Meaning of "If Anyone Falls" by Stevie Nicks

"If Anyone Falls" explores the tumultuous emotions and uncertainties that arise in a complicated romantic relationship. The song delves into the complexity of love and the yearning for reciprocation. By emphasizing the voices in adjacent rooms, Nicks symbolizes the presence of other people and conflicting desires within the relationship. The line, "I am dealing with a man when away from me," suggests that there is distance or separation between the narrator and their lover. Despite this physical distance, the man's presence remains deep inside the narrator's heart, creating a constant longing.

The lyrics express the narrator's longing for someone to fall in love with them, suggesting a desire for validation and reciprocation. The repetition of the phrase "If anyone falls in love" implies the desperate hope that someone will love them, as if the narrator fears being left alone. Nicks conveys a sense of yearning and vulnerability, as reflected in the lines "I have tried to be true, but I have never known what to say," revealing the difficulty in expressing emotions and the fear of rejection.

Furthermore, the reference to "shadow against the wall" symbolizes a ghostly presence or a lingering memory of the person the narrator desires. The shadows serve as a reminder of their absence and the frustration of not being able to fully connect. The repetition of voices and the closing line "If anyone falls in love, it will be done to us" suggests the inevitability of love's consequences, as if the narrator believes that falling in love necessitates vulnerability and potential heartbreak.

Overall, "If Anyone Falls" conveys the turmoil and longing that arise in a complex relationship. The lyrics explore the difficulties of communication, the desire for reciprocation, and the fear of loneliness. Stevie Nicks captures the complexities of love and its various emotions, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and uncertainties of romantic relationships.