“Sleeping Angel” is Track 17 on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1982).
About the Song
“Sleeping Angel” is about music executive Paul Fishkin, with whom Stevie Nicks had a romantic relationship in 1978. At that time, Fishkin and fellow executive Danny Goldberg were planning to launch Modern Records, a vehicle for Stevie’s solo career. In 1998, Stevie confirmed this relationship during unaired footage of VH1 Storytellers, when an audience member asked about the song.
“Sleeping Angel” was recorded for Bella Donna. Although the track was completed, it was not used for the final recording. The song later appeared on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1982). In the film, the song was played during Stacy’s abortion clinic scene.
Release
“Sleeping Angel” was included on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which was released on July 30, 1982. The soundtrack peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.
Remix
In 1990, Chris Lord-Alge remixed songs from Stevie’s solo catalog for Timespace: The Best of Stevie Nicks, including tracks from soundtracks, such as “Sleeping Angel” (Fast Times at Ridgemont High), “Violet and Blue” (Against All Odds), and “Battle of the Dragon” (American Anthem).
Lord-Alge’s remix later surfaced on the “Love’s a Hard Game to Play” US single (1991) and the international releases “I Can’t Wait” (UK) and A Hard Game to Play EP (Japan). It was also included on Disc 3 of The Enchanted Works of Stevie Nicks (1998).
In Concert
Stevie performed “Sleeping Angel” during the acoustic set (“After the Glitter Fades,” “Garbo,” “Rose Garden,” “Sleeping Angel”) of the 1998 Enchanted Tour, the only time the song has been performed in concert.
Alternate Version
In 2017, Rhino Records issued Bella Donna, including an “Alternate Version” of “Sleeping Angel” on Disc 2 of the 3CD expanded edition.
Lyrics
Take me if you need me
But never hold me down
You’re asking me to trust you
Well, there’s little of that around
I’m trying to believe you
And I’m learnin’ all the time
Two-part personality
The flower and the vine
Flower and the vine
Take me sleeping angel
Catch me when you can
Real love affairs are heavy spells
For a woman and a man
For a woman and a man
I need you because you let me breathe
Well, you’ve taken me away
But never take me lightly
Or I could never stay
No, I could never stay
Well, someday when we’re older
And my hair is silver gray
Unbraid with all of the love that you have
Like a soft silver chain
Well, like a soft silver chain
Whoa, someday when we’re older
And my hair is silver gray
Unbraid with all of the love that you have
Like a soft silver chain
Well, like a soft silver chain
Oh, take me sleeping angel
Oh, catch me when you can
And unbraid with all the love that you have
Like a soft silver chain
(Stevie Nicks) © 1981 Welsh Witch Music (BMI) ℗ 1981 Modern Records Inc.
Musicians & Credits
Backing Vocals: Lori Perry
Backing Vocals: Sharon Celani
Bass Guitar: Bob Glaub
Co-ordinator Production: Jane Weber
Director, Organ: Benmont Tench
Drums: Russ Kunkel
Guitar: Waddy Wachtel
Lead Vocals: Stevie Nicks
Mixer: Don Smith
Mixer: Shelly Yakus
Percussion: Bobbye Hall
Piano: Roy Bittan
Producer: Jimmy Iovine
Writer: Stevie Nicks
1990 Remix
