Stories behind Led Zeppelin's best songs
Hey there Led Zeppelin fans! If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent countless hours listening to the band’s albums, singing along to their classic songs and wondering about the stories behind them. Well, wonder no more! Today, I’m gonna take you on a trip down memory lane and give you some insight into the inspiration and background of some of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic songs.
First up, we have “Stairway to Heaven”. This song needs no introduction, it’s one of the most famous rock songs of all time, known for its guitar solo and enigmatic lyrics. The song was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, and recorded at Headley Grange, a country house in Hampshire, England. The two were just jamming in the living room with Page playing acoustic guitar and Plant lounging on the couch and before they knew it, the intro was done and the song was on its way.
Next, we have “Kashmir”. This epic track from the Physical Graffiti album is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and hard rock styles and it’s one of the band’s greatest compositions. The exotic melody was inspired by a trip Jimmy Page took to Morocco, where he was struck by the music he heard there and decided to incorporate elements of it into the song. Robert Plant also wrote the lyrics, inspired by his visit to the Middle East where he was fascinated with the history and culture of the region.
Now, let’s talk about “Black Dog”, one of the band’s signature track. It’s a classic rocker from the fourth album, known for its driving guitar riff and energetic tempo. The song was written by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones. The song’s name comes from a black Labrador Retriever that used to wander around the Headley Grange mansion where the band was staying during the recording of the fourth album
“Whole Lotta Love” is another classic from the band’s second album, known for its powerful guitar riff and driving rhythm. Thesong was written by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, and it was heavily influenced by the band’s love of the blues. The riff that forms the basis of the song was adapted from an earlier Willie Dixon song called “You Need Love”
“D’yer Mak’er” is a reggae-influenced track from the band’s 1973 album Houses of the Holy, written by John Paul Jones and Robert Plant. The title is a play on words of the phrase “Jamaica” and it’s a humorous track which is a tribute to Jamaica and reggae music which the band was listening to a lot of in the early 70s
Last but not least, we have “The Ocean” from Houses of the Holy album is known for its driving rhythm and powerful vocal performance. Thesong was written by John Bonham and John Paul Jones, and it was inspired by the band’s love of the ocean. The band was staying at a hotel which was on the beach, and the sound of the waves inspired the song.
These are just a few examples of the stories behind some of Led Zeppelin’s best-known songs. From the exotic melody of “Kashmir” to the driving guitar riff of “Black Dog,” the band’s music is filled with memorable moments that continue to captivate listeners to this day. Their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles, as well as their love of the blues, is what makes their music so enduring and timeless. So, next time you’re jamming to these classics, remember the stories behind them and let it take you on a journey of its own!