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.
Don't Look Down
Lindsey Buckingham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pretty yellow bird fly away into the sun
Don't look down
Do not look down
Spread your broken wings and learn how to fly
Take the diamonds from the sun,
Wipe the tear from your eye
Do not look down
When the candles burn down worlds turn to stone
That's when you've got to fly, fly away home
Don't look down
Do not look down
Get out of town
Follow the sound
Lindsey Buckingham's song "Don't Look Down" is a message of encouragement to those who feel stuck and hopeless. He uses metaphors such as "diamonds in the sunset" and "pretty yellow bird" to represent opportunities or dreams that a person might have. When he says "now your time has come," he means that it's time to take a chance and pursue those dreams.
The chorus, "Don't look down, do not look down" is a plea not to give up or be discouraged. The verses encourage the listener to "spread your broken wings and learn how to fly" and to take the "diamonds from the sun," which represents the opportunities in life that are waiting to be seized.
The lyrics also warn of the consequences of not taking chances. When the "worlds turn to stone," it's time to "fly away home." This suggests that if a person doesn't take the opportunity to pursue their dreams, they will become trapped and disillusioned. In the end, the song leaves the listener with a message of hope and determination to take risks and pursue their happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Diamonds in the sunset, now your time has come
Now that you have achieved success and reached your peak, don't let it go to waste.
Pretty yellow bird fly away into the sun
Take advantage of your success and keep soaring higher.
Don't look down
Don't lose sight of your goals and keep moving forward without any doubts.
Do not look down
Emphasizing the importance of not giving up, no matter the circumstance.
Spread your broken wings and learn how to fly
Even when faced with adversity, continue to learn and improve to achieve greater success.
Take the diamonds from the sun, Wipe the tear from your eye
Take advantage of your success and don't let past failures hold you back.
When the candles burn down worlds turn to stone
Time can be unforgiving and if you don't take action, everything can become stagnant.
That's when you've got to fly, fly away home
In times of hardship, it's important to stay optimistic and move forward to succeed.
Get out of town
If necessary, leave your comfort zone and explore new opportunities to achieve success.
Follow the sound
Keep motivated and follow your instincts to achieve greater success.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVE BUCKINGHAM, WENDY WALDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheDecorama
Completely self taught genius guitarist and songwriter from a supergroup releases perfect pop song that goes nowhere. How does this man not get more recognition?
A. Alberts
I was wondering the same thing. He must've not wanted to do all the touring and interviews etc. Superstardom exacts super high sacrifices. He gets to be an amazing artist, live quite well and not have to work a crappy job. Sounds good to me. (Didn't know he was self-taught! That is truly genius)
melodiousaddiction
Why does this man not get any more credit than he does? Kick ass finger work.
Doc Savage
Because he's subtle rather than flashy. Doesn't show off.
Vincent Chase
very kick assery going on there!!!
Queenofdaydreams
That’s what she said
John Pepe
Without a doubt......
Daniel ROACH
and a cute little irish dance at about 2:50...
jamsee1
Don't look down, get lost into Lindsey Buckingham's music as the virus will go away! Lindsey such an amazing guitarist, singer and songwriter.
cliff tucker
Best part of Fleetwood Mac...unbeatable talent.