Say You Love Me

Album: Fleetwood Mac (1975)
Charted: 40 11
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac wrote this song and sang lead. She had a real talent for writing catchy love songs that bring a smile to your face - drummer Mick Fleetwood said she "always finds such novel ways to say 'I love you.'" In "Say You Love Me," she's looking forward to a night alone with her guy. At the time, she was married to John McVie, the bass player in the group. They split the following year.
  • Like most of Christine McVie's memorable songs, this one came to her quickly. She wrote it in 1974 in the apartment she and John shared in Malibu, California. Christine had an electric piano and a view of the Pacific Ocean.
  • "Say You Love Me" is part of Fleetwood Mac's 1975 self-titled album, their first with new additions Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. According to Christine McVie, it was one of the first songs they rehearsed together, and it was magic, especially when Buckingham came in on the harmonies. She knew this new lineup would be special, and she was right. In the previous few years the band went through different lineups, none of which delivered at the box office. The Fleetwood Mac album went to #1 in America and contained other classics like "Rhiannon" and "Landslide."
  • The song was a live favorite for the band, always a crowd pleaser. When they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2002, it was one of three songs they performed (along with "Landslide" and "Big Love").
  • When Fleetwood Mac reconvened for their The Dance tour in 1997, Lindsey Buckingham worked up a new arrangement of "Say You Love Me," playing the intro on a 5-string banjo to give is a folksy, bluegrass feel.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.