“Gypsy” is a song by Fleetwood Mac, written and sung by Stevie Nicks. It was released in September 1982 with “Cool Water” on the B-side as the second single from their album Mirage. The demo recordings were made in early 1980 for possible inclusion on her debut solo album “Bella Donna”. The song is one of Nicks’ most personal and reflective contributions to Fleetwood Mac’s catalog, blending her signature mystical lyrical style with the band’s soft rock sound.
“Gypsy” reflects themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and longing for a simpler time. In the lyrics, Stevie Nicks reflects on her youth, before she achieved fame with Fleetwood Mac. She recalls the freedom she felt during her early days in San Francisco, when she lived a bohemian lifestyle. Lines like “To the gypsy that remains / Her face says freedom / With a little fear” suggest a yearning to reconnect with her younger, freer self.M usically, “Gypsy” is a soft rock song that features lush, layered instrumentation characteristic of Fleetwood Mac’s sound during the early 1980s. The track opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff by Lindsey Buckingham, creating an ethereal, dream-like atmosphere. This delicate introduction builds into a fuller arrangement, incorporating keyboards, bass, drums, and Buckingham’s signature electric guitar work. Stevie Nicks’ vocals are a standout feature, delivering the lyrics with both tenderness and strength.
“Gypsy” was a commercial success for Fleetwood Mac, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and performing well on charts in several other countries. The song’s success helped drive the Mirage album, which itself became a multi-platinum seller and topped the Billboard 200 chart. Although “Gypsy” didn’t achieve the same chart-topping heights as some of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits, it remains one of the most beloved songs in their catalog and a favorite among fans of Stevie Nicks.
The music video for “Gypsy,” directed by Russell Mulcahy, was one of the most expensive music videos of its time, reportedly costing over $1 million to produce. It was the very first “World Premiere Video” on MTV in 1982.
“Gypsy” remains one of Stevie Nicks’ signature songs, both as part of Fleetwood Mac’s repertoire and in her solo career.