Led Zeppelin That's The Way Meaning

Led Zeppelin came to fame in the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. This was a time of great tension in our nation. The song That’s The Way captures the passion for change that developed in the 1960’s. The song connected perfectly back then. Even today, in our current situation, the song will harness a will for change.
When first listening to That's The Way by Led Zeppelin there is an overwhelming sadness that covers every lyric. By the end of the song it has changed to a message of hope that things can change even if that’s the way it is right now.
When the song first starts there is a beautiful flooding of acoustic guitar and mandolin; a wonderful combination. As the beautiful sounds of the instruments engulfs you Robert Plant voices his first lyric. He says “I don't know how I’m gonna tell you. I can't play with you no more. I don't know how I’m gonna do what momma told me, my friend next door.” This powerful introduction to the song allows you to get a feeling conflict in the lyrics. As though a child has been told not be friends with another boy. He is conflicted because he doesn't understand the reason why it’s wrong. Just like most children it is hard to go against something your mother says. There is a feeling or prejudice that emits from these lyrics as though his mother doesn't want him to spend time with the other boy because he

And weren't those tears that filled your eyes. And all the fish that lay in dirty water dying. Have they got you hypnotized?” to show the boy’s first signs of revolution. He sees his old friend struggling and worries that he too thinks that's the way it ought to be. He asks if the dying fish in dirty water have him hypnotized. Meaning, do the corrupt individuals fueling the fire of racism have you thinking like they do? This is a very important part of the song because it shows the main character becoming more aware of the injustice that is