Behind The Song
Led Zeppelin’s ‘That’s The Way’ is a powerful and memorable piece of music that has remained a classic of the rock genre for over 40 years. The song, which was written by guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant, was first released in 1975 as part of the band’s fourth album, Physical Graffiti. It has since become a staple of the group’s live sets and a fan favorite.
The lyrics of ‘That’s The Way’ are a vivid and passionate expression of love and longing. The chorus, which seems to be Plant’s plea to a lover, is simple, yet effective: ‘That’s the way/ I wanna be loved/ That’s the way/ I’m gonna be loved.’ While these words are heartfelt, the song also has a darker undertone, with its eerie minor chords and plaintive rhythm. This haunting atmosphere is further emphasized through Page’s heavy guitars and John Bonham’s thunderous drums.
Though ‘That’s The Way’ is often seen as a love song, the exact interpretation remains open to debate. According to Plant, the lyrics are about “the complete contradicting feelings of sorrow and joy, mixed with social commentary.” For Page, the song has a spiritual element, as he described it as being “the way of life.” Still others have suggested that the song is about hopefulness in the face of adversity or a tribute to the beauty of nature.
The Impact
‘That’s The Way’ has had an incredible lasting influence on rock music and popular culture. It is often seen as a precursor to later rock classics such as “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love.” The song has also been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Iron Maiden, The Doors, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was even featured in the popular 2018 video game, Red Dead Redemption II.
Musically, ‘That’s The Way’ contains many of the trademark characteristics of Led Zeppelin’s sound. The song combines a powerful rhythm section with jangly acoustic guitars, and the interplay between Page’s and Plant’s vocal lines is often cited as one of the band’s finest moments. According to author Dave Case, “The cumulative effect is an epic sound that transcends words and reveals directly the dualities that characterize human existence.”
The song has also been praised for its production values. Page reportedly spent days fine-tuning the mix, adding and subtracting elements to achieve the right balance. The result is a powerful wall of sound that is simultaneously intimate and majestic, a feat which few other bands have achieved.
Controversy
‘That’s The Way’ has not been without its controversies. In recent years, the song has been subject to a lawsuit from singer and songwriter Randy California, who claimed that the tune was based on a riff that he had composed in the late 60’s. California argued that Led Zeppelin had plagiarized his song “Taurus,” which was released by the band Spirit in 1968.
The case went to court in 2016, but Led Zeppelin eventually won. The jury concluded that the two songs were not substantially similar and therefore had not been plagiarized. While this ruling was welcomed by many fans, the controversy has cast a long shadow over the song and led to renewed debate about the influence of musical authorship in rock n’ roll.
Analysis
When analyzing ‘That’s The Way’, it is clear that the song is a harmonious blend of musicianship, songwriting, and production. Its powerful lyrics are balanced by its haunting melodies. It blends acoustic and electric guitars in a manner seldom heard elsewhere. Furthermore, its production values are exemplary.
However, the main reason for the song’s lasting appeal is its universal message of love, hope, and longing. The lyrics express a desire for companionship, love, and understanding – feelings that everyone can relate to. This is why ‘That’s The Way’ has remained such a beloved classic for fans of Led Zeppelin and rock fans alike.
Live Performances
In the live setting, Led Zeppelin consistently delivered stunning versions of ‘That’s The Way.’ At their famous performance at Knebworth, they turned the track into a 12 minute epic featuring extended solos and some of the most mesmerizing guitar playing ever heard. They also performed the song in their unfortunate final concert at Eissporthalle, Berlin in 1980. It had become a favorite of the band, and their last performance of it captured the energy and emotion that has kept it a mainstay of their live sets for so many years.
Cover Versions and Appearances
As mentioned before, Led Zeppelin’s ‘That’s The Way’ has been covered by several artists over the years. Some of the most well-known versions are by Iron Maiden, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Richard Hawley. Each of these artists has put their own spin on the song, giving it an updated sound and feel while still retaining its classic elements.
In addition to its cover versions, the song has also appeared in various movies, television shows, and video games. Most recently, it was featured in the critically acclaimed game Red Dead Redemption II. It’s also been used in the movies School of Rock and Almost Famous, as well as television shows such as Shameless and The O.C.
Conclusion
When Led Zeppelin released ‘That’s The Way’ in 1975, they had no way of knowing that it would become one of their signature pieces and a beloved classic of rock music. The song has remained popular for more than four decades, and its legacy continues to grow with each passing year. With its passionate lyrics and genius musical composition, ‘That’s The Way’ is a love song for the ages.
