Nancy Wilson Writes Touching New Song Lyrics in Memory of Heart’s Early Collaborator

Honoring a Key Figure in Heart’s History

Nancy Wilson of Heart has written heartfelt new lyrics in memory of Mike Fisher, the band’s early collaborator and an important figure in their formative years. Fisher passed away in August, prompting Wilson to pen a moving tribute that she shared with fans through her Something Good blog.

Though she didn’t specify the title or date of the lyrics, Wilson confirmed through a representative to UCR that the verses were written recently to honor Fisher’s legacy. His role in the band’s early development went far beyond simple management—he was both a creative influence and a driving force behind their early success.

Fisher’s connection to Heart traces back to the group’s earliest days. His younger brother, Roger Fisher, co-founded the band’s precursor, The Army, in 1963 alongside bassist Steve Fossen. The group cycled through several names, including White Heart and Hocus Pocus, before settling on the name Heart. In a unique twist of fate, both Fisher brothers became romantically involved with the Wilson sisters—Mike with Ann and Roger with Nancy—making their professional and personal lives deeply intertwined.

A Quiet Architect Behind the Band’s Success

While Mike Fisher was often labeled as Heart’s early manager, his role defied easy definition. He had been a drummer in The Army for a short time before shifting to behind-the-scenes work that kept the band’s vision alive. He handled logistics, ran sound, and offered creative direction as the group began to find its footing.

“I never aspired to be a label in the music industry,” Fisher once said in a 2013 interview. “I just had this vision for what those people could become and I was totally fired up and passionate about it. We all were for a long time. So to realize that dream was really incredible.”

His influence even extended into the band’s creative output—Ann Wilson’s “Magic Man” was famously written about him. But beyond inspiring songs, Fisher offered business insight and a sense of discipline that the young group needed. Nancy Wilson described him as the “perfect catalyst” during their early years, helping them transition from a hopeful local act to a rising force in rock.

 

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Nancy Wilson’s Emotional Tribute

In her blog post, Nancy reflected on Fisher’s guidance and the personal connection that continued long after Heart’s early days. “When we were a baby band in Vancouver, Ann wrote the words for ‘Magic Man,’” she wrote. “It’s the story of a girl leaving home and her mother for the first time for the man who cast a spell of love over her. Turns out it’s still a very universal story for many girls who leave home for the love of a man. Sometimes for better.”

“In our case it was very much for the better because her ‘Magic Man,’ Mike Fisher, was the perfect catalyst for instigating and navigating with his sharp business brain to help our band get a foothold and a good start in the business of rock,” Wilson explained. “He was a real task master in the best possible way and even designed the classic Heart logo that is still the best of them all to this day.”

When Nancy learned that Mike was in declining health due to pancreatic cancer, she decided to reach out. “I thought it would be a good thing for Mike to hear a voicemail where I could say thank you, for all the great things he did for the legacy of Heart and how it still is so vital and meaningful in rock history to this day. So I did.”

She added, “I heard back how much he loved and appreciated hearing that. It meant really a lot to him. He was able to clear away any old hard feelings from the past. He left us too soon and I thought of a song to honor him. Here’s the words.”

The Lyrics in Full

I can see your eyes
Oh brother brother
I can see your eyes
Searching through our time
Oh brother brother
I can see your eyes
They tell me
They tell me all is not lost
A story
A victory over darkness we shall prevail
Swinging the world by the tail
Angel
Angel
I can hear your laugh
Oh brother brother
I can hear your laugh
Present and the past
Oh brother brother
I can hear your laugh
The river
Forever dance to the sea
Remember
We sing your song
Always telling your magical tale
Sipping on the holy grail
Angel
Angel
Sipping on the holy grail
Swinging the world by the tale
Angel
Angel

Continuing Heart’s Legacy

Nancy Wilson remains active as Heart celebrates its 50th anniversary. The band’s Royal Flush Tour continues into 2026, marking half a century of rock history. Wilson is also set to appear at this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where her longtime friends in Soundgarden will be honored. Heart will close out the year with a run of shows beginning November 12 in Las Vegas—continuing the musical legacy that Mike Fisher helped shape decades ago.