"Albatross" is a guitar-based instrumental by Fleetwood Mac, released as a … Read Full Bio ↴"Albatross" is a guitar-based instrumental by Fleetwood Mac, released as a single in 1969. The piece was composed by Peter Green.
The composition suggests a relaxing sea setting, with cymbals imitating the sound of waves and a dreamy solo from Green's guitar. It contains only two chords, Emaj7 and F#m, and could be seen as an early ambient work. It is often assumed that Green used his Les Paul but he said it was his Fender Stratocaster, as there is subtle use of the vibrato bar. The Les Paul that Green used in Fleetwood Mac has a nasal tone like that achieved in the in-between positions of a Stratocaster, and heard in the song.
Green had been working on the piece for some time before the addition to the band of 18 year old guitarist Danny Kirwan. Slide guitarist Jeremy Spencer was not generally inclined to work with Green, who had felt unable to realise the overall effect that he wanted. With Kirwan's input, Green completed the piece and it was recorded just two months after Kirwan joined, without Spencer present. Kirwan's instrumental "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues" was chosen for the B-side in most territories. Albatross has been re-released many times as a single in various countries, with many different B-sides.
It has been suggested that the piece is associated with the metaphorical use of the word albatross to mean a wearisome burden. The use of the word "Albatross" to mean an encumbrance around somebody's neck is an allusion to Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (1798). It is unclear whether Fleetwood Mac intended the title to reference this meaning or if it refers to the bird; but the title of the album it appears on, The Pious Bird of Good Omen, alludes to and quotes from the Coleridge poem.
The composition suggests a relaxing sea setting, with cymbals imitating the sound of waves and a dreamy solo from Green's guitar. It contains only two chords, Emaj7 and F#m, and could be seen as an early ambient work. It is often assumed that Green used his Les Paul but he said it was his Fender Stratocaster, as there is subtle use of the vibrato bar. The Les Paul that Green used in Fleetwood Mac has a nasal tone like that achieved in the in-between positions of a Stratocaster, and heard in the song.
Green had been working on the piece for some time before the addition to the band of 18 year old guitarist Danny Kirwan. Slide guitarist Jeremy Spencer was not generally inclined to work with Green, who had felt unable to realise the overall effect that he wanted. With Kirwan's input, Green completed the piece and it was recorded just two months after Kirwan joined, without Spencer present. Kirwan's instrumental "Jigsaw Puzzle Blues" was chosen for the B-side in most territories. Albatross has been re-released many times as a single in various countries, with many different B-sides.
It has been suggested that the piece is associated with the metaphorical use of the word albatross to mean a wearisome burden. The use of the word "Albatross" to mean an encumbrance around somebody's neck is an allusion to Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (1798). It is unclear whether Fleetwood Mac intended the title to reference this meaning or if it refers to the bird; but the title of the album it appears on, The Pious Bird of Good Omen, alludes to and quotes from the Coleridge poem.
Albatross
Fleetwood Mac Lyrics
Instrumental
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@nathaliedevos7345
This beautiful song was played last year at my son's funeral. Niel passed away at 22 years. Hit by a car. He liked this song so much. I hope he is as free as the Albatros just floating in the air. I miss him so much ...
@Conda17
Sorry for your loss nathalie, sometimes all you can say is life can be really, really shit.
@jamesgollan8602
My heartfelt sympathies no parent should have to endure that pain
@David_P132
Just not fair Nathalie . . . so sorry.
@eganeshseshadri6441
So sad - no parent should have to experience what you're going through
@angelaphillipson1142
Sorry for your loss stay strong
@Linda-jm9xk
In 1970 my family and I emigrated to Australia from England by ship. I remember this tune playing on the ship Jukebox as we left Southampton. Our trip took us around Africa as the Suez canal was closed at that time. We were fortunate enough to see albatross as we rounded the Cape of Good Hope heading towards the Indian Ocean. An unforgettable experience of which this magical classic reminds me each time I listen.
@ozzyguy761
Sounds like the trip of a lifetime
@patwatters8205
My half brother made the same journey in 1969 with his wife and 2 small children.They still live in Australia..
@nannyjak
What a lovely story