’Stairway to Heaven’: Do the Lyrics to the Led Zeppelin Classic Really Mean Anything?

Rock 'n' Roll Rabbit Hole

07-03-2023 • 50 mins

In this final episode of Season 2, Butch and Kevin dig into the song that is considered by many the greatest rock song ever recorded. What we specifically take a look at are the almost dream-like lyrics and whether or not they are filled with important symbolism or just words Robert Plant created to fit the music.

  • The beer of the week was supposed to be Founder's Centennial IPA, but then Butch busted out Korbel champagne to celebrate our one-year anniversary. Cheers!
  • Plant himself even said he can interpret the song's lyrics in different ways at different times.
  • The song seems to change points of view multiple times.
  • Plant also was highly influenced by the writing of J.R.R. Tolkein, which could explain some of the imagery, such as "rings of smoke through the trees."
  • Taken on their own, many of the lyrics seem to resemble a cross between Spinal Tap lyrics and Monty Python quotes. And yet, there's something more ...
  • Here is a thorough breakdown of the lyric: https://extrachill.com/led-zeppelin-stairway-to-heaven-meaning
  • Here is Dread Zeppelin’s wonderful reggae-drenched version of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7DqjyNGHJU