Weekend Wisdom: The Philosophy of Led Zeppelin

"There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run there's still time to change the road your on." ~ Led Zeppelin, Stairway To Heaven

In my humble opinion, the biggest news of the week was not actions of the Federal Reserve or the report naming major league baseball's steroid users -- it was the glorious return of the greatest rock band in history -- Led Zeppelin.  The choice is simple -- at least if we measure the significance by where our values should be or, at perhaps, where they could be.  The prior two stories, essentially, are ones resulting from excess and greed.  The latter story, as Robert Plant describes the band's epic song, Stairway To Heaven, is one of "hope" -- one that takes us to a better place...

Judging by the wisdom found in their lyrics, penned primarily by Jimmy Page and   Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin is not only the greatest rock band in history but also among the greatest "philosophers" of our time...   With that, I must yield to some of my favorite Led Zep "wisdom" for the remainder of this post:  Quotes are followed by the corresponding song title.  Enjoy...

"So tonight you better stop and rebuild all your ruins, because peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing." ~ Immigrant Song

"Many dreams come true and some have silver linings. I live for my dreams and a pocket full of gold." ~ Over The Hills And Far Away

"Mellow is the man who knows what he's been missing. Many many men can't see the open road." ~ Over The Hills And Far Away

"Rest now within the peace. Take of the fruit, but guard the seed." ~ Carouselambra

"Then as it was, then again it will be. Though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea." ~ 10 Years Gone

"They carry news that must get through, to build a dream for me and you. They choose the path where no-one goes." ~ No Quarter

"Whatever that your days may bring, no use hiding in a corner cause that won't change a thing." ~ In The Evening

"I am just a simple guy, I live from day to day. A ray of sunshine melts my frown and blows my blues away." ~ Out On The Tiles

"Sit and wait and all will be revealed." ~ Kashmir

"The seasons of emotions and like the winds they rise and fall. This is the wonder of devotion, I see the torch we all must hold." ~ The Rain Song

"When you’re the master of the off-chance, well, you don't expect a lot." ~ In The Evening

"Many times I've lied, and many times I've listened, many times I've wondered  how much there is to know." ~ Over The Hills And Far Away

"Why don't you take a good look at yourself and describe what you see. And baby, baby, baby, do you like it?" ~  Misty Mountain Hop

"As we wind on down the road, our shadow's taller than our soul." ~ Stairway To Heaven

"A new day will dawn for those who stand strong, and the forests will echo with laughter." ~ Stairway To Heaven

Anyone care to add or comment on their favorites?  Have a great weekend and don't forget to "get the led out..."

Comments

[semyhr]

"Then as it was, then again it will be. Though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea." ~ 10 Years Gone

Though Led Zeppelin is music for a different generation than mine - my father really likes them, this is the quote of my choice. What will be will be.

[donna]

I got my brother the Mothership CD/DVD set for Christmas. I hope it can help him find his way to his path.

"I am a traveler of both time and space to be where I have been..."

[Joe Russo]

At the end of some trading days this one might seem appropriate...

Been dazed and confused for so long it's not true. - Led Zeppelin, Dazed And Confused

[The Financial Philosopher]

Semyhr & Joe:

I agree and can relate...

Donna:

I actually "won" the Mothership CD/DVD in a raffle at a music store! I haven't watched the DVD yet but the song selection and sequencing on the CD set is superb. As for the "philosophy" aspect, there are no printed lyrics but Plant's delivery and phrasing makes words relatively easy to understand.

Thanks to all for comments...

[bobby]

Led Zeppelin's music, as is clearly evidenced by their enormous and age-varied fan base, belongs to all generations. In fact, they remain the only rock band in history with intensely loyal and knowledgeable fans in massive numbers, ranging in age from early teens to early 70's. The mighty Led Zeppelin, the greatest band in rock history, produced timeless music of such quality and dynamic power that it will be enjoyed and loved long after their youngest fans today have returned to dust.

[The Financial Philosopher]

Bobby:

I share your passion. Led Zeppelin also covers a broad range of musical styles -- from blues to folk to jazz to heavy metal -- it's all there. Plant's vocals are instantly recognizable; Page's guitar work is innovative and masterful; John Bonham defined rock drums; and John Paul Jones was a silent but integral rhythm master that seamlessly tied Bonham's drums and Page's guitar work together...

I must say, unfortunately, that it is unlikely that we will see another band this great come to be in our lifetime. It's not that there are no bands out there that have the potential -- it's the nature of the music business to "invest" such large sums on promotion (which is necessary) that a meager 200,000 in record sales may not be enough to be "profitable..."

Sadly, if Led Zeppelin were a new band emerging in 2007, they probably would make it as far as their second or third album...

Can you imagine a world without Houses of the Holy or Physical Graffiti?

I could go on...

[Kirk]

I disagree. I think Led Zeppelin could still make it today. With the internet and online music, the industry might evolve to where great bands can be discovered without a label.

But, this was a fantastic post. You hit many of the great lyrics.

[The Financial Philosopher]

Kirk,

Excellent point. I agree that, if Led Zeppelin were just starting today, they could succeed without the backing of a record label. The band's creativity and innovation could translate to success without "the machine;" however, the odds are much lower...

I suspect there are already bands out there that have the potential to be another "Led Zeppelin." Unfortunately, the path is more difficult without major finanancing and worldwide distribution that labels can provide.

I remain hopeful to see bands find major exposure and top-selling records without label support. It just has not happened yet...

[Richard]

i don't think the kids of today have the vision of yesterday