silly aside... given however much weight one wanted to bring to it.
:)


Johnny Stew

[tommer]

as some of you know, i'm not a big fan of lindsey's solo work, but i must admit this song is something different.
of course it could use a better rhythm section and the queen's magical harmonies in the background to make it sound much better, but overall it's an example for pure excellence of pop craftsmanship.
if they don't screw the new recording it should be a great single.
it's incredibly catchy, it keeps playing in my head for days now. (how can i stop this? :laugh:)

[Emmeline]

Originally posted by Jessica Leigh
kodachrooooooome give us those nice bright colors gives us those greens of summers makes you think allll the worlds a sunny day ohhh yeahhhhh


that's what it sounds like to me

but i like it
Lol, that's what came to my mind too when I first heard it. I was like "hmm, this sounds familiar..." :D

A great song though, can't wait to hear what it will sound like with the Mac!

~Emma~