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.
You Do or You Don't
Lindsey Buckingham Lyrics
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It's just another way of dying
A whole lot of faces that you call your own
All those faces are crying
You either run or you hide
Now you slip now you slide
You say you will, but you won't
Living in exile, just gotta let it go
You know that it's true
Just like a little child, you're got to crawl away
It's the last chance for you
You either run or you hide
Now you slip now you slide
You say you will, but you won't
You either do or you don't
Somebody's go to see this through
All the world is laughing at you
Somebody's got to sacrifice
If this whole thing's gonna turn out right
You either run or you hide
Now you slip now you slide
Now you will, now you won't
You either do or you don't
The song "You Do or You Don't" by Lindsey Buckingham is a song about being stuck in a difficult situation and feeling lost. The opening line, "Living in exile ain't the way to go, it's just another way of dying" suggests that it's better to face your problems head-on than to avoid them. The "faces that you call your own" in the second line are likely a reference to the people in the singer's life who are affected by their situation, and who are crying because they can see their loved one struggling.
The chorus of the song repeats the line "You either do or you don't", emphasizing the importance of making a decision and taking action. The singer is stuck in a state of indecision, constantly slipping and sliding instead of committing to a course of action. The second verse suggests that the only way out of this situation is to "let it go" and to embrace the vulnerability and humility of "crawling away" like a child. The bridge of the song urges the singer to keep pushing forward, even if it means making sacrifices, in order to achieve a positive outcome.
Overall, the song seems to be about the difficulty of facing a difficult or uncertain situation, and the importance of taking action and making difficult decisions. The singer is feeling stuck and uncertain, but the song suggests that there is a way forward, even if it means being vulnerable and sacrificing some comfort or security.
Line by Line Meaning
Living in exile ain't the way to go
Being isolated and away from the world is not the solution to your problems.
It's just another way of dying
Living in solitude can be as bad as being dead figuratively.
A whole lot of faces that you call your own
The people you love and care about are also affected by your actions or inactions.
All those faces are crying
Your loved ones are sad and disappointed because of your constant indecisiveness.
You either run or you hide
When faced with difficult choices, you may either face your fears or avoid them entirely.
Now you slip now you slide
Sometimes, it feels like you are losing control and stumbling through life, unsure of yourself.
You say you will, but you won't
You make promises but do not always follow through, causing others to lose trust in you.
You either do or you don't
Ultimately, it's up to you to make a decision and take action.
Living in exile, just gotta let it go
Stop isolating yourself and move on from whatever is causing you to withdraw.
You know that it's true
Deep down, you are aware of what needs to be done, but you are reluctant to take action.
Just like a little child, you're got to crawl away
Start small and take baby steps to overcome your fears and doubts.
It's the last chance for you
This is the final opportunity for you to make a change and turn things around.
Somebody's go to see this through
Someone has to take responsibility and see this problem to the end to find a solution.
All the world is laughing at you
Others are noticing your indecisiveness and lack of action, which can be embarrassing and shameful.
Somebody's got to sacrifice
To make a significant change, someone has to be willing to give up something they hold dear.
If this whole thing's gonna turn out right
If you want a positive outcome, it will require effort and sacrifice from everyone involved.
Now you will, now you won't
You may switch back and forth between being decisive and indecisive, continuing the cycle.
You either do or you don't
In the end, it all boils down to either taking action or avoiding it altogether.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM, RICHARD DASHUT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind