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The Penguin Discography: Stand Back




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    Song Title »
Stand Back
    Authors »
Stevie Nicks

    Year Written »
1983

    This Performance »
Date Performance 1986-08-20
Running Time 6:47
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Jennifer Condos (Bass), Bobby/Robert A. Martin (Keyboards), Bobby/Robert A. Martin (Horns), Bobby/Robert A. Martin (Vocals), Jai (Jay) Winding (Keyboards), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Sharon Celani (Background Vocals), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Background Vocals), Elis(e)cia Wright (Background Vocals), Mick Fleetwood (Percussion), Rick Marotta (Drums)
CommentsBrad Jeffries dances with Stevie in the video portion of this performance.
Appears On
Live At Red Rocks (0000)
Stevie Nicks

    Lyrics »

No one looked...as I walked by
Just an invitation would have been just fine
Said no to him...again and again First he took my heart...then he ran

No one knows how I feel
What I say unless you read between my lines
One man walked away from me
First he took my hand...take me home

Stand back...stand back
In the middle of my room
I did not hear from you
It's alright...it's alright
To be standing in a line
(Standing in a line)
I would cry...

Do not turn away my friend
Like a willow I can bend
No man calls my name
No man came
So I walked on down away from you
Maybe your attention was more
Than you could do
One man did not call
He asked me for my love
And that was all

Stand back...stand back
In the middle of my room
I did not hear from you
It's alright...it's alright
To be standing in a line
(Standing in a line)
(Standing in a line)

So I walked on down the line
Away from you
Maybe your attention was more
Than I could do
One man...did not call
Well he asked me for my love
That was all

    Fan Interpretation »

To begin, here are some of Stevie's thoughts about this song, found in her notes in Timespace--her greatest hits album from 1991:

"I got married on the day I wrote this song. We were driving to Santa Barbara and a new song by Prince came on, so we pulled over somewhere and got the tape. It just gave me an incredible idea, so I spent many hours that night writing a song about some kind of crazy argument, and it has become one of the most important of my songs. I've been doing this song for years, Fleetwood Mac does it also, and I never get tired of it. "Stand Back" has always been my favorite song onstage, because ...when it starts, it has an energy that comes from somewhere unknown... and it seems to have no timespace. I've never quite understood this sound...but I have NEVER questioned it.

I become a different person, and like that, because usually I make up my OWN characters..but that lady in "Stand Back" was not my idea. By the way, Prince did come into the studio the night I called him and told him about the song, and he played incredible synthesizer on it...and then he just walked out of my life, and I didn't see him for a long time. It was extraordinary..."

"No one looked as I walked by"

This could be about the wedding--as she walks down the aisle, no one would help her see or recognize what she was doing. Perhaps it means she felt very alone.

"Just an invitation would have been just fine
Said no to him again and again
First he took my heart...then he ran"

Again, it is said this could be as she was walking down the aisle--people didn't help her out. This might also possibly be a line about Fleetwood Mac, and how she felt excluded from them. She said no to him--his proposals---Fleetwood Mac ?? He took my heart and then he ran.--KIM ?? Lindsey ??

"No one knows how I feel
What I say unless you read between my lines
One man walked away from me
First he took my hand...take me home"

This is obviously about how no one can know her unless they dig deeper to find out what she is truly about. Her words are so obscure,like her songs; you can't know her unless you read the journals--or unless you get to know her. Men come and go--she just needs to find someone to love her. Again--is it Kim?? Lindsey?? No one knows for sure.

"Stand back...stand back
In the middle of my room
I didn't not hear from you
Is alright...Its alright
To be standing in a line
(Standing in a line)
I would cry..."

This may be about the wedding, or about regretting the wedding. Stand back and think about it--what did she do??? No one was there to help her see more clearly.

"Do not turn away my friend
Like a willow I can bend"

This may be a plea to either Kim of her friends to help her--don't desert her.

"No man calls my name
No man came
So I walk on down the line away from you
Maybe your attention was more
Than you could do
One man did not call
He asked me for my love
That was all"

It could be about Kim again. She regrets marrying him--she really does. These words are so obscure--it could be about any experience. This is supposed to be a conclusion after all the ideas are posted--but all the ideas were different from each other.

According to Stevie--the writer--this song is about a 'fictional character who gets in this huge fight' and she says, "Get away--but not too far--I may need you soon". I think the wedding does play a huge part in her feelings though. She gets married to her best friend's widower on a whim to help raise their son--was it a promise she made to Robin?? Was it just a purely good deed?? It was not love. The marriage probably took place before she had a chance to really think about her reasons for doing it. Mick said in his book he saw her face and she was not happy--plus this was a religious man, and she wasn't religious--not as much as Kim's family would have liked. Lindsey didn't show up, although Mick and Chris did. (However, Chris has said she didn't buy her a wedding present, since "it didn't seem like crazy love to me.") But to write a song like this on the wedding day--obviously there was a little love. She needed to stand back and think--what in the hell did she do?? Why did Robin die?? Where are my friends--why didn't they stop me from doing this??? It is a great song--there is an energy, it perks you up--but it IS dark--one of her darkest. She says she sees the silver lining, but that silver lining must have been too hard to see then. The divorce was finalized in April 1984-- they had been married in January 1983....

(The interpretations to these lyrics were compiled through discussions on the message boards of the Penguin, The Ledge. It is entirely possible that the artists had something completely different in mind.)

    Tabs »
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    Other Performances »
Performance #1:
Running Time 5:02
Sound Clip Listen.
Performers Fleetwood Mac (Produced By), Billy Burnette (Guitar), Rick Vito (Guitar), Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Christine McVie (Keyboards), John McVie (Bass), Mick Fleetwood (Drums), Dennis May(e)(s) (Produced By), Christine McVie (Vocals), Billy Burnette (Vocals), Rick Vito (Vocals), (Is(s)aac) As(s)ante (Percussion), Sharon Celani (Backup Singer), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Backup Singer), Elis(e)cia Wright (Backup Singer), Dan Garfield (Additional Keyboards), Dan Garfield (Programming), Stevie Nicks (Produced By), Christine McVie (Produced By), Billy Burnette (Produced By), Rick Vito (Produced By), John McVie (Produced By), Mick Fleetwood (Produced By)
CommentsRecorded live at The Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA 12/12/87 & 12/13/87
Appears On
25 Years: The Chain (1992)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #2:
Running Time 4:57
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Sharon Celani (Background Vocals), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Background Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programming), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Chris Lord-Alge (Remixed By)
Comments(Remix) Recorded at Studio 55, L.A.
Appears On
Enchanted (1998)
Stevie Nicks
Timespace: The Best Of Stevie Nicks (1991)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #3:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
The Wild Heart (1983)
Stevie Nicks
Selections From The Enchanted Works Of Stevie Nicks (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #4:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
Appears On
Dreamer (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #5:
Running Time 4:57
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Sharon Celani (Background Vocals), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Background Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programming), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Chris Lord-Alge (Remixed By)
Comments(Remix) Recorded at Studio 55, L.A.
Appears On
An Enchanted Hour With Stevie Nicks (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #6:
Date Performance 1991-11-11
Running Time 5:22
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live in Los Angeles on the Timespace tour.
Appears On
Live In Los Angeles (Pretty Mac Goes Metal) (1991)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #7:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Rick Vito (Guitar)
CommentsRecorded in Los Angeles
Appears On
Street Blue Angel (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #8:
Running Time 5:22
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live in Hollywood, CA
Appears On
Livespace (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #9:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live at The Whiskey.
Appears On
Live At The Whiskey (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #10:
Date Performance 1986-06-21
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded at Poplar Creek, Chicago
Appears On
Cloaks And Daggers (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #11:
Running Time 5:02
Sound Clip Listen.
Performers Fleetwood Mac (Produced By), Billy Burnette (Guitar), Rick Vito (Guitar), Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Christine McVie (Keyboards), John McVie (Bass), Mick Fleetwood (Drums), Dennis May(e)(s) (Produced By), Christine McVie (Vocals), Billy Burnette (Vocals), Rick Vito (Vocals), (Is(s)aac) As(s)ante (Percussion), Sharon Celani (Backup Singer), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Backup Singer), Elis(e)cia Wright (Backup Singer), Dan Garfield (Additional Keyboards), Dan Garfield (Programming), Stevie Nicks (Produced By), Christine McVie (Produced By), Billy Burnette (Produced By), Rick Vito (Produced By), John McVie (Produced By), Mick Fleetwood (Produced By)
CommentsRecorded live at The Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA 12/12/87 & 12/13/87
Appears On
Tango In The Night (0000)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #12:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
Sounds Of The Eighties: 1983 (0000)
Various Artists
Performance #13:
Running Time 6:44
Sound Clip Listen.
Performers Lindsey Buckingham (Guitar), Lindsey Buckingham (Vocals), Mick Fleetwood (Drums), John McVie (Bass), Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Jana Anderson (Background Vocals), Sharon Celani (Background Vocals), Neale Heywood (Guitar), Taku(ya) Hirano (Percussion), Steve Rinkoff/Rinkov (Drums), Carlos Rios (Guitar), Brett Tuggle (Keyboards), Mike Dean (Keyboard), Ed Cherney/Chernay (Music Mixed By)
Appears On
Live In Boston (2004)
Fleetwood Mac
Live In Boston (2004)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #14:
Performers Lindsey Buckingham (Guitar), Mick Fleetwood (Bass), John McVie (Bass), Christine McVie (Keyboards), Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live in Irvine, California.
Appears On
Dancing Again (1998)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #15:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live in Houston during the Other Side Of The Mirror Tour.
Appears On
Superstar Concert Series (0000)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #16:
Performers Billy Burnette (Guitar), Rick Vito (Guitar), Mick Fleetwood (Drums), John McVie (Bass), Christine McVie (Keyboards), Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live at Maine Road, Manchester, England.
Appears On
Next Stop: Main(e) Road (0000)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #17:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
Startrak Profiles (0000)
Fleetwood Mac
Performance #18:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Rick Vito (Guitar)
CommentsRecorded in Los Angeles
Appears On
Superstar Concert Series (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #19:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
Up Close (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #20:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals), Rick Vito (Guitar)
CommentsRecorded in Los Angeles
Appears On
Welcome To My World (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #21:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live in Houston during the Other Side Of The Mirror Tour.
Appears On
Live In Houston (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #22:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
Off The Record (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #23:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
CommentsRecorded live in Houston during the Other Side Of The Mirror Tour.
Appears On
Superstar Concert Series (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #24:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
Up Close (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #25:
Performers Stevie Nicks (Vocals)
Appears On
Superstar Concert Series (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #26:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
I Can't Wait (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks: The Wild Heart (0000)
Warner Brothers Publications Inc.
The Best Of Stevie Nicks (0000)
Hal Leonard
The Best Of Stevie Nicks: Timespace (0000)
Warner Brothers Publications Inc.
Stand Back/Garbo (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Edge Of Seventeen/Stand Back (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Maybe Love Will Change Your Mind/Thousand Days/I Can't Wait/Stand Back (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Stand Back/Garbo/Wild Heart (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Stand Back/Stand Back (0000)
Stevie Nicks
Performance #27:
Running Time 5:44
Performers Rod Stewart (Vocals)
Commentsby Rod Stewart
Appears On
Lead Vocalist (1993)
Rod Stewart
Performance #28:
Running Time 4:48
Performers David B. Williams (Guitar), Sandy Stewart (Synthesizer), (Ms.) Bobbye Hall (Percussion), Waddy (Robert) Wachtel (Guitar), Ian Wallace (Percussion), Russ(ell) Kunkel (Drum Overdubs), Steve Lukather (Guitar), Marvin Caruso (Drums), Lori Perry-Nicks/Perry/Nicks (Ladies Vocals), Sharon Celani (Ladies Vocals), David/Dave Bluefield (OBX-A Drum Machine Programmed By), Stevie Nicks (Lead Vocals), Prince (Rogers Nelson) (Synthesizer), David/Dave Bluefield (DMX Drum Machine Programmed By), Jimmy Iovine (Produced By), Shelly Yakus (Engineered By), Shelly Yakus (Mixed By), Greg Edward(s) (Mixed By)
CommentsRecorded at Studio 33, L.A. Mixed at Rumbo Recorders. Chart: Billboard US Hot 100 Singles Peak Position: 5 Peak Dates: Aug 20, 1983 Weeks On Charts: 19
Appears On
The Divine Stevie Nicks (0000)
Stevie Nicks

    Comments »

(C) 1983 Welsh Witch Music (admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC) BMI/Controversy Music ASCAP All Rights Reserved. Stevie Nicks: "Inspired by Prince. I got married the day I wrote this song. We were driving to Santa Barbara and a new song by Prince came on, so we pulled over somewhere and got the tape. It just gave me an incredible idea, so I spent many hours that night writing a song about some kind of a crazy argument, and it was to become one of the most important of my songs. I've been doing this song for years, Fleetwood Mac does it also, and I never get tired of it. 'Stand Back' has always been my favorite song onstage, because...when it starts, it has an energy that comes from somewhere unknown...and it seems to have no timespace. I've never quite understood this sound...but I have NEVER questioned it. I become a different person, and I like that, because usually I make up my own characters...but the lady in 'Stand Back' was not my idea. By the way, Prince did come into the studio the night I called him and told him about the song, and he played incredible synthesizer on it...and then he just walked out of my life, and I didn't see him for a long time. It was extraordinary..."

    Reviews »
Add your review of Stand Back here.

    Last Modified »
2011-10-25

    Discography Credits »
Interpretation prepared by Janet Strayer, Justine, Lis, and Di.