Stevie Nicks has released her first new music in six years this week with “Show Them The Way”, a personal and poetic tune that features Dave Grohl on drums.
Written by Nicks and Greg Kurstin, who also produced and mixed the track, “Show Them The Way” began as a poem, but quickly grew into what she considers one of her strongest musical tracks. The song is so deeply personal that Nicks even released a lengthy statement along with the track explaining its meaning and inspiration.
“One night I had a dream. A dream that was so real that I was pretty sure it had happened,” Nicks said in a press release.
“It was a cinematic story. It had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Every detail, every color, every smile ~ was there. I started writing the story the moment my eyes opened.”
“Show Them The Way” depicts Nicks’ dream within that dream—her visions of what peace, hope, and promise can look like in a country seemingly so divided.
“Peace can come if you really want it,” Nicks continued in her statement. “I think we’re just in time to save it. I hope that this song and its words will be seen as a prayer ~ a prayer for our country ~ a prayer for our world.”
Read her full statement below,
The year was 2008… I was in St Charles, Illinois. It was cold, snowing~ and it was winter~ February. I was there to edit a concert film. It’s like making a record. You go to the studio everyday~ come home~ sit down with your dog – and turn on the tv.
It was the Democratic Primaries. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were fighting over who would be the candidate for President. I started watching the documentaries being aired from the late 50’s up to the present. Mostly the fight for civil rights – The dreams of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Bobby Kennedy and John Lewis ~ and all the hidden figures that surrounded them. I was hypnotized. This went on for two months.
One night I had a dream. A dream that was so real that I was pretty sure it had happened. It was a cinematic story. It had a beginning, a middle and an end. Every detail, every color, every smile ~ was there. I started writing the story the moment my eyes opened.
I was invited to a party~ to play piano and sing a few songs. It was a benefit. There were political people there. It felt~ really important. I was just the piano player, the voice, part of their dream.
I wrote the poem the next day~ and the music the day after that. I never recorded it until now. I felt that this was its time, its reason. I understood what it meant then and what it means now~ Please God, show them the way~ Please God, on this day. Spirits all, give them the strength. Peace can come if you really want it. I think we’re just in time to save it.
I hope that this song and its words will be seen as a prayer ~ a prayer for our country ~ a prayer for our world.
I love you always,
Stevie Nicks
Additionally, Nicks also released a music video for the new single, which portrays images of some of the United States’ most revered political and social figures, including John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., whom Nicks references in the song’s lyrics as well. Furthermore, she also shared an acoustic piano version of the track.
Watch the video for “Show Them The Way”, as well as the acoustic piano version, below and scroll down for the full song credits and lyrics.
Stevie Nicks – “Show Them The Way” [Official Music Video]
[Video: Stevie Nicks]
Stevie Nicks – “Show Them The Way” [Acoustic Piano Version]
[Video: Stevie Nicks]
The Stevie Nicks 24 Karat Gold The Concert film is scheduled for release in cinemas worldwide on October 21st and 25th. Tickets for the Joe Thomas-produced film are available now, here.