Led Zeppelin

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Robert Plant, Sandy Denny, both]
The Queen of Light took her bow
And then she turned to go
The Prince of Peace embraced the gloom
And walked the night alone
Oh, dance in the dark of night
Sing to the morning light
The dark Lord rides in force tonight
And time will tell us all
Oh, throw down your plow and hoe
Rest not to lock your homes
Side by side we wait the might of the darkest of them all
Oh-oh

[Chorus: Robert Plant & Sandy Denny]
I hear the horses' thunder down in the valley below
I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon
Waiting for the eastern glow

[Verse 2: Robert Plant, Sandy Denny, both]
The apples of the valley hold the seeds of happiness
The ground is rich from tender care
Repay, do not forget, no, no
Dance in the dark of night
Sing to the morning light
The apples turn to brown and black
The tyrant's face is red
Oh, war is the common cry
Pick up your swords and fly
The sky is filled with good and bad
Mortals never know, oh
[Chorus: Robert Plant & Sandy Denny]
Oh, well, the night is long, the beads of time pass slow
Tired eyes on the sunrise
Waiting for the eastern glow

[Verse 3: Robert Plant, Sandy Denny, both]
The pain of war cannot exceed
The woe of aftermath
The drums will shake the castle wall
The ring wraiths ride in black, ride on
Sing as you raise your bow (Ride on)
Shoot straighter than before
No comfort has the fire at night
That lights the face so cold
Oh, dance in the dark of night
Sing to the morning light
The magic runes are writ in gold
To bring the balance back
Bring it back

[Outro: Robert Plant & Sandy Denny]
At last the sun is shining
The clouds of blue roll by
With flames from the dragon of darkness
The sunlight blinds his eyes!
Ahhhhh
Ahhhhhhhhhh
[Outro: Robert Plant]
Bring it back, bring it back
Bring it back, bring it back
Bring it back, bring it back
Bring it back, bring it back
Oh now, oh now, oh now, oh
Oh now, oh now, oh now
Bring it back, bring it back
Bring it back, bring it back
Ooh now, oh now, oh now, oh
Oh now, oh now, oh now
Bring it, bring it, bring it, bring it
Bring it, bring it, bring it, bring it
Bring it, bring it, bring it, bring it

If you’re a fan of Led Zeppelin, then you know that The Battle of Evermore is one of their most iconic songs. It has been noted for its Celtic folk saga, which relates a mythological struggle between good and evil. The song is unique because it is the only track the band ever recorded with a guest vocalist, and for its use of mandolin. It also lacks percussion, an ironic departure from their other tracks.

About The Battle of Evermore

The Battle of Evermore by Led Zeppelin is a fascinating song that tells a story about a mythological struggle between good and evil. The song is unique for several reasons, starting with the fact that it is the only one the band recorded with a guest vocalist. Robert Plant shares lead vocals with folk singer Sandy Denny, a member of the British folk band Fairport Convention. Denny’s vocal performance is stunning and adds an ethereal quality to the song, blending perfectly with Plant’s haunting vocals.

Jimmy Page, who is known for his guitar skills, played the mandolin as well on this song, which was a different instrument compared to what he usually played. He did an excellent job with the mandolin's strumming, giving it a distinctly folk sound. The lack of percussion on the song is also remarkable, considering John Bonham’s legendary drumming on other tracks.

One of the things that make The Battle of Evermore so intriguing is the overt Tolkien references in the lyrics. Led Zeppelin was known for their fascination with the Lord of the Rings, as is evident in several songs. Some fans speculate that the song is describing events in that fictional universe. Still, the lyrics also reference the epic Battle of Camlann in Arthurian legend and the peace Arthur found afterward in Avalon — the “isle of apples.” The intricate call and response narrative weaves together details from different stories to create something unique.

Another noteworthy aspect of the song is how it portrays the balance between good and evil, a fundamental concept on which all mythology is built. It showcases the bloodshed and sacrifice required to maintain that balance. The song's call and response narrative, coupled with the intricate lyrics, creates a haunting and beautiful overall effect that makes it one of Led Zeppelin's most exceptional songs.

The Celtic Folk Saga

The Battle of Evermore's Celtic folk saga, relating a mythological struggle between good and evil, is one of the song's unique features. It is a tale of heroes and villains, of the battle between the righteous and the wicked. The song begins with a beautiful and delicate mandolin riff played by Jimmy Page, which sets the scene for the story's mythological universe. Plant's haunting vocals blend seamlessly with Sandy Denny's soulful performance, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

The lack of percussion in The Battle of Evermore is an ironic departure from John Bonham's drumming, which was legendary in all Led Zeppelin's other tracks. This choice, coupled with the mandolin's acoustic strumming, creates a sparse sound that highlights the song's Celtic folk melody, slow and methodical, with a narrative sense of purpose.

The song's lyrics are also worth mentioning, as they are incredibly well-written and expertly crafted. They incorporate references to several famous literary works, including Lord of the Rings and Arthurian legends, to create a tapestry of mythological storytelling. The references may have been intentional or just a nod to the band's literary influences. The lyrics' mystique and cryptic nature leave ample room for interpretation, giving listeners the chance to unravel the story's mythology in their own way.

Conclusion

The Battle of Evermore is one of the most outstanding songs in Led Zeppelin's catalogue. It is unique in several ways, from its overt references to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to Jimmy Page's expert use of the mandolin. The lack of percussion and the presence of guest vocalist Sandy Denny add to the song's overall mystique and haunting beauty. The song's intricate call and response narrative, combined with the lyrics' cryptic nature, make for a rich and rewarding listening experience, highlighting the importance of mythological storytelling in music.

If you're looking for a song that transports you to a different world, The Battle of Evermore is an excellent choice. Its Celtic folk saga, mythological struggle between good and evil, and haunting melody make it one of Led Zeppelin's most unforgettable tracks. So sit back, listen, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of The Battle of Evermore.

• Release Date: November 8, 1971
• Artist: Led Zeppelin