ssic Rock has entertained listeners with its epic guitar solos and exciting drum beats for the past forty years. Beneath the skin of many rock songs are complicated and meaningful lyrics that are overlooked by most listeners. Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, the band Led Zeppelin produced many iconic rock songs. However, none was as thought-provoking as their world famous “Stairway to Heaven” from the album Led Zeppelin IV. This song is recognized for its elaborate flute part and quixotic lyrics. The song explores concepts of greed and depression alongside a passion to find peace in a new land.
The opening verses of “Stairway to Heaven” express a story of a wealthy woman who is used to being able to buy everything she wanted; “all that glitters
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Throughout history, the West has symbolized freedom and hope for people all around the world. The pilgrims and early American Pioneers all look to the West in order to find peace. Similarly, the speaker looks to the West to find freedom or hope, “When I look to the west/ And my spirit is crying for leaving”(17-18). The story continues with the speaker continuing to justify his position in wanting to leave for the West. “Then the piper will lead us to reason/And a new day will dawn” In this quote, the piper represents the divine or an all powerful god who will lead the lost “to reason.” Once again, it relates to the Puritans who left England in order to find religious freedom. The end of prejudice and hate that thrives in the urbanized East is symbolized by the new day. That theme returns later in the song when the voice sings, “And if you listen very hard/ the tune will come to you at last” (47-48). Sometimes people are unaware that they are not happy, and need a sign to show them. In this case, they have to “listen very hard” to realize their current state of depression and remission. Eventually they will hear the piper’s tune and head West for the dawn of a new day and a new