Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac Song) - Stevie Nicks and Robin Snyder Anderson

Stevie Nicks and Robin Snyder Anderson

Nicks met Robin Snyder at Arcadia high school in Los Angeles, CA when they were either 14 or 15. Around this time, Nicks had written her first song, and played it for Snyder. After that, they became best friends. Snyder was theatrical, herself; she took part in a dance troup, choir, and a theatre club. She later became Nicks' speech therapist on tour, and helped her with her voice. Videos of the two preparing for concerts are easily accessible over the internet, for instance, one video in particular where Snyder helps Nicks prepare for a concert during the "Rumours" tour. Not only did she help her with her singing, but she was also her confidante, and the person who knew her best. According to Carol Ann Harris' book, "Storms", Snyder could calm her down within just a fraction of a second. The night before her "Bella Donna" was released, Nicks received a terrifying call from Snyder saying she had leukemia, and the doctors thought she could only last three months. Even more horrifying to Nicks was the news that Snyder had gotten pregnant, as to leave her husband, Kim Anderson, with something after she left. If she aborted the child, she could've possibly lived for another year. However, the baby was born (three months-premature), and Snyder died three days later. Nicks was on tour The only person Nicks felt could understand her grief was Kim Anderson. He felt the same way, and out of grief, as well as the duty to give the baby (named Matthew) a good home, the two married. Three months later, Nicks filed for divorce, after she "received a sign" from Snyder telling her to get out of there. Nicks reportedly hasn't seen Matthew since. She says that she has a roomful of Snyder's things for him, when he's ready. As Snyder was dying, Nicks dedicated "Gypsy" to her. Nicks found it extremely difficult to sing the song in concert. So that's what 'Gypsy' means: it's just a search for before this all happened. And later, I tacked on a line for my friend Robin, my best friend, who died of leukemia: 'I still see your bright eyes.' But then, Robin wasn't sick yet. She got cancer, and died within a year."