Stevie Nicks, born May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, is a famous American singer-songwriter. She is best known for her work with the legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac and her successful solo career.
She joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 alongside Lindsey Buckingham. Nicks helped change the band’s sound and contributed some of its most enduring hits, such as Rhiannon, Landslide, and the chart-topping Dreams.
About the Song
Leather and Lace is a classic duet that shows the dynamic between two lovers with contrasting personalities: the leather symbolizes strength and toughness, while the lace represents softness.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | October 6, 1981 |
| Album | Enchanted (1998) |
| Writers | Stevie Nicks |
| Producers | Jimmy Iovine |
Meaning of The Song
In Leather and Lace, Nicks writes with her typical symbol-rich style. The song begins with words that sound more like classic poetry than rock music, which perfectly fits the serious themes.
Nick sings about struggling with heartbreak: “I search only for something I can’t see.” Since she and Henley had a real-life romance, these feelings come across as very genuine.
When Henley takes his turn, he honestly admits, Sometimes I’m a strong man / Sometimes cold and scared. His part focuses on how her love helps him through both good and bad times.
The chorus shows two very different people in love. Nick’s sings “My city, your mountains,” highlighting their contrasts.
Despite this, she wants their relationship to continue. She suggests they each give up something to meet in the middle: Give to me your leather / Take from me my lace.
Full Lyrics of The Song Leather and Lace
Verse 1: Stevie Nicks
Is love so fragile and the heart so hollow?
Shatter with words, impossible to follow
You’re saying I’m fragile, try not to be
I search only for something I can’t see
I have my own life
And I am stronger than you know
Verse 2: Stevie Nicks
But I carry this feeling
When you walked into my house
That you won’t be walking out the door
Still, I carry this feeling
When you walked into my house
That you won’t be walking out the door
Chorus: Stevie Nicks
Lovers forever, face to face
My city, your mountains
Stay with me, stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather
Take from me my lace
Verse 3: Don Henley
You in the moonlight
With your sleepy eyes
Could you ever love a man like me?
And you were right
When I walked into your house
I knew I’d never wanna leave
Verse 4: Don Henley
Sometimes I’m a strong man
Sometimes cold and scared
And sometimes I cry
But that time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I’d get by
First time I saw you
I knew with you to light my nights
Somehow I would get by
Chorus: Both, Stevie Nicks
Lovers forever, face to face
My city, your mountains
Stay with me, stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather
Take from me my lace
Lovers forever, face to face
My city, your mountains
Stay with me, stay
I need you to love me
I need you today
Give to me your leather
Take from me my lace
But take from me my lace
Take from me my lace
Live Performance at The 1983 US Festival
Similar Songs Like Leather and Lace
Here are songs similar to Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks, prioritizing tracks by the same artist:
- Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around: This duet, also from Bella Donna, has a rockier edge but shares the collaborative vocal dynamic and emotional depth.
- After the Glitter Fades: A country-tinged ballad, showing Nicks’s softer side and storytelling.
- Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You: A tender solo ballad with similar emotional depth and lyrical intimacy.
- Edge of Seventeen: While not on a Stevie Nicks album, this collaboration highlights her ability to blend with other artists in a harmonious duet.
Similar Artists Like Stevie Nicks
Below artists are similar to Stevie Nicks, who is known for their distinctive voice, emotive lyrics, and blending of rock, folk, and pop:
- Fleetwood Mac (as Stevie Nicks was a member)
Genre: Rock, Pop, Folk
Notable Albums: Rumours (1977), Tango in the Night (1987) - Lindsey Buckingham
Genre: Rock, Pop
Notable Albums: Law and Order (1981), Out of the Cradle (1992) - Sheryl Crow
Genre: Rock, Folk Rock, Pop
Notable Albums: Tuesday Music Club (1993), The Globe Sessions (1998) - Stevie Ray Vaughan
Genre: Blues Rock
Notable Albums: Texas Flood (1983), Couldn’t Stand the Weather (1984) - Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)
Genre: Rock, Punk Rock
Notable Albums: Pretenders (1979), Learning to Crawl (1984)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leather and Lace Only About Romantic Love?
While primarily a love song, its message about accepting differences and finding unity can apply to any close relationship.
How does the Music Reflect the Song’s Lyrical Themes?
The soft, melodic arrangement underscores the emotions and intimacy expressed in the lyrics.
Are There Autobiographical Elements in the Lyrics?
Yes, the emotional depth and references to personal experiences reflect Nick’s real-life feelings and relationships.
