ROCK MOMENT – Stevie Nicks ‘If Anyone Falls’
‘If Anyone Falls’ is one of Stevie Nicks’ most underrated yet fascinating songs, born during a creative and emotional turning point in her solo career. Released in September 1983 as the second single from her album The Wild Heart, the track showcased Nicks blending dreamy rock with the synthesizer-driven sound that defined much of the early ’80s. The song followed the success of ‘Stand Back’ and helped continue the momentum of her second solo project, eventually reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
The story behind the song begins with songwriter Sandy Stewart, who created an instrumental synthesizer track originally titled ‘The Last American.’ Producer Gordon Perry passed the music along to Nicks, who immediately connected with it and wrote the lyrics. This collaboration marked the start of a long songwriting partnership between Nicks and Stewart — something Stevie had been hoping for after years of mostly writing alone. She later described how Stewart would send her fully formed tracks, which she would take home and record rough vocal ideas to, often in spontaneous and unconventional ways.
Lyrically, ‘If Anyone Falls’ was inspired by Nicks’ intense personal relationships during that era, particularly guitarist Waddy Wachtel. The song reflects the emotional whirlwind of falling deeply in love while balancing the pressures of fame and touring. Like much of The Wild Heart, the track explores themes of romance, longing, and artistic freedom — all shaped by Nicks’ life after Fleetwood Mac’s massive success and her determination to define herself as a solo artist.
Musically, the song stands out for its atmospheric keyboards and layered vocals, blending rock energy with a softer, dreamlike mood. Producer Jimmy Iovine helped craft a polished yet emotional sound that matched the evolving style of Nicks’ early ’80s work. The music video even featured a cameo by Mick Fleetwood, highlighting how her Fleetwood Mac family still remained connected to her solo journey.
Today, ‘If Anyone Falls’ is remembered as a key moment in Stevie Nicks’ evolution — a song that captured her vulnerability, her creative partnership with Sandy Stewart, and her ability to turn personal experiences into timeless rock storytelling. Even decades later, it remains a fan favorite that reflects the magic and emotional honesty that define Nicks’ legacy.
