Immigrant Song (also referred to as “Immigrant By Zeppelin”) is a single written by British rock band Led Zeppelin. The track was first released in 1970 on their third album Led Zeppelin III. To date, “Immigrant Song” has become one of Led Zeppelin’s most recognizable and iconic works, and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
The song was recorded during the time the band were producing their third album. The band utilized the mobile studio, Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, during the recording sessions for the album. It was here at Bron-Yr-Aur cottage in Wales that “Immigrant Song” was first recorded in late April and early May 1970. The original title of the track was “Scandinavian Song” and it was written about a road trip the band members had made through Norway, during which some fans appeared thrilled about their presence. The fascination of the band members with the landscape and people of the Scandinavian countries, made them wish to capture their experience in a song. It was cited as being a “tribute to the origins of heavy metal”.
After completing the recording of the song, it was first released as a single in the U.S. on 7 November 1970. This was followed by its release in the UK on 19 November 1970. It was the lead promotional single promoting the album, which was released two weeks later.The single proved to be successful, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. With its electric guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and powerful vocals, the song immediately gained popularity among fans and critics alike.
Since its initial release, “Immigrant Song” has received several accolades and awards. In 2000, the song was ranked at number 74 on the Rolling Stones magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. It was also honored with a Grammy nomination for “Best Hard Rock Performance” in 2011, while Rolling Stone magazine dubbed it one of the greatest classic rock tracks of all time. In 2012, the band was awarded a Kennedy Centre Honors Lifetime Achievement Award. During the event, they treated the audience with a performance of their hit single “Immigrant Song”.
While most people are aware of the famous electric rock guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and powerful vocals featured in “Immigrant Song”, there is far more to the classic track than meets the eye.The song also features an almost Christian, mystic feel to its lyrics, which largely pertains to Norse myths. The opening lines, “We come from the land of the ice and snow, from the midnight sun where the hot springs flow” and “the hammer of the gods will drive the wheels will drive our ships to new lands, to fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming”, build upon this mythic theme.
Overall, Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” continues to be revered and celebrated as one of the greatest classic rock tracks of all time. Its combination of unforgettable riffs, anthemic drumming, impressive vocals, and mythic lyrics have made it a classic anthem adopted by generations.
The Songwriters
Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the chief songwriters for Zeppelin, co-wrote “Immigrant Song”. Page’s riffs and solos are considered some of the best in rock history and an important milestone in the development of the genre. He was listed in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and “50 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” by Guitar World. Plant earned his place in music history thanks to his unmistakable and powerful vocals. In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine placed him in the ninth spot in their list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time”.
Page and Plant wrote several classic hits for Led Zeppelin. Individually, they continued to pursue solo music careers after the dissolution of the band. Page pursued solo work, collaborated with different artists, and participated in reunion concerts of the band. On the other hand, Plant released a number of solo albums, collaborated with a variety of artists, and earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of a Led Zeppelin reunion project. Both songwriters have been credited for pioneering the heavy metal genre and creating some of the most beloved classic rock oeuvres.
The Universal Themes
One of the reasons why “Immigrant Song” has endured the test of time is its ability to transcend customers. While the lyrics were inspired by Scandinavian myths, the universal themes of heavy metal have made the song attractive to fans around the world. The lyrics emphasize the struggles that men have to face in order to survive and prosper. The lines “We will die hard, but we will fight with heart and hand” portrays the struggles of men and indicate that they are “immigrants” having to prove themselves and their worth in foreign lands. These verses speak to modern audiences, regardless of race, color, religion, and culture, and evoke emotion and awe.
The Cultural Impact
Over the years, “Immigrant Song” has become a regular feature in various films, games, and television shows. The track was used to greater effect in 2003’s fantasy drama, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. Furthermore, “Immigrant Song” was covered and reinterpreted by some of the biggest names in music. Kate Bush sampled the song in her 1993 single “Rocket Man”. Foo Fighters also performed a cover of the track at Led Zeppelin’s reunions in London in December 2007. The impact and popularity of “Immigrant Song” has inspired cult-like fandom. In the case of Foo Fighters, their cover of the song kick-started a feud with the head of the band, Dave Grohl, recreating the group’s iconic riffs and mastering complex guitar solos. It has become a modern-day classic, and an enduring part of the cultural landscape.
The Current Live Performances
Led Zeppelin members reunited at multiple occasions, often including their iconic single “Immigrant Song”.With the launch of Led Zeppelin remasters in 2014, the band reunited at a concert in London to celebrate. The show featured Robert Plant restyling the opening lines, and Jimmy Page’s skilled studio rendition of the solo served the auditory feast. Then there were the encores that recalled the magic of the past.
The band reunited at the O2 Arena in London the following year. Placed at the end of the show, the finale of “Immigrant Song” was met with loud cheers and jubilation. It carried on the iconic feel, crafting a unique live performance. The band was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award the same year. During the event, they paid tribute to John Bonham’s passing, performing “Stairway to Heaven” and “Immigrant Song”. In honor of Page’s 75th birthday, the artists reunited for an exclusive live stream concert in 2020. During this show, Plant dedicated “Immigrant Song” to Page, and both members were seen in the performance of the classic track.
The Professional Reviews
Since its initial release, several publications have become enamored with the track, calling it a “classic anthem” and “a masterpiece”. Professional reviews praised the track’s ability to stand the test of time, stating that its electric guitar solos, thunderous drumming, and unique lyrics have not only endured the test of time, but are also responsible for influencing the heavy metal genre.The song’s combination of cutting-edge riffs, compelling drumming and emotive lyrics have solidified its place in classic rock annals.
Critics also praised the classic track for its influence in popular culture. In a review, music magazine Pitchfork commented that “Immigrant Song” “introduced forces of violence, beauty, and take-no-prisoners attitude to rock music” while becoming a “timeless anthem”. Another publication stated that the song has been “cemented in the popular culture [as] one of the greatest classic rock tracks of all time”. Plant and Page’s uncontested songwriting genius have been heralded, making “Immigrant Song” Led Zeppelin at their absolute peak.
