Straight Back Lyrics
This is such an interesting song. It seems to be mostly about the creative process, but there are so many lines that could be interpreted as romantic or even overtly sexual in meaning. The vibe is dark and eerie, and Stevie really belts with passion.
Stevie has said this song was written about the conflicting emotions she felt about having to prematurely leave the promotion of her successful Bella Donna LP to work on Mirage.
Straight Back” is interpreted to be about the start of her solo career, characterized as “the dream.”
The opening lyrics suggest her complicated relationship with Fleetwood Mac, compared here to the strategy of a card game, like poker.
What can I say this time Which card shall I play
“The dream is not over” seems to refer to Stevie feeling hopeful about her solo career after the success of Bella Donna; and “the dream is just away” and “you will fly like some little wing straight back to the sun” revealing Stevie’s intention to return to “the dream,” or her solo career, at some point.
The second verse may allude to Stevie secretly writing songs on the piano for her second solo album, The Wild Heart (1983), during the 1982 Mirage recording sessions. “Like a wolf on the run,” Stevie had to be discreet and strategic about her solo career plans, so not to jeopardize her future with Fleetwood Mac.
Fingers find the ivory keys And a song begins to begin Like a wolf on the run
“The dream” also seems to represent independence, perhaps artistic freedom from Fleetwood Mac. Having written so many songs only to be unused or discarded during her formative years in Fleetwood Mac, Stevie may have temporarily lost sight of her goal to be an independent, prolific songwriter.
And you will find while in the wind Something that you lost The dream was never over, no The dream was only lost
Who Stevie is referring to in the bridge of the song is unclear. The implication seems to be Fleetwood Mac, and “how good it can be” when they are creating music together.
She remembers how good it can be He remembers a melody He remembers how good it can be She remembers a melody
This lyric is reminiscent of “come in out of the darkness” from “Bella Donna.” It could represent the spirit of shining through the darkness, gloom, or despair.
In the shadow of my shadow in a gleam
The following lyrics could be interpreted as Fleetwood Mac waiting “hours and hours” for Stevie to return to the band so they could start recording Mirage, despite “the dream” having just begun. “So strong and fleeting” might represent how quickly “the dream” — the tremendous success of Bella Donna — came and went.
Hours and hours of waiting for you So strong and so fleeting The dream has just begun Hours and hours of waiting this way Meeting me
That's what I found on some site :D And yeah, I have also heard her saying it is about her emotions for returning to Fleetwood Mac.