Led Zeppelin is one of the most legendary rock bands in history. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “The Battle of Evermore” have become timeless classics. But surprisingly, lead singer Robert Plant hasn’t always felt the same love for them that fans do.
Released in 1971, “Stairway to Heaven” is often called one of the greatest rock songs ever. Its mix of folk and rock, along with epic lyrics, made it an instant fan favorite.
But Robert Plant later admitted that he found the song “pompous”. In a 1988 interview, he said that some of the lyrics no longer made sense to him and that he couldn’t relate to them anymore. After all, he wrote them as a 23-year-old, full of youthful ideas and idealism.
Even though he sometimes avoids playing it, Plant still acknowledges the song’s importance in his career.
“The Battle of Evermore”: Fantasy Overload
Another famous song, “The Battle of Evermore”, dives into fantasy worlds inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien. While fans love its mystical storytelling, Plant later admitted he felt embarrassed by the lyrics, calling them a product of his young, dreamy imagination.
He shared these feelings with Alison Krauss during their collaboration, and she reminded him that it reflected a certain time in his life—a young artist exploring his creativity.
Looking Back Without Regret
Robert Plant’s mixed feelings show that even legendary artists can grow apart from their own creations. While he may feel disconnected from some lyrics today, he still respects their impact and occasionally revisits them in performances.
It’s a reminder that songs can belong to both the fans and the artist—sometimes in very different ways.