Stevie Nicks has returned with her first original single in four years, “The Lighthouse,” an anthemic response to the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Produced in collaboration with Sheryl Crow and Dave Cobb, the song reflects Nicks’ deep commitment to advocating for women’s rights.
In a heartfelt statement about the release, Nicks emphasized the song’s significance: “I have often said to myself: This may be the most important thing I ever do, to stand up for the women of the United States and their daughters and granddaughters — and the men that love them. This is an anthem.”
Nicks is set to perform “The Lighthouse” as the featured musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” on October 12, alongside host Ariana Grande. This marks Nicks’ first appearance on the show since December 1983, when she was promoting her second solo album.
The lyrics capture both outrage and a sense of hope. “All the rights that you had yesterday are taken away / And now you’re afraid / You should be afraid,” she sings, conveying the urgency of the moment. Yet she also urges resilience: “Don’t let it happen again / I have my scars, you have yours / Don’t let them take your power.”
Nicks explained that she began writing the song shortly after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, inspired by a news segment that resonated deeply with her. She penned the lyrics on September 6, 2022, and recorded them the same night. Co-written with Magnus Birgersson and Vincent Villuis, the track features Crow on electric guitar and bass, alongside contributions from Nicks’ longtime guitarist Waddy Wachtel and others.
Before this release, Nicks’ last original song was “Show Them the Way” in 2020, aimed at promoting social change. Recently, she has been vocal about the importance of voting, echoing sentiments from her friend Taylor Swift. In a social media post, Nicks encouraged fans to register and make informed choices, signing off as “Love, Stevie Nicks, Childless Dog Lady,” hinting at her political leanings.
