Buckingham was arguably the principal creative force behind the 70s version of Fleetwood Mac. He is not only one of the main singer/songwriters, but also producer, leading them on an unusual journey from the commercial heights of 1977's Rumours (still among the biggest-selling albums ever) to the quirkily experimental double album Tusk in 1979.
Buckingham is also recognized as a unique & influential guitarist. Unlike many rock guitarists, Buckingham does not use a plectrum/pick, instead, he uses his fingers and fingernails.
Buckingham has recorded 6 studio albums and two live albums with Fleetwood Mac, and 6 studio albums and three live albums as a solo artist. The In Our Own Time Songfacts reports that Buckingham's sixth solo album, Seeds We Sow, was recorded at his LA home and he played most of the instruments himself. The record came out on September 6, 2011 and was his first to be self-released. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, he was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Initially after joining Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham used a Gibson Les Paul guitar. Before the band, a Fender Telecaster was his main guitar, and was used on his first Fleetwood Mac album. In 1979, he worked with Rick Turner, owner of Renaissance Guitars to create the Model One. He has used it extensively since, both with Fleetwood Mac and for his solo efforts. He uses a Taylor Guitar 814ce for most of his acoustic performances and has also used an Ovation Celebrity in the past.
Bang The Drum
Lindsey Buckingham Lyrics
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Afraid to lose
A piece of faith
A piece of heart
Surprised to find someone willing to lose
Just to keep herself from falling apart
Bang the drum
She said, "One thing, baby, I think you should know,
This world treats me oh so rough
Got this deep down sorrow that won't let go
And I just don't think I'm tough enough."
Bang the drum
Bang it louder
Lindsey Buckingham's "Bang the Drum" is a song that speaks to the idea of one's fear of abandonment or losing something they hold dear. The lyrics encapsulate the fear of taking risks and making yourself vulnerable for fear of losing everything. The lines "Afraid to move / Afraid to lose / A piece of faith / A piece of heart" alludes to this sense of reluctance and hesitance. The singer finds someone who is willing to sacrifice something they value just to not fall apart. The lyrics "Surprised to find someone willing to lose / Just to keep herself from falling apart" highlight this.
The chorus of the song, "Bang the drum / Bang it louder," serves as a metaphor for wanting to make a statement, create an impact and express oneself loudly, much like the way a drum beats loudly. The second verse gives more insight into the person's fears and inner turmoil, "She said, "One thing, baby, I think you should know, / This world treats me oh so rough / Got this deep down sorrow that won't let go / And I just don't think I'm tough enough." It is apparent that even though they have found someone to confide in, they still feel helpless and unsure of themselves in this world. The song ends with the repeated chorus of "Bang the drum / Bang it louder," cementing the idea of wanting to make an impact and not be held back by fear.
Line by Line Meaning
Afraid to move
Being hesitant to make a change or take a risk
Afraid to lose
Fear of losing something important or valuable
A piece of faith
A share of trust or belief in something
A piece of heart
Part of one's feelings or emotions
Surprised to find someone willing to lose
Amazed to discover someone who is willing to give up something to help her
Just to keep herself from falling apart
To avoid breaking down or losing control of her emotions
Bang the drum
Make noise or create disturbance to draw attention or express emotion
Bang it louder
Increase the volume or intensity of the message being conveyed
She said, "One thing, baby, I think you should know,
The woman started a conversation with the man, indicating that there's something he needs to be aware of
This world treats me oh so rough
She feels that the world is harsh and unfair to her
Got this deep down sorrow that won't let go
She has an unshakable sadness that's deeply rooted inside her
And I just don't think I'm tough enough.
She doubts her own ability to withstand the difficulties she's facing
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind