"World Turning" is a song written by Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham for the British/American rock band Fleetwood Mac's tenth album, Fleetwood Mac.[1]

Background

While the song was written in 1975, its roots date back to 1968. Fleetwood Mac's first album, which was also titled Fleetwood Mac, contained a track titled "The World Keeps on Turning", written by founding member Peter Green. The band reworked the song, and the title was later truncated to "World Turning".[2]

Unlike other songs on the album, "World Turning" was a collaboration with two Fleetwood Mac members: keyboardist Christine McVie, and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.[3] Producer Keith Olsen claimed that Stevie Nicks was initially jealous over her lack of involvement in the writing process, but eventually "got over it".[4] Since its first appearance on Fleetwood Mac, "World Turning" has appeared on every concert tour.

Buckingham used two guitars on the track: a Fender Telecaster electric guitar and a Dobro, a resonator guitar that produces sound through one or more metal cones.[5] He also had his low E string tuned down to a D.[6]

Both the studio and live recordings make use of a talking drum. Speedy, a Nigerian drummer, made the instrument for Mick Fleetwood, the band's drummer. Since 1969, Fleetwood has brought the instrument to every show, using it on many live tours.[7]

Starting in 1988, Mick Fleetwood started using a drum vest using MIDI. The vest has five sensors which can produce various noises such as bells, screams, and shattering glass.[8]

Covers

• The song was covered by former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch on his 2006 album His Fleetwood Mac Years and Beyond, Vol. 2.
• Leo Kottke covered this song on his 1997 album Standing in My Shoes.

Personnel

• Mick Fleetwood – drums, talking drum, tambourine
• John McVie – bass guitar
• Christine McVie – keyboards, lead and backing vocals, maracas
• Lindsey Buckingham – Telecaster, Dobro, lead and backing vocals
• Stevie Nicks - backing vocals

References