Led Zeppelin ascended from rehearsal spaces in London to achieve global success, yet many contemporary critics dismissed the band. Robert Plant's lyrics in ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ drew inspiration from JRR Tolkien, incorporating elements from The Hobbit – prompting critical backlash, he remains immensely proud of the track.
Featured on ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ – which notably does not have a title on its cover – the song was recorded at Headley Grange, a mansion frequently utilized by the band as a recording venue.
While ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ may be more introspective in nature compared to some of their explosive blues rock gems, it is equally poignant, resonating with the enduring spirit of flower power.
The lyrics convey a quest for a more ideal society, encouraging individuals to shed their burdens and embody a sense of personal freedom.
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One critic mocked the song, calling it “dated flower-child gibberish,” to which Robert Plant responded in a lengthy interview with Rolling Stone in 1975.
“The core of the entire movement was the longing for peace and serenity, and a perfect world,” he explained to Rolling Stone. “That’s what everyone truly wants. So, how can it be labeled ‘dated flower-child gibberish’? If it is, then I’ll proudly continue being a dated flower child.”
There is also a distinctly real-life dimension to the song – it was inspired by a 1968 rally in London advocating for marijuana legalization, and it critiques the excessive responses from law enforcement.
“It’s about a group of hippies getting arrested, illustrating the challenges one might face during a casual stroll in the park on a lovely sunny day,” Plant mentioned in Classic Rock Stories: The Stories Behind the Greatest Songs of All Time. “In England, it’s quite evident, as wherever you go to have a good time, ‘Big Brother’ is always lurking nearby.”
The song holds significant meaning for him – frequently performed live throughout Led Zeppelin’s career, Robert Plant has adapted ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ for his diverse solo projects. When the band reunited for a special performance in 2007, it naturally featured in the set list.
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Led Zeppelin emerged from rehearsal spaces in London to achieve global success, yet critics of the time frequently dismissed the band. The lyrics of Robert Plant