(Image credit: Getty Images)
If retirement is about finding peace and happiness in your own song, then Stevie Nicks is the best person to orchestrate that transition. The High Priestess of rock and roll survived decades of creative reinventions, messy breakups that played out on world stages and the endless drama with bandmates who tried to keep her down.
But with her signature shawl in one hand and a hard-earned retirement nest egg in the other, Stevie has taught us that walking away doesn’t mean the end of her career, but the beginning of the next chapter.
Her words are more than songs; they are permission to leave the drama behind, stop being tied to a clock and start living your best life. Through these six lyrics and quotes, Stevie is telling retirees that it’s okay to “go your own way.”
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6 Stevie Nicks lyrics and quotes to live by
1. “But time makes you bolder. Even children get older. And I’m getting older too.”
Landslide, Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks may have written this song in her 20s, but for countless retirees, it has become an anthem to live by. Getting old doesn’t mean the end of your life. It is the beginning of your next chapter.
Now is the time to pursue your dreams, pick up a hobby, spend time with family, or simply sit back, relax and reflect. Remember that “time makes you bolder,” even if you are getting older, so go out there and spend a little and live. If you have a nice retirement nest egg and are reluctant to spend, these tips may get you out of that “waiting for a rainy day” mindset.
2. “If I’m still alive and healthy, there’s no reason for me to stop doing what I do, because I love it and this was my mission.”
Rolling Stone interview, October, 2024.
Conventional wisdom states that once you retire, your career is over. You pick a date, exit the workforce and never look back. But the reality is that many people opt for a phased retirement instead, in which they slow down but continue to work. They don’t stop working because it is something they love. It is part of their identity and tied to their self-worth, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If that sounds familiar to you, then take Stevie’s advice and never stop doing what you love.
3. “If I live to see the seven wonders, I’ll make a path to the rainbow’s end.”
Seven Wonders, Tango in the Night
The song may have been about cherishing a past love affair, but for retirees, these lyrics are a call to action to pursue their bucket list in retirement, whether that means traveling around the world or picking up pickleball. You finally made it to retirement, and now is not the time to stop living or let fear prevent you from pursuing your dreams.
After all, life is short, and as we get older, it is experiences and time spent with loved ones that matter the most. It is important to go see your version of the seven wonders while you still can.
4. “She rules her life like a fine skylark.”
Rhiannon, Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks has long been unapologetic about her desire to rule her own life like a fine skylark, a bird that sings while in flight. For retirees, it is a reminder that when you finally leave the workforce, you can rule your own life and live it as you see fit.
In retirement, you are no longer tethered to a desk or somebody else’s schedule. It is your time to create your own rules unapologetically. It is a reminder that even if you are no longer in the spotlight in your career, you can still soar.
5. “That’s it, I’m never looking at another price tag. And I meant it.”
SAGA magazine interview, June 2015
Stevie Nicks was referring to the first time she earned a salary as a Fleetwood Mac band member, after working as a waitress. For retirees who have a sizeable nest egg, the quote is a call to open the purse strings and indulge a little.
Without a paycheck coming in each week or month, the idea of spending your savings can be scary, especially since retirement can last thirty years. But if you have a withdrawal plan in place, there’s no reason you can’t spend a little.
Take a page from Stevie and don’t let fear paralyze you. If you need help with that, check out our list of small splurges that won’t leave you broke. If you are thinking bigger, here’s a list of outrageous ways to spend your retirement money.
6. “I have no fear, have only love.”
Gypsy, Mirage
Retiring can be a scary proposition. There are a lot of unknowns, from how to spend your time to whether your money will last. But it doesn’t have to be scary. Retirement is the period in which you can spend your time doing what you love.
This lyric is a powerful reminder that the best parts of this new chapter do not always come with a price tag. When you lead with love rather than fear, the transition becomes much smoother.
Go your own way into retirement
Stevie Nicks has spent over fifty years proving that you can reinvent yourself and shine. Her journey is a roadmap for anyone entering or already in retirement. It is a reminder that you do not have to fade away just because you are leaving the workforce.
Whether you are ruling your life like a fine skylark or chasing your own version of the seven wonders, it is in your control to make this chapter your best one yet.
Editor’s note: This article is part of an ongoing series featuring the best retirement quotes and wisdom from top financial experts, leaders, and public figures. Other articles feature Warren Buffett, Michael Jordan, Mark Cuban, Jimmy Buffett, Dr. Seuss, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Vince Lombardi, Dolly Parton and Ozzy Osbourne.