Mandolin Wind
Rod Stewart · Every Picture Tells a Story
'cause I knew how much you loved the sun
But you chose to stay, stay and keep me warm
through the darkest nights I've ever known
If the mandolin wind couldn't change a thing
then I know I love ya
Oh the snow fell without a break
Buffalo died in the frozen fields you know
Through the coldest winter in almost fourteen years
I couldn't believe you kept a smile
Now I can rest assured knowing that we've seen the worst
And I know I love ya
Oh I never was good with romantic words
so the next few lines come really hard
Don't have much but what I've got is yours
except of course my steel guitar
Ha, 'cause I know you don't play
but I'll teach you one day
because I love ya
I recall the night we knelt and prayed
Noticing your face was thin and pale
I found it hard to hide my tears
I felt ashamed I felt I'd let you down
No mandolin wind couldn't change a thing
Couldn't change a thing no, no
The coldest winter in almost fourteen years
could never, never change your mind
And I love ya
Yes indeed and I love ya
And I love ya
Lordy I love ya
Mandolin Wind
Rod Stewart's "Mandolin Wind" appears on the 1971 album Every Picture Tells a Story, a collection of songs largely written by Stewart himself. The track exemplifies the artist's signature blend of rock and roll and country influences, characterized by a distinctive mandolin melody and a driving rhythm section. Released during Stewart's early peak as a solo artist, the recording reflects the era's shift toward more personal storytelling within the rock genre. While the song does not feature a hit single status comparable to some of his later works, it remains a representative piece of his early discography, showcasing his ability to craft melodic hooks that bridge traditional folk instrumentation with modern rock energy. The composition stands as a testament to Stewart's development as a songwriter before he became a global icon.