Led Zeppelin

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You don't have to go-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You don't have to go-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You don't have to go
Ay, ah, ah, ah, ah, ay
All those tears I cry, ah, ah, ah, ay
All those tears I cry, oh, oh, uh, ay
Baby, please, don't go

[Chorus]
When I read the letter you wrote me, it made me mad, mad, mad
When I read the words that it told me, it made me sad, sad, sad
But I still love you so, I can't let you go
I love you, ooh, baby, I love ya

[Verse 2]
Oh, uh, uh, uh, oh, oh
Every breath I take, uh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, every move I make
Oh, baby, please, don't go, uh
Ay, ah, ah, ah, ah, ay
You hurt me to my soul, oh, oh, oh, oh
You hurt me to my soul-oh-oh
Darling, please, don't go
[Chorus]
When I read the letter you sent me, it made me mad, mad, mad
When I read the news that it broke, it made me sad, sad, sad
But I still love you so and I can't let you go
I love you, ooh, uh—baby, I love you, ah

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
You don't have to go, oh, oh, oh, oh
You don't have to go, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, baby, babe, please, please, please, please

[Outro]
Ah, uh, ah, uh, ah, ah, baby
Ah, ah, I really love you, baby
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, darling
Oh, oh-woah, oh, baby, I still love you so
Oh, baby, I still love you so, oh, ooh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah (Fire)
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh (Fire)
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Oh, yeah (Fire)
Awe, baby, baby

When it comes to Led Zeppelin, it's tough to argue that the band wasn't one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Composed of four members, including Robert Plant, John Bonham, John Paul Jones, and Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin's sound was a unique blend of blues, rock, and folk. One significant aspect that made Led Zeppelin's music so captivating was their willingness to experiment. Under this umbrella falls one of their lesser-known tracks, "D'yer Mak'er." From its reggae-inspired rhythms to the cryptic title, "D'yer Mak'er" is undoubtedly an unusual addition to the band's discography, which is part of the reason it's been the subject of much debate among fans over the years.

About D’yer Mak’er

D'yer Mak'er is the sixth song on Led Zeppelin’s 1973 album, "Houses of the Holy." This reggae-inspired rock song opens with a repetitive guitar riff, and as the song progresses, John Bonham's drumbeat develops into a heavy drumming pattern that shifts the song into a rock interlude. Featuring Jimmy Page masterfully playing a banjo and Robert Plant singing in an airy falsetto voice, "D'yer Mak'er" is one of the band’s more unique tracks.

While the song itself has an upbeat sound, its lyrics tell a story of sadness, a brokenhearted man losing his love:

And did you ever stop to think
What a woman's gotta do
The deal you make is with yourself
The truth comes through and rescues you

The song’s title, "D'yer Mak'er," is a play on the phrase "Did you make her?" with "D'yer Mak'er" being pronounced as "Jamaica." However, for those not familiar with the British joke, the title can be challenging to understand. In a 19777 interview, guitarist Jimmy Page expressed his surprise that more people didn't get it, indicating that the title was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the reggae-influenced song.

Upon its release, "D'yer Mak'er" faced strong criticism from critics and fans of the band alike. Many were unhappy with Led Zeppelin's deviation from their usual rock sound, and some even expressed confusion with the title's humor. However, in hindsight, the song has become a fan favorite and a testament to the band's willingness to experiment with different genres and sounds.

One of the most striking elements of the song is Jimmy Page's banjo playing. He took lessons from a studio musician, Jean-Baptiste Pernetti, who was brought in to teach him how to play the instrument. Page's banjo playing on the track is a testament to his range and adaptability as a musician, and his willingness to learn new instruments and expand his sound.

Another notable aspect of the song is Robert Plant's unique vocal performance. Plant's falsetto voice takes center stage in the song's chorus, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly quality. His voice perfectly complements the song's blend of reggae-inspired rhythms and rock sensibilities, creating a memorable sonic experience that stands out from Led Zeppelin's other works.

In addition to its unique sound, "D'yer Mak'er" also features some captivating lyrics that capture the painful experience of losing love. From the imagery of "A fool in love with you," to the bittersweet lines of "And I want you to be my girl, stand up and be my world," the lyrics tell a story of love and loss that many listeners can relate to.

Conclusion

While "D'yer Mak'er" may not be the most celebrated and well-known song in Led Zeppelin's discography, it remains a testament to the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres. From Jimmy Page's banjo playing to Robert Plant's falsetto vocals, every element of the song is a testament to the band's exceptional musicianship and versatility. Whether you're a longtime fan of Led Zeppelin or just discovering their music for the first time, "D'yer Mak'er" is well worth a listen.

• Release Date: September 17, 1973
• Artist: Led Zeppelin