After starting her career as a duo with her then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham, releasing the album Buckingham Nicks to little success, Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, helping the band to become one of the best-selling music acts of all time with over 120 million records sold worldwide. Rumours, the band's second album with Nicks, became one of the best-selling albums worldwide, being certified 20× platinum in the US.[2]
In 1981, while remaining a member of Fleetwood Mac, Nicks began her solo career, releasing the studio album Bella Donna, which topped the Billboard 200 and has reached multiplatinum status.[3] She has released eight studio solo albums and seven studio albums with Fleetwood Mac, selling a certified total of 65 million copies in the US alone.[2]
After the release of her first solo album, Rolling Stone named her the "Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll".[4] Nicks was named one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time[5] and one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time[6] by Rolling Stone. Her Fleetwood Mac songs "Landslide", "Rhiannon", and "Dreams", with the last being the band's only number one hit in the US, together with her solo hit "Edge of Seventeen", have all been included in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.[7] She is the first woman to have been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: first as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and then as a solo artist in 2019.[8]
Nicks has garnered eight Grammy Award[9] nominations and two American Music Award nominations as a solo artist. She has won numerous awards with Fleetwood Mac, including a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978 for Rumours.
The albums Fleetwood Mac, Rumours, and Bella Donna have been included in the "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums" chart by Billboard.[10] Furthermore, Rumours was rated the seventh-greatest album of all time in Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time",[11] as well as the fourth-greatest album by female acts.[12]
Rock a Little
Stevie Nicks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even when it's calm, still rock a little
Just like the sea, I rock a little
Say it was just like me
Still rock a little
Then you knew her, funny little dancer
And you watched her all night long
One thing that she wanted
She would not be tangled up, in it
Hit it,
It's about time, lily
Oh, I know lily
Rock a little
Hit the stage
Hit the stage
Rock a little
She's home now;
She says I've gone far beyond that song
She says rock and roll ballerina
Where else would she go?
He knows his daughter, says
Where does she live?
He says, Oh, up there somewhere
Then he says,
Go ahead, lily
Hit it,
Hit the stage, dancin', go on
Hit it
Well, I know lily
It's about time, lily
Hit it
Well, I know lily
It's about time, lily
Hit it
Hit the stage
Hit it
Hit it, lily
It's about time, lily
Hit it
I know, lily
It's about time, lily
Hit the stage
Hit it, lily
Lots of them
And all one of a kind
But the most important thing was
What was on her mind
Pale, pink, satin, worn out in a week
But you loved you the most
And you said
Go ahead, lily
Hit it
No explanations and I tell you no
You say, Nothing
That is how songs are written
Stories are told, rumors are started
That is how songs are written
Stories are told, rumors are started
Go ahead, lily
Hit it
It's about time lily
Hit the stage, dancin'
I know, lily
Hit it
Hit the stage
Go ahead, lily
Hit it
It's about time lily
Hit the stage, dancin'
I know, lily
Hit it
Hit the stage
Go ahead, lily
Hit it
It's about time lily
Hit the stage, dancin'
I know, lily
Hit it
Hit the stage
The lyrics of Stevie Nicks's song "Rock a Little" speak to the idea that life can have its ups and downs, its moments of calm and moments of wild abandon. Using the metaphor of the sea, Nicks suggests that even when things appear calm on the surface, there is still a restless energy lurking beneath. The song also references a woman named Lily, who seems to be a dancer or performer of some kind. There is tension in Lily's story - she wants to be free of something that is "tangling her up" - but ultimately the song seems to celebrate her spirit and energy, encouraging her to "hit the stage" and perform.
The imagery of the sea in "Rock a Little" is particularly evocative, suggesting a metaphor for the human experience. Like the sea, we can be calm or turbulent, but there is always an energy moving beneath the surface. Nicks also explores the idea of performance and the freedom it can offer; Lily seems to be seeking an escape from something in her life, and the stage provides an outlet for her to express herself.
One interesting aspect of the song is its use of repetition - the chorus is essentially the same line over and over, punctuated by a few variations. This creates a sense of urgency and intensity that matches the energy of the lyrics themselves. Additionally, the song blends elements of rock, pop, and dance music, showcasing Nicks's versatility as a performer.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it rages, rock a little
Even when things are turbulent, keep going and don't give up.
Even when it's calm, still rock a little
Keep up the momentum, even during quiet times.
Just like the sea, I rock a little
Just like the tides of the ocean, there are ups and downs in life.
Say it was just like me
Life is full of changes and uncertainties, just like a person.
Then you knew her, funny little dancer
You met someone who was unique and interesting in their own way.
And you watched her all night long
You were captivated by this person and couldn't look away.
You were trying to learn from her teachers
You admired and wanted to emulate this person's qualities and skills.
One thing that she wanted
There was something that this person desired or aspired to achieve.
She would not be tangled up, in it
This person would not be held back or restrained from their goals.
Hit it,
Get ready to perform or take action.
It's about time, lily
It's time to seize the moment and follow your dreams, Lily.
Oh, I know lily
I understand you and believe in you, Lily.
Rock a little
Keep moving forward with energy and passion.
Hit the stage
Take the spotlight and show what you're made of.
She's home now;
Referring to the person mentioned earlier who was admired.
She says I've gone far beyond that song
This person has grown and evolved beyond their past accomplishments.
She says rock and roll ballerina
This person is a unique mix of different styles and qualities.
Where else would she go?
This person is meant to shine in the entertainment industry.
He knows his daughter, says
Referring to a father who knows and understands his child well.
Where does she live?
Where is this person currently residing or performing?
He says, Oh, up there somewhere
The father is unsure of the exact location but knows his child is out there making a name for themselves.
No explanations and I tell you no
Sometimes songs and stories don't need clear explanations or answers.
You say, Nothing
There may be silence or uncertainty, but that's okay.
That is how songs are written
The creative process can involve ambiguity and interpretation.
Stories are told, rumors are started
Sometimes stories and rumors can spread regardless of their truth.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephanie Nicks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind