Both Page and Plant are/were huge Tolkien fans, and probably read the books as much as I. Always thought this track was underrated. Brings back so many memories of my elder brother having friends over before our parents got home; if I close my eyes, I can still smell the pot wafting from under the door.
YES!!!! Someone is finally reacting to this amazing song. I personally think it's 100% their best. It's interesting that you mention Lord of The Rings, because you're spot on. Their love of Tolkien shines through.
In addition to J. R. R, Tolkien [loud hosannas!], the lyrics also tap into Arthurian legend. Avalon was the island where King Arthur was taken after the battle with Mordred forces,
Robert Plant was really into LOTR & Zep IV was all about LOTR especially this one. Sandy Denny is the female singer on this one. One of the lyrics is "the ringwraiths ride in black"
Led Zeppelin IV was mostly NOT about LOTR. Black Dog wasn't, Rock and Roll wasn't, Four Sticks wasn't, Going To California wasn't and When The Levee Breaks wasn't. Even Stairway To Heaven and Misty Mountain Hop mostly weren't. Misty Mountain Hop was actually about the police busting a drugs party in Hyde Park, London. Just saying ✌️
“The Battle of Evermore” is a song that references J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and is considered an example of fantasy medievalism. The song includes many allusions to the story, including: The Dark Lord and the Ringwraiths The Battle of the Pelennor Fields The elf-queen Galadriel Mordor Gollum Events from The Silmarillion Magic runes The dragon of darkness
i think theres a huge time difference between lord of the rings and led zeps battle of evermore . lol . and i doubt very much they made the movie from the song , coincidence ? maybe , but i like how you think . lmfao
@@durv13 yeah of course not. They were both made from the books! Well at least mostly, the movies took some liberties. In some cases, too many, lol. And we won't talk about the Hobbit movies....
The amazing Sandy Denny on backing vocals, she was such a wonderful singer. Look her up solo or her when she sang for Fairport Convention, amazing music. She passed away very young in the 1970s sadly.
100%!!! If I remember correctly, Rain Song was written in response to a George Harrison criticism that all their music sounded kinda the same, and they should do something more ballad-like.
Sandy Denny, of Fairport Convention, provides the female companion vocal to Robert on this track. You guys should absolutely do some Fairport Convention…”Matty Groves” would be an excellent choice.
@@gavinblenkinsop6250 Another superlative rendition, is her interpretation of 'Banks Of The Nile' from the 'Fotheringay' album. She was also an excellent multi-instrumentalist, on either guitar or piano. Hers was an absolutely tragic loss.
In the song Ramble On, they also mention LOTR with the lyrics, "Twas the darkest depths of Mordor, I met a girl so fair - But Gollum and the Evil one crept up and slipped away with her. Love Led Zeppelin and this song is great. Saw them four time live in concert many years ago.
He did mention the Ring Wraiths as well. A duet with the late Sandy Denny. The only guest vocalist ever. The next song on this album? Stairway to Heaven.
@@steveg2024 Roy Harper sang lead on Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar", but I'm not aware of him singing with Zeppelin. Zeppelin did have a song ABOUT him, though: "Hat's Off To Roy Harper"
@@robbob5302 technically he can't stop them from doing a cover... He CAN prevent them from using the version that Led Zeppelin themselves released. But for recorded covers, you just have to obtain a license (which I do not think can be denied either) before releasing it. I think that basically makes sure the original songwriter gets their fair cut of any proceeds. Now, I have no doubt that Ann and Nancy very likely contacted Jimmy/Zeppelin and got their blessing first, as it is definitely the courteous thing to do!
This is one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart do a great cover of this song. They loved and were influenced by Led Zeppelin so much, they made a song from their album Little Queen released in 1977 that had mandolins and reminds me of this song. You should check it out. It's two songs back to back Sylvan Song/Dream of the Archer. Ann holds a note so long in the song Dream of the Archer, it would make most singers turn blue in the face & gasping for breath. Maybe this would be good choice for Female Friday.
Don’t often comment but this track features my favourite female songwriter of all time, Sandy Denny whose life was tragically cut short but who has influenced everyone from Eva Cassidy to Natalie Merchant….an awesome talented and great artist sadly missed but wrote timeless classics…an English songstress who Robert Plant insisted they use for this track ❤
Thank you for reacting to this song!! It always makes me emotional. When I was 11, Led Zeppelin IV was the first album (on cassette) I bought with my own money. I bought it for Stairway to Heaven, but The Battle of Evermore and Going to California quickly became my favorites.
This is the MOST enchanting of all their songs. I remember listening in my older sister's candlelit room, and the flame seemed to dance to the pulsating beat.
Pure Classic Zeppelin, remember this from my younger year's, Thank's for the euphoric rush I get when I hear this what a memory, Peace 😊✌️ and Love❤ your 70 year old forever Young Hippie Gary 😊✌️ Great Reaction👍
The indomitable Sandy Denning. She was a famous folk singer/Songwriter who was highly successful in her own light. She's also the ONLY woman to sing on ANY Zeppelin album
This was the first song that ever heard from this band. It was in the cinder block walled garage at my mate’s house. The sound bounced all around those block walls like I had never heard before. I was hooked.
Sadly Sandy Denny left us very young at 31 from injuries sustained falling down a flight of stairs. She was apparently manic depressive and had drug and alcohol issues and used to do “pratfalls” as a joke, purposely falling off barstools and throwing herself down flights of stairs, mimicking Peter Sellers’ Clouseau from the Pink Panther movies.
Just for comparison you should listen to Heart's gorgeous live cover of this one. You know that Zeppelin was a major influence on the young Ann and Nancy Wilson. I love your reactions to the music that has been the soundtrack to my life and times 🤘
Alive in Seattle from the Paramount NW circa 2002ish. The wife and I, fans of the band since high school, were there. Best Heart show I ever saw was that magical "Night At Sky Church", but I don't think they did any Zeppelin that night.
Fairport Convention, the group for which Sandy Denny sang lead, were huge in the British Folk/Rock scene. For me, my introduction to British electric folk was when Steeleye Span was touring with Jethro Tull in the mid-70s. The album, Below the Salt, was a doorway for me.
The Queen of Light (Galadriel) The dark Lord (Sauron) Avalon (Avallónë) mortals Ringwraiths Dragon of darkness Embarrassed about the continued association with Tolkien and Lord of the Rings even to this day, there’s one song that he didn’t expect to become so revered for its references, as they weren’t intended to be that serious. “This is a windup, isn’t it?” Plant told Vulture in 2022, when he was asked which Led Zeppelin’s song was the ‘nerdiest for Tolkien lovers’, knowing full well that it was ‘The Battle Of Evermore’ that would be his answer. “Bearing in mind that I’ve been hung out to dry a million times for being a sort of sad old hippie going on about Frodo.” “But I was visiting Frodo when he was about as well known as the most obscure book in my library, when Tolkien was a forgotten entity,” he continued. “So that gives me … no, that doesn’t give me any parlay in this situation. I have to say that ‘The Battle Of Evermore’ is the right thing for me.”
How lucky were those of us who waited excitedly for an album to come out because we knew it would be like nothing we've heard before. The music was an experience, it was moving , thought provoking and transformative.
This is one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. I’ve loved it since the first time I heard it. It’s so beautiful and always takes me to a mystical and peaceful place. And yes, there is a Tolkien Lord of the Rings connection. Loved both your reactions to it.
I love led zeppelin! My favorites are Battle of evermore, No quarter, In the light Just beautiful singing and music, kick back and close your eyes while traveling to another world
Such a cool song Saw them do this when I was a dorky teen in Oakland 1977. Saw HEART do this a few years ago in San Francisco with my daughter and they nailed it ** random factoid. The Jason Bonham Band was the opening act for Heart that night.
Thanks for hitting this gem! One of my favorite Zep songs! Mostly mandolin with some light acoustic guitar strumming (panned hard right, if you want to listen for it). And yeah, Robert Plant was a pretty big Tolkien fan; mentioning Tolkien themes in several Zep songs.
Definitey check out one off the cover version by Ann and Nancy Wilson... they do an astounding version. And that was a duet, as others have noted, with the amazing Sandy Denny.
The musical dissonance in this song makes it so special. I remember playing it over and over and over as a kid when I first heard it all those years ago.
Amber really picks up on lyrics ultra quickly. I've listened to that song 10,000 times but I get caught up and carried away by the sound and the ambience, the hypnotic guitar/mandolin, the repeating circular riffs, the mystical melodies, Plant's soaring vocals, the eerie harmonies, - it's all such a magical palette of audio colour - that I never really listen that hard or closely to the words.
Can not go wrong with the Gods of Rock and Roll. Still get tears in my eyes because this song is so wonderful. John Paul Jones on mandolin brings it all together.
"The Battle of Evermore" is a folk duet sung by Robert Plant and Sandy Denny, included on Led Zeppelin's untitled 1971 album, commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV. The song's instrumentation features acoustic guitar and mandolin playing, while the lyrics allude to J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings.
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!! SO GLAD that ya'll FINALLY HIT THIS ONE!!! One of my ZEPPELIN FAVORITES!!! Such GREAT mandolin - Page did SUCH A SUPERB JOB with mandolin AND guitar in this one!! JUST SO, SO GOOD!!! Sandy Denny did such a GREAT JOB ON THIS ONE....compliments Plant's vocals: SO WELL!!! ENJOY, YA'LL!!! HUGS & PRAYERS STILL COMIN'!!! :)
Amber with a Freudian Slip. Talked about "watching the story." But you really do SEE the song in your mind. It brings such vivid images to the mind. I can almost picture how Robert and Sandy are dressed, at least in my head. And Jimmy playing the mandolin. Just a beautiful combination of voice and strings.
Jimmy Page wrote the music to this song while he was messing around with JPJ’s mandolin. Jimmy had never played one before yet he writes the most beautiful music with it - just demonstrates his musical ability
"Sing as you raise your bow \ Shoot straighter than before \ Oh dance in the dark of night \ Sing to the morning light" ... Sandy Denny is the only other singer besides Robert Planet to appear on a Led Zeppelin studio album (baring backing vocals from Page and Jones). The band assigned a rune to her in the liner notes for the album.
GREAT reaction Jay & Amber!! Yes, the Lord Of The Rings is prominent in Led Zeppelin's work (esp. on this album - Misty Mountain Hop is another track). Sandy Denny's vocal accompaniment is so perfect here!! RIP to her. I had the fortune to see/hear this song played live, but it was by Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart!! Both ladies, Ann with acoustic guitar, Nancy with a mandolin, and their harmonies were incredible! Every time I hear this piece finish, I hear Stairway to Heaven in my brain, as it's next on the album. Cheers from Canada, eh!
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 I hear the horses' thunder Down in the valley below I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon Waiting for the eastern glow The apples of the valley hold The seeds of happiness The ground is rich from tender care Repay, do not forget, no, no Oh, 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 the war is common cry Pick up you swords and fly The sky is filled with good and bad That mortals never know Oh, well, the night is long The beads of time pass slow Tired eyes on the sunrise Waiting for the eastern glow The pain of war cannot exceed The woe of aftermath The drums will shake the castle wall The ringwraiths ride in black Ride on Sing as you raise your bow 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 mornin' light The magic runes are writ in gold To bring the balance back Bring it back At last the sun is shining The clouds of blue roll by With flames from the dragon of darkness The sunlight blinds his eyes Oh, 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 now, oh now, oh now Bring it back, bring it back Bring it back, bring it back Oh now, oh now, oh now 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
My favorite Led Zeppelin song. Tolkien was popular on every campus as The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were first published in the US during this period and almost every college town had a bar named Middle Earth. Dorm walls were covered with Tolkien posters during the era of the Vietnam draft. So many Led Zepplin songs referenced the books and rang through the halls. You might be interested to read up on Tolkien's experiences as a soldier during WWI in some of the worst battles of that war, and the loss of his friend. A good fictionalized account of this is the film TOLKIEN from 2019. JRR Tolkien knew fellowship in war firsthand.
Led Zeppelin sure knew what they were Tolkien about...
I'll give you that one. Made me smile, although not everybody will get it.
Love it!
Both Page and Plant are/were huge Tolkien fans, and probably read the books as much as I. Always thought this track was underrated. Brings back so many memories of my elder brother having friends over before our parents got home; if I close my eyes, I can still smell the pot wafting from under the door.
Ha! Love it lol
🙄🤦♂️. 😂
Sandy Denny, the ONLY woman to sing on any Led Zeppelin album. A formidable folk singer. RIP
I think it is time for Jay and Amber to hear some Fairport Convention. Maybe start with Who Knows Where The Time Goes?
I've been mentioning Fairport and Sandy a lot. and this song because of Sandy.
Matty Groves or Tam Lin.
If I'm correct Heart did a fantastic cover of this song.
Like an "Old Fashioned Waltz!"
RIP to Sandy Denny. what a voice she had. One of my favorites.
Just saw Robert Plant with Allisin Kraus in June & they performed this song PERFECTLY!!!
the only non LZ member with own symbol.
@@michaelenosmusic yep, truth. and i think the only non-member to sing!
I love how she totally got the medieval feel and spirit that Zep was going for on this.
YES!!!! Someone is finally reacting to this amazing song. I personally think it's 100% their best. It's interesting that you mention Lord of The Rings, because you're spot on. Their love of Tolkien shines through.
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart did this song with their other group "The Lovemongers" which was part of the soundtrack to the movie "Singles"
I love all LZ’s stuff, but this has always been my favorite. It’s indescribable.
In addition to J. R. R, Tolkien [loud hosannas!], the lyrics also tap into Arthurian legend. Avalon was the island where King Arthur was taken after the battle with Mordred forces,
One of Led Zeppelin’s two most underrated song.
@robbob6302 This song isn't overrated ... what's the other song
Robert Plant was really into LOTR & Zep IV was all about LOTR especially this one. Sandy Denny is the female singer on this one. One of the lyrics is "the ringwraiths ride in black"
Led Zeppelin IV was mostly NOT about LOTR.
Black Dog wasn't, Rock and Roll wasn't, Four Sticks wasn't, Going To California wasn't and When The Levee Breaks wasn't.
Even Stairway To Heaven and Misty Mountain Hop mostly weren't. Misty Mountain Hop was actually about the police busting a drugs party in Hyde Park, London.
Just saying ✌️
“The Battle of Evermore” is a song that references J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and is considered an example of fantasy medievalism. The song includes many allusions to the story, including:
The Dark Lord and the Ringwraiths
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields
The elf-queen Galadriel
Mordor
Gollum
Events from The Silmarillion
Magic runes
The dragon of darkness
i think theres a huge time difference between lord of the rings and led zeps battle of evermore . lol . and i doubt very much they made the movie from the song , coincidence ? maybe , but i like how you think . lmfao
@ yeah, and it’s crazy how close those movies were to those books that were written back in the 1930s?
🙄
@@durv13 yeah of course not. They were both made from the books!
Well at least mostly, the movies took some liberties. In some cases, too many, lol. And we won't talk about the Hobbit movies....
@@emcsquared8681 Tolkien started LOTR in the 1930s but didn't finish it until the 1950s, which is when it was published in the three separate volumes.
@@istari0 ok, but obviously before Led Zeppelin was a band.
The amazing Sandy Denny on backing vocals, she was such a wonderful singer. Look her up solo or her when she sang for Fairport Convention, amazing music. She passed away very young in the 1970s sadly.
The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin, that's the one you need to hear next!
100%!!!
If I remember correctly, Rain Song was written in response to a George Harrison criticism that all their music sounded kinda the same, and they should do something more ballad-like.
@ontheroad5317 yes, the opening purposely sounds like "Something" by the Beatles (written by Harrison).
Yes! The chord change that happens when Harrison sings “she moves” in the first line… is the exact same as the first two chords in “the rain song”
The rain sond was my mother's favorite song by Zeppelin. In fact, I play it on the anniversary of her passing and taking her eternal journey .
Sandy Denny, of Fairport Convention, provides the female companion vocal to Robert on this track. You guys should absolutely do some Fairport Convention…”Matty Groves” would be an excellent choice.
Or 'Tam Lin' also from Fairport's groundbreaking 'Liege & Lief' album.
Matty Groves
@@thomascroft5076 Leige and Lief is SO GOOD.
“Reynardine” is the song from Leigh and Leif that is the most amazing example of Sandy’s vocal range
@@gavinblenkinsop6250 Another superlative rendition, is her interpretation of 'Banks Of The Nile' from the 'Fotheringay' album. She was also an excellent multi-instrumentalist, on either guitar or piano. Hers was an absolutely tragic loss.
That mandolin is awesome.
That was page playing John Paul Jones' mandolin. This was just tossed off by Page/Plant as Page was noodling on the mandolin.
In the song Ramble On, they also mention LOTR with the lyrics, "Twas the darkest depths of Mordor, I met a girl so fair - But Gollum and the Evil one crept up and slipped away with her. Love Led Zeppelin and this song is great. Saw them four time live in concert many years ago.
He did mention the Ring Wraiths as well.
A duet with the late Sandy Denny. The only guest vocalist ever.
The next song on this album? Stairway to Heaven.
Sandy even got her own symbol in the liner motes to the album
That’s Sandy Denny singing with Robert. This is the only time an outside singer was brought into a LZ song.
What about Roy Harper??
@ did he sing? I wasn’t aware.
@@steveg2024 Roy Harper sang lead on Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar", but I'm not aware of him singing with Zeppelin. Zeppelin did have a song ABOUT him, though: "Hat's Off To Roy Harper"
Yes and on record I’m not sure that the other members of the band sang any backing vocals … someone will correct me no doubt
@@MrJohnnyMel John Bonham sang bits of harmony on several songs.
been listening to this song for over 50 years now and it still grabs me with a mystical feeling every time. the diversity of this band is astounding.
Finally, more Zeppelin!
Ann and Nancy Wilson also do a great version of this, being huge Zeppelin fans like the rest of us!
You took the words rightvoutta my mouth lol. Yes, Nancy killed it! Their version was so good. But what do we expect, they learned from Zep 😃
Jimmy Page almost never let anybody cover Zeppelin songs. But it’s too hard to say no to Ann and Nancy. They’re just too sweet.
@@robbob5302 technically he can't stop them from doing a cover... He CAN prevent them from using the version that Led Zeppelin themselves released. But for recorded covers, you just have to obtain a license (which I do not think can be denied either) before releasing it. I think that basically makes sure the original songwriter gets their fair cut of any proceeds.
Now, I have no doubt that Ann and Nancy very likely contacted Jimmy/Zeppelin and got their blessing first, as it is definitely the courteous thing to do!
My favorite Zeppelin song ever. Now you need to go listen to Ann and Nancy Wilson's rendition...
They did already
@@michaelasay8587 Thanks! I'll check it out.
@@michaelasay8587 no they haven't They did Stairway to Heaven
So happy you chose this!😊 Sandy Denny was one of a kind.
Nice to hear the wonderful Sandy Denny again.
This song is proof that even acoustic-based tracks can be dark and heavy. Have always loved the foreboding vibe of this one.
Great song, it put a smile on my face watching Amber get lifted when Sandy Denny's vocals came in!
This is one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart do a great cover of this song. They loved and were influenced by Led Zeppelin so much, they made a song from their album Little Queen released in 1977 that had mandolins and reminds me of this song. You should check it out. It's two songs back to back Sylvan Song/Dream of the Archer. Ann holds a note so long in the song Dream of the Archer, it would make most singers turn blue in the face & gasping for breath. Maybe this would be good choice for Female Friday.
Don’t often comment but this track features my favourite female songwriter of all time, Sandy Denny whose life was tragically cut short but who has influenced everyone from Eva Cassidy to Natalie Merchant….an awesome talented and great artist sadly missed but wrote timeless classics…an English songstress who Robert Plant insisted they use for this track ❤
Rain Song is a must hear too. IT'S MAGICAL.
My absolute favourite song of all time. 7 and a half minutes of (not very) simple beauty to which I must stop everything and just take it in.
Agree
It wasn't until I was older did I realize how many Lord of the rings references there are in led Zeppelin songs
Thank you for reacting to this song!! It always makes me emotional. When I was 11, Led Zeppelin IV was the first album (on cassette) I bought with my own money. I bought it for Stairway to Heaven, but The Battle of Evermore and Going to California quickly became my favorites.
This is the MOST enchanting of all their songs. I remember listening in my older sister's candlelit room, and the flame seemed to dance to the pulsating beat.
Love the softer side of Zeppelin,
Tangerine
Thats The Way
Pure Classic Zeppelin, remember this from my younger year's, Thank's for the euphoric rush I get when I hear this what a memory, Peace 😊✌️ and Love❤ your 70 year old forever Young Hippie Gary 😊✌️ Great Reaction👍
Roberts voice is greatly complimented by this womans singing. One of my very favorites.
The indomitable Sandy Denning. She was a famous folk singer/Songwriter who was highly successful in her own light. She's also the ONLY woman to sing on ANY Zeppelin album
This song is one of the GREATS - so very underrated! Proof that Led Zeppelin is so much more than anyone thinks or realizes.
My favourite Led Zeppelin song .
The only time Led Zep ever had a guest play on a song!🤘 Soooooo amazing
Amazing song, Heart honored Zeppelin covering this. Ann and Nancy are the only women who could pull that off.
Really the only ones of any sex. Everyone else should just leave the Zeppelin songs alone, imo. Including The Warning.
@@jackgilchrist 100%. Nobody except Ann Wilson can due Zep justice.
You really need to check Hearts cover if this song. Absolutely fantastic!! Both vocally by Ann and Nancy amazing
Singles had a good soundtrack.
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart did this song with their other group "The Lovemongers" which was part of the soundtrack to the movie "Singles"
“ no comfort has the fire at night that lights the face so cold”. Some of the best freaking lyrics ever sang in a song in my opinion
My absolute favorite. I saw him sing this at The Rose in Ohio a couple of years ago. I can die happy now. ☺️
Amber is in her feels again. love it
This was the first song that ever heard from this band. It was in the cinder block walled garage at my mate’s house. The sound bounced all around those block walls like I had never heard before. I was hooked.
This is actually a duet with Sandy Denny. To tell the story Plant felt he needed another voice.
Sadly Sandy Denny left us very young at 31 from injuries sustained falling down a flight of stairs. She was apparently manic depressive and had drug and alcohol issues and used to do “pratfalls” as a joke, purposely falling off barstools and throwing herself down flights of stairs, mimicking Peter Sellers’ Clouseau from the Pink Panther movies.
At least she didn't trip on her shoelace like Fritz Wunderlich.
Just for comparison you should listen to Heart's gorgeous live cover of this one. You know that Zeppelin was a major influence on the young Ann and Nancy Wilson.
I love your reactions to the music that has been the soundtrack to my life and times 🤘
Alive in Seattle from the Paramount NW circa 2002ish. The wife and I, fans of the band since high school, were there. Best Heart show I ever saw was that magical "Night At Sky Church", but I don't think they did any Zeppelin that night.
I was just looking at some Led Zeppelin too! Great timing!
Fairport Convention, the group for which Sandy Denny sang lead, were huge in the British Folk/Rock scene. For me, my introduction to British electric folk was when Steeleye Span was touring with Jethro Tull in the mid-70s. The album, Below the Salt, was a doorway for me.
The Queen of Light (Galadriel)
The dark Lord (Sauron)
Avalon (Avallónë)
mortals
Ringwraiths
Dragon of darkness
Embarrassed about the continued association with Tolkien and Lord of the Rings even to this day, there’s one song that he didn’t expect to become so revered for its references, as they weren’t intended to be that serious.
“This is a windup, isn’t it?” Plant told Vulture in 2022, when he was asked which Led Zeppelin’s song was the ‘nerdiest for Tolkien lovers’, knowing full well that it was ‘The Battle Of Evermore’ that would be his answer. “Bearing in mind that I’ve been hung out to dry a million times for being a sort of sad old hippie going on about Frodo.”
“But I was visiting Frodo when he was about as well known as the most obscure book in my library, when Tolkien was a forgotten entity,” he continued. “So that gives me … no, that doesn’t give me any parlay in this situation. I have to say that ‘The Battle Of Evermore’ is the right thing for me.”
How lucky were those of us who waited excitedly for an album to come out because we knew it would be like nothing we've heard before.
The music was an experience, it was moving , thought provoking and transformative.
This is one of Led Zep's LOTR kind of songs. Definitely mystical in quality. Love the mandolin in this. Cheers....
This is one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. I’ve loved it since the first time I heard it. It’s so beautiful and always takes me to a mystical and peaceful place. And yes, there is a Tolkien Lord of the Rings connection. Loved both your reactions to it.
I love led zeppelin!
My favorites are
Battle of evermore,
No quarter,
In the light
Just beautiful singing and music, kick back and close your eyes while traveling to another world
Whoah... now this is a serious DEEP CUT for a reaction! Very nice!
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart did this song with their other group "The Lovemongers" which was part of the soundtrack to the movie "Singles"
This group is always worth listening to.
Ann and Nancy often perform this live. Their versions are fire 🔥
C'est un des morceaux de led Zeppelin les plus ésotérique musicalement ☮️👌
I just heard Robert Plant sing this song live with Alison Krauss this past Summer. It was at an outdoor venue at night very magical moment.
Saw that too very memorable best part of the show at Jones Beach
Love diving in more. Just does not get better than the boys. Ty both! Just great reactors.
Such a cool song
Saw them do this when I was a dorky teen in Oakland 1977.
Saw HEART do this a few years ago in San Francisco with my daughter and they nailed it
** random factoid. The Jason Bonham Band was the opening act for Heart that night.
Zeppelin IV is one of my favorite albums, Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, this song and of course Stairway to Heaven.
Thanks for hitting this gem! One of my favorite Zep songs! Mostly mandolin with some light acoustic guitar strumming (panned hard right, if you want to listen for it). And yeah, Robert Plant was a pretty big Tolkien fan; mentioning Tolkien themes in several Zep songs.
The genius that is the late Sandy Denny certainly added super texture to this track, God how the world misses Sandy.
This is one of my favorite songs ever. LZ was very versatile. Lord of The Rings inspired...good pickup, Amber.
Definitey check out one off the cover version by Ann and Nancy Wilson... they do an astounding version. And that was a duet, as others have noted, with the amazing Sandy Denny.
Great job!! Now you two NEED to react to this song covered by Anne and Nancy Wilson of Heart!!!
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart did this song with their other group "The Lovemongers" which was part of the soundtrack to the movie "Singles"
I love how both you guys totally immerse yourselves into the music.. especially Amber. 😁 Zeppelin rule, and this has to one of their best tracks.
This has always been my favorite Zeppelin song
This is an amazing song!! Thank you for listening to it!
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart did this song with their other group "The Lovemongers" which was part of the soundtrack to the movie "Singles"
To see this performed live, was beyond amazing!
The musical dissonance in this song makes it so special. I remember playing it over and over and over as a kid when I first heard it all those years ago.
Amber really picks up on lyrics ultra quickly. I've listened to that song 10,000 times but I get caught up and carried away by the sound and the ambience, the hypnotic guitar/mandolin, the repeating circular riffs, the mystical melodies, Plant's soaring vocals, the eerie harmonies, - it's all such a magical palette of audio colour - that I never really listen that hard or closely to the words.
My favorite Zeppelin song of all time!!
Can not go wrong with the Gods of Rock and Roll. Still get tears in my eyes because this song is so wonderful. John Paul Jones on mandolin brings it all together.
It’s actually Jimmy playing mandolin this time!
My favorite by them❤
"The Battle of Evermore" is a folk duet sung by Robert Plant and Sandy Denny, included on Led Zeppelin's untitled 1971 album, commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV. The song's instrumentation features acoustic guitar and mandolin playing, while the lyrics allude to J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings.
Every time ya'll play Led Zeppelin it takes me back to the 70s in my friend's garage, blasting the music, smokin weed. Dem was the days! 😆
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!! SO GLAD that ya'll FINALLY HIT THIS ONE!!! One of my ZEPPELIN FAVORITES!!! Such GREAT mandolin - Page did SUCH A SUPERB JOB with mandolin AND guitar in this one!! JUST SO, SO GOOD!!! Sandy Denny did such a GREAT JOB ON THIS ONE....compliments Plant's vocals: SO WELL!!! ENJOY, YA'LL!!! HUGS & PRAYERS STILL COMIN'!!! :)
Amber with a Freudian Slip. Talked about "watching the story." But you really do SEE the song in your mind. It brings such vivid images to the mind. I can almost picture how Robert and Sandy are dressed, at least in my head. And Jimmy playing the mandolin. Just a beautiful combination of voice and strings.
You might like "The Mummers Dance" by Lorena McKinnett...same kind of vibe. Telling a story about the old times.
I was privileged to see McKinnit in San Francisco some years back. She's wonderful.❤❤
Have they reacted to "All Souls' Night"?
Led Zeppelin, poetry with a little music behind it.
Jimmy Page wrote the music to this song while he was messing around with JPJ’s mandolin. Jimmy had never played one before yet he writes the most beautiful music with it - just demonstrates his musical ability
"Sing as you raise your bow \ Shoot straighter than before \ Oh dance in the dark of night \ Sing to the morning light" ... Sandy Denny is the only other singer besides Robert Planet to appear on a Led Zeppelin studio album (baring backing vocals from Page and Jones). The band assigned a rune to her in the liner notes for the album.
You should hear Ann and Nancy Wilson sing this.
Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart did this song with their other group "The Lovemongers" which was part of the soundtrack to the movie "Singles"
My favorite Zeppelin song. Drove my parents nuts with this song in high school. Lol
That’s crazy. You never heard that before such an amazing song.
This song proves Zeppelin could do no wrong.❤❤❤
GREAT reaction Jay & Amber!! Yes, the Lord Of The Rings is prominent in Led Zeppelin's work (esp. on this album - Misty Mountain Hop is another track). Sandy Denny's vocal accompaniment is so perfect here!! RIP to her.
I had the fortune to see/hear this song played live, but it was by Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart!! Both ladies, Ann with acoustic guitar, Nancy with a mandolin, and their harmonies were incredible!
Every time I hear this piece finish, I hear Stairway to Heaven in my brain, as it's next on the album.
Cheers from Canada, eh!
Sandy Denny, beautiful but tortured soul, with a voice that goes deep into your heart.
My absolute favorite LED Zeppelin song ❤😊
This song so much ahead of its time
It's actually after it's time, it's very Celtic
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
I hear the horses' thunder
Down in the valley below
I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon
Waiting for the eastern glow
The apples of the valley hold
The seeds of happiness
The ground is rich from tender care
Repay, do not forget, no, no
Oh, 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 the war is common cry
Pick up you swords and fly
The sky is filled with good and bad
That mortals never know
Oh, well, the night is long
The beads of time pass slow
Tired eyes on the sunrise
Waiting for the eastern glow
The pain of war cannot exceed
The woe of aftermath
The drums will shake the castle wall
The ringwraiths ride in black
Ride on
Sing as you raise your bow
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 mornin' light
The magic runes are writ in gold
To bring the balance back
Bring it back
At last the sun is shining
The clouds of blue roll by
With flames from the dragon of darkness
The sunlight blinds his eyes
Oh, 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 now, oh now, oh now
Bring it back, bring it back
Bring it back, bring it back
Oh now, oh now, oh now
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
He def said “the ring wraiths ride in black!” My favorite line
One of their most beautiful songs, but they are the masters of amazing beautiful music.
My favorite Led Zeppelin song. Tolkien was popular on every campus as The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were first published in the US during this period and almost every college town had a bar named Middle Earth. Dorm walls were covered with Tolkien posters during the era of the Vietnam draft. So many Led Zepplin songs referenced the books and rang through the halls. You might be interested to read up on Tolkien's experiences as a soldier during WWI in some of the worst battles of that war, and the loss of his friend. A good fictionalized account of this is the film TOLKIEN from 2019. JRR Tolkien knew fellowship in war firsthand.
yes Amber, this song does reference The Lord of the Rings (the line was "the Ringwraiths ride in black") more than a few Led Zeppelin songs do.
This whole album is Zep gold. I love "The Misty Mountain Hop".
Such an awesome song with the most incredible vibe...one of my favorite Led Zep tunes...thank you for posting a react to this one. 👍😁💯
Sandy Denny, the only person to sing on a Zeppelin song that was not in the group.
Plants voice is truly an instrument!!
Really enjoy listening to and watching how much you appreciate my era of music
One of my top 3 Zeppelin songs !
Great choice. This is my very favourite Led Zep song.
Another Great reaction to a song from my childhood, loved the song, well the whole album when I grew up, thanks for this, love you guys!
You just can't beat Led Zeppelin with a stick. Just the greatest Rock band of all time! ❤