Led Zeppelin

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Babe, baby, baby, I'm gonna leave you
I said baby, you know I'm gonna leave you
I'll leave you when the summertime
Leave you when the summer comes a-rollin'
Leave you when the summer comes along
[Verse 2]
Babe, babe, babe, babe, babe, babe, baby
Baby, I wanna leave you
I ain't joking' woman, I've got to ramble
Oh, yeah, baby, baby, I believin'
We really got to ramble (I can hear it callin' me)
I can hear it callin' me the way it used to do
I can hear it callin' me back home
[Bridge]
Oh, babe, I'm gonna leave you
Oh, baby, you know
I've really got to leave you
Oh, I can hear it callin' me
I said don't you hear it callin' me the way it used to do?
Ooohh

[Verse 3]
I know, I know, I know I never, never, never, never, never
Gonna leave you, babe
But I got to go away from this place
I've got to quit you, yeah
Oh, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Oh, don't you hear it callin' me?
Woman, woman, I know, I know
It feels good to have you back again
And I know that one day, baby
It's gonna really grow, yes it is
We gonna go walkin' through the park
Every day
Come what may, every day, oh
My, my, my, my, my, my babe
I'm gonna leave you, go away
[Bridge]
Oh, I miss you, baby
It was really, really good
You made me happy every single day
But now, I've got to go away
Ooh, oh, oh

[Outro]
Baby, baby, baby
That's when it's callin' me
I said that's when it's callin' me
Back home

Babe I’m Gonna Leave You is a timeless classic by Led Zeppelin that tells the story of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The song, which features a mellow backing track, was originally written by folk singer Anne Bredon and later recorded by Joan Baez. It was a favorite of both guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant. Interestingly, the band was not aware of the song’s origin and credited it as a traditional song until 1990.

About Babe I’m Gonna Leave You

The song was one of the first tracks to showcase Led Zeppelin’s ability to mix folk, blues, and rock music. The year was 1969, and the band was already gaining a reputation as one of the most innovative and experimental rock bands of the decade. With Babe I’m Gonna Leave You, they proved they were capable of creating delicate, melodic songs that were still powerful and heartfelt.

The track’s structure is quite simple, with a quiet acoustic section that slowly builds in intensity before exploding into a hard-rocking chorus. Robert Plant’s vocals are equally impressive, seamlessly transitioning from gentle, soulful crooning to a full-throated scream.

The lyrics of Babe I’m Gonna Leave You are just as powerful as the music. They depict a lover who is caught in a turbulent relationship that seems to be spiraling out of control. The opening lines, “Babe, baby, baby, I’m gonna leave you. I said baby, you know I’m gonna leave you,” set the tone for the rest of the song. The protagonist is struggling to come to terms with the end of the relationship, but ultimately realizes that they need to move on.

Perhaps what makes Babe I’m Gonna Leave You so compelling is its universality. Anyone who has ever been in a difficult relationship can relate to the song’s themes of love, loss, and heartbreak. Led Zeppelin’s ability to tap into these emotions with such raw honesty and intensity is what makes them one of the greatest bands of all time.

The song’s popularity has endured for over 50 years, with several notable covers and adaptations. In fact, many people are unaware that the song was not written by Led Zeppelin themselves, but by Anne Bredon, a relatively obscure folk singer. Despite this, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You remains one of Led Zeppelin’s most popular and beloved songs, a testament to the power of great music to transcend time and place.

Over the years, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You has been featured in several films and TV shows, including The Sopranos and One Tree Hill. The song’s legacy is undeniable, and its influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have been inspired by Led Zeppelin’s unique sound and approach to music.

In the end, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You is a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today. Its combination of raw emotion, musical virtuosity, and universal themes has made it one of the greatest songs of all time.

• Release Date: January 12, 1969
• Artist: Led Zeppelin