Lindsey Buckingham, one of the band’s key figures, once reflected, “Whatever was going on in the band, specifically between the two couples, very much informed the material, and I think that was a very great appeal of the album. If you look at the success that the album enjoyed, I think it goes a little bit beyond the music itself.”
The album’s success was more than just musical; it was the result of an alchemical fusion of emotions within the band. Amidst the chaos of intertwined relationships, Fleetwood Mac created some of the world’s greatest pop-rock songs. It wasn’t despite the turmoil but because of it that their music crackled with energy and soared.
While we, as listeners, were touched by the music, it’s essential to remember that for the band members, the drama didn’t end when the final note faded. For Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, their romance had reached a point where it needed closure. Buckingham wanted to draw a line under their tumultuous relationship, publicly declaring peace on the matter.
In 2003, Fleetwood Mac released “Say You Will,” which featured “Say Goodbye,” the fitting final original piece in the band’s discography. While cash-ins like this can often disappoint, Fleetwood Mac’s talent and ability to handle tricky situations shone through, especially in this Buckingham guitar masterpiece.
“Say Goodbye” had been in the making for a long time. It matured, mellowed, and became more measured over the years. Any bitterness and fury gave way to a solemn goodbye. It seemed as though Buckingham had been contemplating this moment for decades, filled with highs and lows, rock bottoms and stratospheres, and ultimately, the distance needed to move on and look back.
At this stage, Buckingham was married with three children. It was finally time to sing the adage “we can still be friends” with sincerity. The twisted backstory behind this song imbues it with a bittersweet gut punch of emotion. Contrary to how that may sound, the song steps over the tired idea of love having an expiration date and transfigures the final throes of an affair with a sense of circumstantial reality. In short, “it didn’t work out” doesn’t sound like such a sad sentence after all; it’s lamentable, yes, but what it implies is anything but.
In conclusion, “Say Goodbye” is not just a song; it’s a poignant farewell that encapsulates the complex emotions of a love that has run its course. It marks the end of a chapter in Lindsey Buckingham’s life and the band’s journey, demonstrating that even amidst chaos, there can be closure and a sense of resolution.