Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven (Official Audio)
Inspiration Behind Stairway to Heaven:
Jimmy Paige and Robert Plant received inspiration from the serene surrounding of Bron-Yr-Aur in Wales. This collaboration blended mystical folk influences with a progressive rock vision. Living in a remote cottage, Paige began to experiment with acoustic guitar chords while Robert started writing the lyrics. As the Stairway to Heaven began to take shape, Paige envisioned a piece that would accelerate and intensify from start to finish, using a layer textures and overdubs to complete this masterpiece.
Biblical Application:
Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it, Genesis 28:10-12.
Exegesis of Stairway to Heaven:
There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold
And she’s buying a stairway to Heaven
This song begins with a woman who believes that by using materialism, her worldly wealth, a spot in heaven can be purchased.
When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for
Ooh, ooh, and she’s buying a stairway to Heaven
Robert Plant paints a picture of a wealthy woman going shopping, willing to pay whatever the price for a way into heaven.
There’s a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings
This woman looks for a sales associate to confirm if this piece, a stairway to heaven is for sale.
In a tree by the brook, there’s a songbird who sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven
It’s unclear if this setting is nearby or at the top of the stairway. Things aren’t always what they appear as the thoughts in human minds can be deceiving.
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, makes me wonder
Heaven is a topic which makes human being contemplate the afterlife.
There’s a feeling I get when I look to the West
And my spirit is crying for leaving
This reference is likely referring to leaving their remote cottage in Wales, traveling west back to the United States for their next tour.
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
And the voices of those who stand looking
This could be a reference to Far East mysticism, people performing some type of sacred ritual.
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, really makes me wonder
During the 1970’s and 1980’s, many bands were searching for meaning in life. Musicians would dabble in different religions, looking for answers. Groups like U2 went through a Christian phase with albums Someday Bloody Sunday and the Unforgettable Fire.
And it’s whispered that soon if we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason
While pied pipers played an instrument, they also represent strong leaders who guide lost individuals toward the truth.
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter
Oh-oh-oh-oh-whoa
As a new age, day begins, those who have not wavered, standing strong, will be rewarded.
If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a spring clean for the May queen
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
There’s still time to change the road you’re on
Perhaps a reference to Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14, the broad road that leads to destruction and barrow path which few follow.
And it makes me wonder
Ohh, whoa
These two options in life make Robert Plant think.
Your head is humming, and it won’t go, in case you don’t know
The piper’s calling you to join him
Thoughts can bombard your mind as a modern-day piper is urging you to join him.
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow? And did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?
Perhaps Plant is the sales associate trying to convince this woman shopper that you can’t buy your way into heaven.
And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one, and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll
A stanza representing universalism. If everyone gets into heaven, what’s the point of living a holy life, pleasing to God.
And she’s buying a stairway to Heaven
This woman is putting her faith into materialism, not the God of the Bible.
Final Thoughts:
When Stairway to Heaven first came out, there were rumors that if you played this song backwards on a record player, this song was of the Devil. Yet, when you analyze the lyrics, Robert Plant is searching for meaning in life. If Robert realized that you couldn’t buy your way into heaven, he was on the right track. Unfortunately, in the spiritual dimension unveiled in Ephesians 6:12, there are invisible forces tugging rock stars toward the highway to hell. The answer that many are searching for can be found in 1 John 5:11-13. This is the assurance of knowing you can secure your eternal destination before you die.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 