“Garbo” is a track by Stevie Nicks from The Wild Heart recording sessions (1982-1983). It first appeared the b-side of the “Stand Back” single.
About the Song
Stevie Nicks wrote “Garbo” about the “infamous photo session for the Buckingham Nicks (1973) album cover.” Despite Stevie’s reluctance to pose nude on the cover, she went along with the idea “for art, for the music.” Stevie reflected on the awkward experience in the song, comparing herself to female movie stars, who may have done similar things to further their careers (“You could be Garbo or even Marlene”). During the 1998 Enchanted Tour, Stevie revealed that she spent her last $110 on a beautiful blouse to wear for the photo session only to be asked to remove it later.
Releases
- “Stand Back” – 7″/12″ vinyl single (1983) B-side
- The Enchanted Works of Stevie Nicks (1998) Disc 1, Track 6
- The Wild Heart – Deluxe Edition (2016) Disc 2, Track
- Complete Studio Albums & Rarities (2013) Disc 9, Track 3
Lyrics
I love to waltz with a man in a dark linen suit
All alone at a party with someone I knew
From a time gone by turned into stone
You could be Garbo or even Marlene
You could be Marilyn
Or you could forget
I play the part but then all of us do
And I do it so well as I do it to you
In this town full of strangers
In this town full of fools
Venus doesn’t glitter when she stands next to you
When you’re waltzing through stardom
You miss what you lose
Lose yourself in a silvery dress
For you think you must do what you feel you do best
And you mustn’t give it up for you’re still but a guest
You could be Garbo or even Marlene
Or you could forget
Forget…
Forget…
Forget…
You could be Garbo…
You could forget…
You could forget…
(Stevie Nicks) © 1982 Welsh Witch Music (BMI) / Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI)
Musicians
Bob Glaub: Bass
Bobbye Hall: Percussion
Russ Kunkel: Drums
Benmont Tench: Organ
Waddy Wachtel: Guitar
Sharon Celani & Lori Perry: Background vocals
Produced by Jimmy Iovine
Reference
Nicks, S. (1998). Enchanted: The Works of Stevie Nicks.
