When the Levee Breaks
Led Zeppelin
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If it keeps on rainin' levee's goin' to break If it keeps on rainin' levee's goin' to break When the levee breaks I'll have no place to stay. Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan Lord mean old levee taught me to weep and moan Got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home Oh well oh well oh well. Don't it make you feel bad When you're tryin' to find your way home You don't know which way to go? If you're goin' down South They go no work to do, If you don't know about Chicago. Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good, Now, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good, When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move. All last night sat on the levee and moaned, All last night sat on the levee and moaned, Thinkin' 'bout me baby and my happy home. Going, go'n' to Chicago, Go'n' to Chicago, Sorry but I can't take you. Going down, going down now, going down going down now, going down, going down, going down, going down Going down, going down now, going down going down now, going down going down now, going down Going d-d-d-d-down Woo woo
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Written by: John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Robert Anthony Plant, James Patrick Page
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Original Version"When the Levee Breaks" was first recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The song was inspired by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, one of the most severe natural disasters in U.S. history.
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Led Zeppelin’s CoverThe iconic British rock band Led Zeppelin covered the song in 1971 for their fourth album, often referred to as "Led Zeppelin IV". Their version is substantially different, embodying a distinct hard rock interpretation.
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Remake AnalysisLed Zeppelin's version of "When the Levee Breaks" is known for John Bonham's unmistakable drum performance. The drum sounds were achieved by recording the instrument at the bottom of a stairwell, giving it a reverberating and thunderous effect.
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Vocal ContributionRobert Plant, the lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin, altered nearly all the lyrics but retained the bluesy feel. His intense vocal delivery is widely regarded as one of his finest performances.
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Song RightsAlthough Led Zeppelin initially credited only themselves for the song, a lawsuit later ensured that Memphis Minnie was also credited due to the original version.
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Significance of the TitleThe metaphorical 'levee' in the song’s title refers to the levee system designed to protect areas of Mississippi and Louisiana from floods. When such a levee breaks, it results in immense destruction - a symbol employed in the song lyrics.
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Popularity"When the Levee Breaks" has stood the test of time, turning into a classic track that's still loved by fans of blues and rock music. Its influence is also notable in pop culture, with numerous artists covering or sampling the song.
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Other Artists’ InterpretationVarious artists such as A Perfect Circle, Kristin Hersh and W. A. S. P. have also covered the song. However, none have achieved the same level of success or recognition as the Led Zeppelin version.
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Minnie's LegacyMemphis Minnie was one of the earliest and most influential blues guitarists of her time. "When the Levee Breaks" is just one example of her extensive work, which paved the way for future generations of female blues musicians.
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Instrumental MasteryThe song features a harmonica played by Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, and slide guitar by Jimmy Page, adding to the song's distinctive blues-rock sound. It is often lauded as a masterpiece of musical arrangement and production.
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Citation
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