World Turning


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

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 song was later truncated to "World Turning".
Unlike other songs on the album, "World Turning" was a collaboration with two Fleetwood Mac members; keyboardist Christine McVie, and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. Producer Keith Olsen claimed that Stevie Nicks was initially jealous over her lack of involvement in the writing process, but eventually "got over it". Since its first appearance on Fleetwood Mac, "World Turning" has appeared on every concert tour. While never released as a single, it still receives airplay on many classic rock stations.
Buckingham used two guitars on the track; an electric guitar, and a Dobro; a resonator guitar that produces sound through one or more metal cones. He also had his low E string tuned down to a D.
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.
Starting in 1988, Mick Fleetwood started using a drum vest using MIDI. The vest has five sensors which can produces various noises such as bells, screams, and shattering glass.
The song was covered by former Fleetwood Mac member Bob Welch on his 2006 album His Fleetwood Mac Years and Beyond, Vol. 2.

Personnel