Stevie Nicks' 'Edge of Seventeen' Draws on Personal Loss and Symbolic Dove

Stevie Nicks, longtime vocalist of Fleetwood Mac, launched a successful solo career with her 1982 hit “Edge of Seventeen.” The song’s lyrics reference a white‑winged dove, a motif that originated from a menu she saw on an airplane and later came to symbolize friends who had died or were ill. Nicks explained that the song emerged during a period of uncertainty while she lived with producer Jimmy Iovine, who was completing a Tom Petty album at the time.

Annie Zaleski’s new book, Stevie Nicks in 50 Songs, explores the singer’s work with Fleetwood Mac, the Buckingham Nicks duo, and her solo catalog, offering insight into the creative process behind tracks like “Edge of Seventeen.” The book highlights how the track’s imagery and emotional depth reflect Nicks’ personal experiences and artistic evolution beyond the group’s fame.