Music Prompt #10: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s tune is, hopefully, familiar to most of you. It’s a mystical, alluring, and powerful song with enigmatic lyrics and stunning guitar (and instrumental) sections. 

I was reading about “Stairway to Heaven” on a few different websites and Jimmy Page who wrote many lyrics for the band, is quoted as saying depending on the day, the song lyrics meant diverse things to him. 

Also of note, the rumour about playing the record form of the song backward, to hear  the devils voice or the lyrics being inspired by the devil, are completely false. Jimmy Page noted some crazy fans got a weird idea, when he heard this rumour on the radio. This interpretation genuinely made him upset because it was not at all what he intended the song for Led Zeppelin to be about. This much we know! 

As well, singers such as Dolly Parton and Pat Boone have covered the sing along with numerous bands and singers. The Foo Fighters (including the talented Dave Grohl) did a mock-version of the song essentially saying, that this particular song cannot and should not be covered; it’s that unique. Also, due to “legal issues – apparently even a few notes of “Stairway To Heaven” have to be cleared,” and good luck with that unless you’re a big time singer or band. 

Although, of mention is the lead singers of Heart, Ann and Nancy Wilson’s version, sung with participants from other famous rock bands. They did an excellent job covering “Stairway to Heaven” at the Led Zeppelin tribute a few years back in 2012. I’ll put that version below as well. 

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Credit: “Stairway to Heaven” YouTube

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“Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin

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“Stairway to Heaven” – Heart – Ann and Nancy Wilson 

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Use ” Stairway to Heaven” as inspiration for any form of creative expression (including but not limited to short stories, poems, lyrics, artwork, photography, (etc). Alternatively, if you are a musician, use this as an opportunity to showcase your own work.

I hope you don’t find the ambiguity of the song and lyrics to be daunting. Rather, see them as a way for wide open interpretations and reactions of whatever creative form to be reasonable and perfectly awesome whatever they maybe. 

Use part of the lyrics or all of them? Use just a phrase or try to interpret whatever part of the song you choose. What does it seem like it’s about to you? What parts do you love? Do you dislike the song? Do certain lyrics or sections speak to you? Whatever the case, tell me about it! 

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“Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin 

There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold

And she’s buying a stairway to heaven.

When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed

With a word she can get what she came for.

Ooh, ooh, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven.

*****

There’s a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure

‘Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.

In a tree by the brook, there’s a songbird who sings,

Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.

*****

Ooh, it makes me wonder,

Ooh, it makes me wonder.

*****

There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west,

And my spirit is crying for leaving.

In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees,

And the voices of those who stand looking.

*****

Ooh, it makes me wonder,

Ooh, it really makes me wonder.

*****

And it’s whispered that soon, if we all call the tune,

Then the piper will lead us to reason.

And a new day will dawn for those who stand long,

And the forests will echo with laughter.

*****

If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now,

It’s just a spring clean for the May queen.

Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run

There’s still time to change the road you’re on.

And it makes me wonder.

*****

Your head is humming and it won’t go, in case you don’t know,

The piper’s calling you to join him,

Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know

Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?

*****

And as we wind on down the road

Our shadows taller than our soul.

There walks a lady we all know

Who shines white light and wants to show

How everything still turns to gold.

And if you listen very hard

The tune will come to you at last.

When all are one and one is all

To be a rock and not to roll.

*****

And she’s buying a stairway to heaven.

*****

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When you’re done, TAG the post ‘Music Challenge’ and link your post to this page. Also, add your link to the Mr. Linky Button. We can read your post sooner that way.

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©MindLoveMisery’sMenagerie – July 28, 2017.