Dazed And Confused by Led Zeppelin

Album: Led Zeppelin (1969)

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Songfacts®:

This track is based on an acoustic song with the same title that Jimmy Page heard folk singer Jake Holmes perform. When Page was a member of The Yardbirds, they played on the same bill with Holmes at the Village Theatre in New York City. Holmes' version is about an acid trip, but contains many of the same elements that made their way into the Led Zeppelin version: walking bass line, paranoid lyrics and an overall spooky sound. In the documentary Lost Rockers, Holmes said: "We were on the bill with The Yardbirds. We performed it there and blew the place apart with that song, and that's when Jimmy Page saw it. From what I gather from The Yardbirds, Page sent somebody out to get my album. He did a great job, but he certainly ripped me off."

The Yardbirds played the song in concert, but never recorded a studio version, although they did play it for a BBC taping in March 1968.

Led Zeppelin's version was not credited to Jake Holmes, as Page felt that he changed enough of the melody and added enough new lyrics to escape a plagiarism lawsuit. While Holmes took no action at the time, he did later contact Page regarding the matter. Holmes finally filed a lawsuit in 2010, alleging copyright infringement and naming the Led Zep guitarist as a co-defendant. It was the favorable judgment for organist Matthew Fisher in the "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" case that convinced Holmes to sue, as precedent was set that songwriting credits could be challenged in British courts many years after the fact. Holmes settled with Page and the case was dismissed on January 17, 2012. The songwriting credit was changed to the rather cryptic "Jimmy Page, Inspired By Jake Holmes."
In Shiloh Noone's book Seekers Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear, he helps explain the origin of this song: "Jake Holmes, a one time member of Tim Rose & The Thorns, had written entire albums for Frank Sinatra and The Four Seasons, but his two most prolific albums released in 1967 are now recognized as groundbreaking projects. Jake's debut The Above Ground Sound Of Jake Holmes which featured Jake on acoustic guitar, Teddy Irwin on electric guitar and Rick Randle on bass carried the original 'Dazed And Confused' which Jimmy Page borrowed for the Led Zeppelin debut. This was confirmed when the Yardbirds witnessed Jake playing it live at The Village Gate in 1967. The same happened with the opening chords of Spirit's 'Taurus' which Jimmy used for 'Stairway To Heaven.' Jake's artistic actualization follow up, A Letter To Katherine December is translucently a monumental landscape that captures a surreal bluesy world somewhere between Arthur Lee and David McWilliams."
A version of Page performing this song with The Yardbirds can be found on the 1971 release Live Yardbirds. This version is listed as "I'm Confused" and has different lyrics than the Led Zeppelin version.
At live shows, Page played this using a violin bow on his guitar. He claimed that he got the idea from a session violinist he worked with who suggested it (the violinist was the father of actor David McCallum from The Man From U.N.C.L.E.). Eddie Phillips of the UK band The Creation guitarist pioneered the use of the violin bow on guitar strings, predating Page doing it in The Yardbirds by two years. You can hear it on the Creation song "Makin' Time." The secret to this technique: Put rosin on the bow, and the rosin sticks to the string and makes it vibrate. >>
Suggestion credit:
George - Perth, Australia
This was a showcase song at most of Led Zeppelin's concerts. They sometimes improvised on it for up to 40 minutes.
The guitar solo following the bow section is Page's solo from the Yardbirds' "Think About It."
This was the first of three songs where Page used the bow. The others were "In The Light" and "How Many More Times." The first identifiable use of the cello bow on a Jimmy Page guitar was on a Yardbirds B-side called "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor." Speaking in the subject, Page said, "When I use violin bow on guitar, it's not just a gimmick as people think, It's because some great sounds come out. You can employ legitimate bowing techniques and gain new scope and depth."
One of the first songs Led Zeppelin recorded, "Dazed And Confused" was released as a single in the US in January 1969, two weeks before the album was issued.
Jake Holmes, who wrote the song on which this is based, never hit it big as a recording artist, but you've definitely heard his work: He wrote many famous jingles, including "Be a All That You Can Be" for the US Army and "Be A Pepper" for Dr. Pepper.
In 2014, Ben & Jerry's released a short-lived flavor called "Hazed & Confused," referencing this song and the popular 1993 comedy of the same name. The pint contained two different kinds of ice cream - chocolate and hazelnut - with a hazelnut fudge core.

Comments: 152

Cinderella from North CarolinaI agree 110% "I'll want so much when I send you the bill."
Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcBest Led Zeppelin song ever recorded. I love this classic song.
Gollyrojer from Dallas, TexasThe last line, which makes no sense as you have it here: "Tongue wag so much when I send you the bill", is actually this, which makes perfect sense:
"I'll want so much when I send you the bill."
Jeff from New YorkIts amazing that Page was able to keep his name on this song (!)

If you hear the Holmes original, its the same as the studio Zep version with just the lyrics changed (Page tacked on his wild solo from another Yardbirds song "Think About It"). Holmes version is just two guitars and a bass. And its creepy and cool, imagine Crispin Glover reciting D&C with a folk trio.

Same song title, same basic structure, same riff, same call and response mid-section, same key.

Also, at no point was the song called "I'm Confused". Yardbirds bootlegs reveal the singer introducing it as "D&C". This falsification occurred when the record company tried to sneak the Yardbirds live show out on record in 73...they conveniently renamed it avoid what they knew then--that it was an uncredited ripoff of both Holmes & Zeps versions.

The Yardbirds version is almost identical to the Zep studio version, except for lyrics...but the theme remains...the narrator is unsure of his partners intentions in a relationship.

Also the song is not about an acid freakout. Holmes stated a few times its just about a guy who doesnt know where he stands with a girl. If anyone bothered to read the lyrics there is no reference to tripping, acid. Holmes went so far as to say he just smoked weed at that point, so no, not an acid song neither.

For years Page even lied about its origins, either being vague or saying it came out of an early Zep jam.

The Procol Harum lawsuit is based on a different kind of copyright conflict, PH's organist received no credit, yet it is his iconic riff that makes that song. With the case of D&C, it's sheer uncredited theft.

The only reason Homes ignored it was because he felt the statute of limitations had passed. But the lawsuits against Zep finally caught up to Page.
Ken from Philadelphia, PaIf you want to see how Jimmy Page learned to steal songs in 5 easy steps, listen to the following one after another. 1. Train Kept a-Rolling by the Yardbirds. A cover of a Tiny Bradshaw song. 2. Stroll On by the Yardbirds. The Yardbirds performed it in the movie, “Blowout” and the producers didn’t want the expense of clearing a song written by somebody else so the band took Train Kept a-Rolling, tweaked the lyrics, and claimed it was their own... and never got sued. As an aside, this was one of only two Yardbirds songs recorded with both Page and Jeff Beck in the studio, and, regardless of its questionable pedigree, it is an awesome song. Listen to the distortion Beck is working with. I submit that this is the first true heavy metal song ever made. 3. Dazed and Confused by Jake Holmes. 4. Dazed and Confused by the Yardbirds. The Yardbirds worked shopped a version of the song for a year or more before finally breaking up. Lyrics aside, the song was clearly a finished product while the Yardbirds were still a going concern. You could merge Robert Plant’s vocal with this version and you wouldn’t know it was the Yardbirds playing behind him. As anOther aside, I love what Keith Relf does with the lyrics and the vocal in this version. He didn’t even bother changing the theme of Jake Holmes original. It is a first person story of a guy on acid freaking out... he added a bit more to the plot by having the guy freaking over what his girl is doing to him... or not. Relf’s vocal is extraordinary in the way you can feel the terror of the protagonist as his world and his mind are falling apart. 5. Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin. Musically, this is the Yardbirds version almost note for note right down to the violin bow on Page’s electric guitar. Robert Plant tweaked the lyrics to change the theme of the song to one that was less comparable to Holmes’. Still, it was clearly stolen twice, lock, stock and barrel. First, the Yardbirds stole it from Jake Holmes. They did it in typical Yardbirds’ fashion: change the name (They called it “I’m Confused”) and the lyrics but keep everything else great about the song. Then, with the Yardbirds defunct, Page stole it again and built Led Zeppelin around it. I suppose he figured since he took part in the original theft, he didn’t need to do much to make it Led Zeppelin’s. Musically he didn’t change a note, but, in order to keep Keith Relf from suing for royalties over the Yardbirds’ lyrics, Page had Plant change the lyrics again. Apparently, Page felt the second generation lyrics made it so different from the Jake Holmes version that he even reverted to the Holmes’ title of the song, figuring everything else was so different it wouldn’t matter and he was right.... for a couple of decades anyway.
Isaac from IllinoisDid Led Zeppelin steal songs, yes but so did a lot of artists back then and yes they did more than others witch was not right at all, but most of their riffs were original no matter what people say and some of there stuff that people say that they stole I think is a stretch. A lot of their stuff they wrote was original and the songs that they took they made a thousand times better. So will people shut up about how they stole this song and that song because there is no way to go back in time for now, and if that what's keeping you from loving Led Zeppelin and listening to them than that sucks because they are one of the best bands out there but not perfect. Thanks for reading I just felt like I should say what I just wrote.
Anthony from Westbury, NyThis song is played a whole step lower in Celebration Day compared to the studio version.
Lisa from East Tn. , TnBeing one of the most staunch Led Zeppelin fans anywhere,I can without malice or slander say yes they beg borrowed and stole but, ALL musicians since music was invented has stolen from other musicians. So if they leaned heavily on the blues,so did a lot of other British artist's of the time.Quite honestly the worlds music so full of crap now we could use a little stealing from the blues now-a-days. Led Zeppelin in my mind is and was beyond all comparison to any other band on planet Earth. JPJ puts quite well--On a bad night, we were better than most; on a good night, we'd wipe the floor with everyone." ~ John Paul Jones
Thomas from Roswell, NmOne of Pages's best solos.
Geoff from London, United KingdomI can confirm having spoken to a friend associated with Jake Holmes' legal team, that he decided to drop the lawsuit after receiving legal advice that his case would not likely succeed. In California where the case was filed, there has not been a successful copyright prosecution for cases involving a dispute more than 40 years ago, there was a lack of witnesses willing to testify on his behalf, and his music publisher Universal Music declined to get involved.
Wiley from Tucker, GaTo confirm, Jake Holmes' song was called "Dazed and Confused". I have the actual LP that was given to me by a girl I knew in the late 60's. It's just sad that someone (Page) did not honor the composer of this song even though LZ did a nice version of it. Unfortunately Holmes waited too long to take Page to court. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazed_and_Confused_(song) which indicates that some agreement may have been agreed upon finally. I'm sure it was no where near what Holmes deserved.
"This court case (CASE NO. CV10-4789-DMG-PJW) was "dismissed with prejudice" at the request of the plaintiff (Holmes) - presumably because the parties settled out of court - in January 2012."
Noah from Newark, NjThere is a handful of user/s using these comment threads to make personal attacks against musicians and rarely discuss the song. That's lame. Grow up.
Christian from Berlin, GermanyShiloh Noone's book 'Seekers Guide To The Rhythm Of Yesteryear' is a self-published title that's been out of print for many years. The book contains numerous factual errors. I wouldn't trust it as a source. 'Record Collector' magazine (Christmas 2007) when reviewing the book said: "It’s chaotic, unpredictable and not completely reliable".
Ken from Philadelphia, PaIt is no surprise that Jimmy Page simply did a slight rewrite of "I'm Confused" and call it his own (and, of course, take the songwriting credit and the money that goes with it). He was famously, almost comically, cheap (eventually garnering the nickname "Led Wallet" for his unwillingness to pick up the tab for anything ever), rather than share credit with the actual writer.

While originally forming Led Zeppelin, he invited Robert Plant and John Bonham (then, part of another band) to meet him for dinner to discuss the new band he was forming (first to play some remaining Yardbirds' concert dates and, then, to be a new band in its own right). Remember, Plant and Bonham at this time were true "starving artists" with literally pennies to their names. Page, on the other hand, spent years refusing to join any bands because he was too busy earning guaranteed fat paychecks as a studio musicians and, then, only joined the Yardbirds at the behest of buddy, Jeff Beck, after they'd become a going concern and were earning real money. In spite of the wealth disparity and the fact that Page had done the inviting, he still insisted that Plant and Bonham pay for the meal.
Ken from Philadelphia, PaThis song was the centerpiece of Led Zeppelin's live show for years, until it was eventually replaced by Stairway to Heaven. ...and, lest we forget and even though "The Song Remains the Same" doesn't always capture it, Led Zeppelin was primarily a live band in their heyday. Yes, they sold millions and millions of albums, but their concert dates could and did outsell EVERY other band on the scene in the early 70s, INCLUDING the Rolling Stones at the height of their power.
Christian from Berlin, GermanyUpdate: Jake Holmes' lawsuit against Jimmy Page and publishers Superhype Music was dropped on 7th November 2011. On 17th January 2012, a District Court judge formally dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, ie Holmes can't file the lawsuit again in future. The credits for "Dazed and Confused" remain unchanged.
Christian from Berlin, GermanyJake Holmes quietly dropped the lawsuit last year.
Ram from Palo Alto, CaThis song was ripped off from Jake Holmes. I don't know how anyone can consider it otherwise. It has the same name, same base line, same melody with the lyrics changed a bit, and the whole thing lengthened. This isn't the first time LZ has stolen material. I have kind of lost respect for them even though the did put out some good original music.
Ken from Philadelphia, PaI am not a huge Zep fan by any means, but one must give credit where credit is due. This song... and, in fact, all of the Led Zeppelin I album... was incredibly influential. You have to remember that it was recorded in very late 1968 at a time when nobody was doing anything remotely close to what Jimmy and the boys were doing. Nowadays, the things you hear in this song are rock and roll cliches (Jimmy's solos, Plant's screams, etc., etc.), but, prior to this album, that kind of thing was simply not done... not by anybody. Not by Cream, Not by Hendrix, Not by anybody else that you might think was ahead of their time. Yes, they had plenty of influences, but "hard rock" as know it (and its many off-shoots that followed) was created by Led Zeppelin.
James from Dublin, IrelandThis song is robbed i'm afraid. But its a much more complete and amazing song than the song its robbed from,''I'm Confused' by jake Holmes. Does that make it okay?
Willie from Scottsdale, AzRyan in Mesa is correct, the bow was not used at all in ITTOD. It was, however, used on the interlude in "How Many More Times." Actually, it's a bow with return echo, and Robert mimicking the sound a-capella.

HTWWW is probably not the best version out there, you need to find some bootlegs from 1969 and 1971. Some of the better ones include The 7 Sep 1070 show @ the L.A. Forum, a very slow, brooding version in Osaka, Japan in 1972, and of course the first ever recorded verion, 28 Dec 1968 @ Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.
Lisa from Blountville , TnMy fav Dazed and Confused is TSRTS Jimmy just doing what he does best on stage but,a close second is the 01 09 1970 show Royal Albert Hall. " Here comes a policeman dressed in blue ,mama dont'cha know he been doin' things to you" F*$@kin great.I smile every time I hear that. Love the DVD of this show from RAH.Jonsey is so amimated in the shows.They are about as tight and hungry in this as they can get.Great great stuff.Thanks to Jimmy for getting to us ...legally. Isn't Royal Albert Hall going to be torn down soon? 05 09 2010
Sara from Kenosha, United Kingdomhey, try listening to this song to wake you up. its insane and and scince its such a great frieken song thats just great,but the way all the instrements are played, makes everything seem confusing, and so when you wake up, its like waking up from a crazy party. its just unbelivable.yeah.
Kayleigh from Mystic, CtI loooove this song in The Song Remains the Same movie!!!!! WHOO JIMMY!!!!!!!!!
Kevin12345 from Chicago, Ilanyone know where i can listen to those long improvisions?
Ern from Fresno, CaLast Verse. Please Listen. Will your tongue wag so much when I send you to Hell!! Who's Bill???????
David from Los Angeles , CaTyler, i couldn't agree more the version in TSRTS is freakin amazing and one of my favorite performances by Led Zeppelin
Billy from Nederland , TxThis is not my favorite Led Zep song, but this a good one. On the Song Remains The Same movie this is exactly 29:18 minutes long. It' s a good way to spend half a hour.I love how Jimmy Page uses a violin bow on this song.
Tyler from Apple Valley,I LOVE the 29 minute live version on the song remains the same! If you haven't heard it then you need to... SOON
Brad from Lexington, Ky"Been dazed and confused so long it's not true. Wanted a woman never bargained for you. Lots of people talkin', few of them know, soul of a woman was created below!" Good stuff.
Marley from Springfield, NjThis was the first Zeppelin song I ever heard, and then I was hooked for life. Great solo.
Teresa from San Diego, CaRobert Plant please re-join the rest of zeppelin and go on tour again.

please.
Oldpink from New Castle, InAs with "In the Light," and "No Quarter," this one has a nice chill to the atmosphere.
Great intro, great guitars.
Yep, it's something a bit different from the boys.
Nishit from MumbaiI love the main riff and the way Page switches from his solo back to the slow theme of the song..Awesome stuff
Jena from Leavenworth, KsI loooove this song!!! Especially the ending, Robert Plant sounds like he's having an orgasm. It is such a great song!! And it is definitely addictive...the more you listen to it, the more you feel you have to hear it "just one more time"!
Nathan from Marion, Iapretty good lyrics followed by a friggin sweet guitar solo, this is one of my favorite songs by led zeppelin.
Reilly from Rosa , CaI like how the main verse or riff emerges from the chorus at about 5:05 after the long fill from Bonzo. It seems like the song is peaking right before the fill then it goes over the top and back to a softer part. It then explodes into the main riff, and softens back down to the end. This is the stuff you are rarely completely concious of but it has a huge effect on the song.
Hillis from Dallas, Txat around 2:20 , does anyone know what Plants yelling in the background, should be coming out of the right speaker..
Allison from A Little Ol' Town In, MiI agree with both of you. This song is awesome and if you try to dig too deep into a meaning, it can totally ruin a song as good as this one
Kiyoto from Vancouver, Canadaok i totally agree with "Bruce, Conyers, GA", wat he says is totally true. everyone should just back off and enjoy the music instead of looking for some stupid messages or bickering over its meaning like a bunch of three year olds...
Bruce from Conyers, GaWhy oh why can we not just enjoy the wonderful music of Led Zeppelin? Do we have to scan over every single word of every single song and look for some Satanic message or hidden drug meanings? In my opinion, by doing this, we are insulting the writer's creativity. Anyone who says "Stairway to Heaven" has a Satanic message in it when played backwards is jealous of Led Zeppelin's superior writing and playing skills. "Oh, Dazed and Confused is about women." "What are you talking about? It's about drugs!" I mean, we're all entitled to our own opinion, but seriously, just listen to the music peacefully and don't share your opinion because there is always some idiot in the world who is going to say you're wrong, that's just another cruel fact of life. Anyway, this is certainly one of Led Zeppelin's best songs, very nice lyrics(whatever they may mean to you), excellent guitar solo, amazing bass by John Paul Jones, and personally, my favorite song for John Bonham(RIP Bonzo, September 25, 1980). Perfect playing not only in the guitar solo section, but all through the song. Very nice, indeed.
Chad from Bath, PaYou haven't heard this song until you've heard the version from How The West Was Won. It intertwines early versions of Walter's Walk and The Crunge. This version really showcases the versatillity and the great individual performances of Bohnam and JPJ. And of course the chemistry Page and Plant have during the violin bow part is awesome. When Plant sings "I wanna make love to ya girl, 25 hours a day," I just lose it.
James from Manchester, CtFor those who don't think Page is a Satanist here a fact for you. Page currently lives in a house that was owned by Alister Crowley who "By now Crowley was fast becoming infamous as a Black magician and Satanist, he openly identified himself with the number 666, the biblical number for the antichrist." Think about it.

James, Manchester CT
Luke Taylor from Manchester, United KingdomHow does Jimmy NEVER run out of ideas for soloing?..Unbelievable, especially on 'The Song Remains the Same' DVD..Truly the most naturally gifted guitarist ever. And yes, he is better than Hendrix!
Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiAll right, that's just...disgusting. Oh by the way, this was played live from 1968-1975, then was dropped.
Matt from Ohio, OhI really think that The Dazed and Confused guitar solo is the most Underatted solo ever. I could sit there and listen to it for days and days...Zeppelin rules
Mike from Ontario, CanadaWith due regards to "Mark, Seattle, WA". I whole heartedly agree with pretty much what you're saying, and I wasn't trying to absolve Page from the criticisms of theft. I was merely trying to point out that people tend to forget what this argument of "theft" is really about. In terms of musicianship, musicians borrow riffs and licks from previous songs as structural building blocks all the time. In fact the phrase "good musicians borrow, great musicians steal" is a running joke in the music world. What Page did with Holmes' "I'm Confused" riff is very common in the music industry (From what I've seen). What makes Page guilty of theft has more to do with legalities and paper work. If Page had been a little more modest and agreed to put "trad. arr. by Jake Holmes" next to "Dazed and Confused" on the back of Zeppelin I, this wouldn't even be an issue, and no one would be talking about Jake Holmes....Just like how no one talks about JJ Cale with Clapton's "Cocaine" or Bob Dylan with Hendrix' "All Along the Watchtower".
Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiThe BBC Sessions Disk 1 version features, instead of "Will your tongue wag so much when I send you the bill?", this line, "Will your tongue wag so much when you end up in hell?"
Maria The Innocent from Orlando, FlWow. This song is sweeeeet. I wish I could take the power from the song, bottle it, and drink it on a daily basis. SweeeeeeT!
Jesse from Philly, Pai love this song espacialy in the solo its amazing its kinda weird though when im listenin to it and i turn it up loud and everyone can hear plant mouning
Tadi from Mitrovica, Alwhen i first heard this song in Song Remains The Same i sad to my sister: THIS IS MUSIC
Mickey from Mars, Pa...How is thissong about drugs? It's about a girl who keeps doin' him wrong no matter hoiw much he loves her. Sheesh, overanalysation(sp?).
Adam from Uralla, United States"Soul of a woman was created below is barely sexist its an entirely neutral statement. At worst its another example of zep's fascination with the occult
Bill from Topeka, KsNot the best Zep song,it is too bluesey the Whole first album is really
Mark from Seattle, WaWith due regards to "- Mike, Ontario, Canada". I don't believe anyone could listen to Jake Holmes version of this song and not completely believe that Page ripped it off. The melody, the moaning between verses, the meaning of the lyrics, and even the "bowing" parts. The fact that his song was 2 minutes and led zepplin's was 7 minutes means nothing. And yes, Jake Holmes views it as property thief and long ago sent them a "cess and desist" order which they ignored. He did not continue legal action.
BTW, Holmes wrote the commerical jingle "Be... all that you can be. In the Army"
Kiyoto from Vancouver, Canadawhen they performed this live in denmark in 1969 robert plant changed the last line from "Will your tongue wag so much when I send you the bill?" to "Will your tongue wag so much when I send you to hell?", wonder why. anyways great song, love the short bonham solo right after page's solo.
Musicmama from New York, NyHey youze guys (I'm from Brooklyn): Instead of making yourselves crazy by looking for references to drugs, satanism, s&m or whatever in Led Zep songs, you should be paying attention to the paranoia the male protagonists have about what their women are doing to them. I mean, they really had the right idea: If you're not careful, we'll drown you in estrogen! ;-) Seriously, the weird sounds in the beginning give you the feeling of being off-balance, and that guitar solo in the middle conveys a sense of someone losing his grip on what he thought was his life. The lyrics could've been better, but the music really delivers on this one. It's one of the Led Zep tracks I most enjoy listening to.
Bill from Topeka, KsAs much as i am crazily into the zep for some reason i don't like this tune
Ozzy from Fresno, Cathis isnt led zeppelins best song and it never will be. but this is well written esp cuz all it sounds like is heavily drug-indused peeps ^_^
Mike from Hueytown , AlThis probably is their best song
Mario from Slunj, CroatiaEvery time when I play this song I feel like someone is behind me, I don't know,proabably I'm crazy.special that bowing part,but the lyrics are great,I really like the way they performed it on TSRTS in 1973.
All in all song is really perfect
Bryan from Super Zero, ScThis is my favorite Led Zeppelin song. No doubt about it. I have downloaded this song to my computer, and it has blown me away.Love those weird noises at the beginning, they sound really cool!
Ruben from El Paso, TxmY Favorite Led Zeppelin song i love the voice Plant uses and i love the sounds with the bow the guitar drums base EVERYTHING! to me the best Led Zeppelin song
Maria from Athens, GreeceI like this song very much and I prefer listen the live version of 1973(which is in the movie).I don't know if anyone has written this but when Led Zeppelin played it in concerts, Robert Plant used to modificate the lyrics. you can see that on ''the song remains the same'' movie. their perfomance there is incredible, especially Jimmy's perfomance.from that footage you can understand the gloriness of JIMMY PAGE, the magic and the mystery that this band sends out and insimple words the uniqueness of LED ZEPPELIN.YOU people,if you haven't seen that footage you must see it immediately!!!!everytime I see this I feel ecstatic(and i am not the only one):)...
Warrinder from A Town, CanadaThe song was originally called "Dazed and Confused." The title "I'm Confused" was used in error on a live album on which The Yardbirds performed it. "I'm Confused was still creditted to Holmes though The Yardbirds changed the lyrics quite a bit. It wasn't until Led Zeppelin released it that Page decided to claim having written it, which he had done with several songs already. For some reason Holmes never sued them. They got sued by Chess records, Willie Dixon and some others plenty for plagiarising songs like "You Shook Me" and "You Need Love," but never by Holmes. He probably should have because this song is his only claim to fame, not like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and some others Led Zeppelin Ripped off.

This song is not about drugs. Holmes said so himself.
Tim from Louisville, KyThe song "Dazed and Confused" as presented on the "The Song Remains the Same" soundtrack is one of the greatest bits of rock music ever recorded. It's a result of years of nearly nightly playing and constant experimentation coupled with all the musician's mastery of their respective instruments.

In my mind, the changover into the very long guitar solo is the best example ever of Page's guitar talent. All of the musicians' turn it up to full tilt in a moment's notice, and very quickly Page rips out an almost violent blues-inspired solo that flies very gracefully upon a supercharged, relentless rhythm section that exemplifies the meaning of the term "tight".

Every change of pace is smooth and precise. The power of the band is awesome. At the time of this recording (1973), Led Zeppelin was, in all aspects, the Greatest Band in the World.

One of the coolest additions in the suite is a short, soft transition where Plant sings an old hippy classic of the '60/s. The lyrics are: "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure and wear some flowers in your hair. If you go to San Francisco, you're sure to meet a lot of gentle people there."

It's very different from the studio recorded version we are so accustomed to hearing.
Elyssa from Ny, NyThis song is clearly about What a woman can do to a Man and how totally screwed up we can make you guys!! LOL
Sunshine from Los Angeles, CaYup, I'm about dazed right now :)
Nicole from Los Angeles, Cai loved this song...when i first heard it i was like..whoaaa dude..Plants voice is sooo sexy, mournful, emotional and raw..its soo...him...i love how the guitar is like moaning and he mimmicks it...it gives a spooky element..lets jsut say i would not want to be walknig alone in the woods at night listening to this song on my iPod!
Gerard from Honikiwi...all 3:48 of Jake Holmes original, featuring the riff (at certain points), "dazed and confused" at the start of each verse, a similar breakdown, and an unrelated electric guitar solo:
http://aquariumdrunk.blogspot.com/2006/09/above-ground-sound-of-jake-holmes.html if that doesn't work there's two minutes here:
http://samples.itsaboutmusic.net/samples/Jake_Holmes/The_Above_Ground_Sound_of/06-Dazed_and_Confused.mp3

Here are the lyrics

I'm dazed and confused
Is it stay, is it go?
Am I being choosed
Well I'd just like to know
Gimme a clue as to where I am at,
I Feel like a mouse, and you act like a cat.

I'm dazed and confused,
Hangin' on by a thread,
I'm being abused,
I'd be better off dead, I
Can't stand this teasin'
I'm starting to crack,
If you're out to get me,
You're on the right track.

Yeah I'm dazed and confused and it's all upside down
Am I bein' choosed do you want me around
Secrets are fun to a certain degree
But this one's no fun cause the secret's on me
Justin from Columbus, Ohmaybe if you did some research, you'd know thats not Lucipher and that its a picture of the mythology figure Apollo in the painting Evening, Fall of Day (1869) by painter William Rimmer.. and Jimmy has said in many interviews that he wasnt a satanist. And just out of curiosity, how do you get that this is song is about going to hell? "thats why he screams and stuff" - oh, well that MUST mean its about going to hell.. if i didnt know any better i'd say the song was about a woman. hence the lyrics.. people seem to be under the misconception that all songs have some sort of secret meanings.
Jeff from Adelaide, AustraliaThe song is not about a bad acid trip or getting stoned! Just thought I would clear that up. If your a real Zeppelin fan then you will know that Page is a satanist along with Page (not sure bout him but he played along). Dazed and Confused, when it goes trippy its about going to hell. Thats why he screams and stuff. Alongside Whole Lotta Love, same concept. There is heaps of evidence that Page is a satanist, you just have to open your eyes!! The most obvious would be their album covers, one album has a picture of Lucifer on it (the fallen angel). Do some research, look up Page and Alesiter Crowley, Page is obsessed with him!

Have fun!
Ray from Stockton, Njone of zeppelin's best songs of all time
Jonathon from Clermont, FlIn my opinion, this is a masterpiece. Definitely one of Zep's best recordings. I love the brooding feeling you get listening to this song.
Ed from Newport, CaAlright this is one of zep's greatest songs, and in my opinion blows Stairway to Heaven away. When I listen to it or play it on my own guitar it gives me so much energy.
That Dude from This Place, CoThe "How The West Was Won" is simply astounding. It is full of energy. One line robert sings is "Come on little girl show me the way, I wanna make love to you 25 hours a day!!" That is down right cool. It is also pretty rad how they go on for 25:25, and incorporate "Walter's Walk" and "The Crunge' into it to make it an awesome medley. "The Crunge" wasn't even released yet, but they would often do that to promote an upcoming album, or to put songs that were crowd favorites into a medley without having to seperatley play it. I recommened "HTWWW" to any Zeppelin fan.
John from Boynton Beach, FlWell let's all crucify Lee for stating his opinion.

The version on How the West Was Won is amazing.
Justin from Albany, Nythis definitely one of Zeps greatest songs. Fantastic bassline and guitar solo.
Mandy from CalgaryHa ha ha, this song is SO cool. Seriously, I listen to it on the way to school in the morning, and when that guitar solo comes on- I cant help but go slightly crazy and have a little air guitar session in my seat. People probably think Im crazy, you know, sitting there and moving my fingers around in the air as if there is a guitar there... heh heh. Whatever, its a good song.
Lucy from Da, Txi love this song so much. jimmy page is awsome and he is insanely cool when he uses the bow
David from Monrovia, CaOn The Song Remains the Same live vinyl disc (if you have a turntable), this song takes up a whole album side.
Max from Sydney, AustraliaPhoenix, Sydney, Australia, i was just listening to this song while looking at theese comments(very interesting:D)but i went to 4:20 and didn't hear anything exept GREAT GUTAIR...
so either your crazy, you were stoned,or you were drunk YES RULES
Tara from Long Island, NyMe and my friend were stoned one night, and we were watching "the song remains the same" on dvd- and we were wondering how old robert plant was at the time of the msg show. and he started yelling 25... 25... 25... n guess what- he was 25 during that show. its funny, because he doesnt say that on every version of that song- only at that show.
Jeanette from Irvine, Cai don't know i see this song as using women as a metaphor for drugs, and drugs as a metaphor for women if that makes any sense.
Rob from Vancouver, CanadaI'll still throw the head phones on, have a toke and listen to the live version once in a while.
Zach from West Liberty, Kythis song is at my top 5 led zeppelin songs.for guitar players its a tricky trasition from the slow beat to a fast paced solo i recomend it for begginers
Tom from Dosen't Matter, CtJimmy Page also used a bow string on "How Many More Times"
Collin from Midland, TxYou wanna know what an acid trip probably feels like? Put this on iTunes or something like that and then turn on the visualizer. Very trippy/hypnotic. I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but Robert Plant also sings a variation of the line, "will your tongue wag so much when I send you the bill" in live versions. He sometimes sings, "will your tongue wag so much when I send you to hell." I've seen that on most of the performances on "Led Zeppelin DVD".
Shane from Boston, MaI'm just halfway through listening to the live version of this (26+ minutes!) and I can safely say that it is friggin' awesome! I can't wait to get to the bowing part. =)

This is actually my favorite Led Zeppelin song of all time... probably because it's the only one that I know how to play. :P
Craig from Springfiel, OrThis is my favorite song. It features such good performances by all the memebers. Spectacular
Martha from Plymouth, EnglandThis song captures everything of what Led Zep is about, from Roberts shrieking dynamic vocals and Jimmys unbeatable guitar licks to Johns adictive bass line and John Bonham's awesome drumming, especially towards the end just before Robert comes back in. When you first hear it you may not like irt that much, but give it a chance for you to get used to it and you'll wanna listen to it forever.
Dan from Madison, WiPerhaps the reason this song is so awesome, is that they are several interpretations to the song. Any good piece of art has many, many levels. Honestly though, ask a former cocaine addict, and they'll tell you this song is about coke. However it doubles as a great parrallel between women. Led does that with a lot of their songs, the duality between drugs and women.
Matt from Brandon, CanadaThis is such an underated song, one of zeppelin's best. And I love the guitar riff's in the song!
Jeanette from Irvine, Cahow the west was one version of this song=awesomest song ever (maybe)
Ryan from Lakewood, OhThis is the first song I ever liked by Zeppelin.
Raymond from Calcutta, IndiaIs a violin bow not used on one of FOUR songs? The one not listed above being "How Many More Times"?
Matt from Trenton, CanadaFrom the Led Zeppelin DVD:
"Come here, baby, come here quick, this old cocaine it makes, makes me sick; Said here comes a policeman, dressed in blue, mama don't you know he's been doing things, he's been doing them too..."
Ryan from Brentwood, CaWould you believe that I used to hate this song? Not so much anymore.
Danny from Sydney, AustraliaOn "Led Zeppelin: DVD", Robert Plant sings a line which is not in the original recording. I'm sure he sings "this old cocaine, it makes me, makes me sick". Anyway, awesome song.
Phoenix from Sydney, AustraliaI used to be totally addicted to this song... so amazing... and it was also able to explain exactly how I felt about a girl once....

Anyway.. at 4.50 I hear "I don't like the way you're mistifyin' me... Oh don't leave me so confused now" is that what other people hear too??
Weily from West Grove, PaI think your right Lee - and if you listen carfully, Plant says something at exactly 4:20. I wonder if it has something to do with pot. Moron... Anyway... Plant's (no Lee, not a pot reference) voice in this song is frikkin amazing! When he breaks in with Been dazed and confused... wow - I just got goosebumps typing that. Damn!
Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, Scbefore reading about this song on songfacts, i didn't know that the yardbirds did it first. Makes sense though, because their lyrics were different. I saw the Yardbirds perform ir ub concert, and it was amazing!!!
Geoff Sandy from Manchester, EnglandSometimes the obvious answer is the right answer. To my mind the song is clearly about the difficulties involved in being a particular relationship. The man, in this case, is confused about the behaviour of his woman. Which of us hasn't been at one time or other ? Then you might say in frustration: "the soul of a woman is created below", without necessarily meaning it.

On a separate note. There was a TV show Broadcast in 1963/4 called "The Human Jungle" starring Herbert Lom as a psychiatrist based in Harley Street. It's theme tune by "John Barry" was, I always believed, an influence for this track. Have a listen to the baseline and see what you think.

http://www.streetsonline.co.uk/common/product.jhtml?pid=50019648
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaThe middle sounds like Paranoid? I don't get it. The song isn't about being stoned, to anyone who thinks that. The intro is the best part with the bass, and it's like the best I know, and one of my favourite song beginnings ever. Then when the vocals come on, it's awesome.
Rob from St Davids, WalesLove this song! Personaly, I think there is a bit of inspiration from The Who in this song.
Danny from Vancouver, United Statesholy crap the violin bow in the song remains the same for this is totally amazing, so cool to listen to and watch, and i love that really cool jam they had right before the violin bow solo in it, where plant sings "if your going to sanfransisco..." something something. does anyone know if that was an actual song they were using for that?
Jim from Oxnard, CaTo Josh: "Paranoid" was released in 1970. "Dazed and Confused" was released in 1969. If anything, Iommi was inspired by Page's riffs. But then again, Zeppelin plagiarized (or simply didn't give enough credit) a lot of material in their early days.
Mike from Ontario, CanadaJack, you're only partially right. It's a good idea to actually find a copy of Jake Holmes "Dazed and Confused" and give it a listen before you blantantly claim that page stole the song. The only direct similarity would be the opening riff which is not even note for note identitical. Holme's song had to have been an influential source, but not the song itself. Page has never admitted to this to my knowledge, but then again I can't blame him either. Holme's song is 2 minutes long repeating the same riff, Zeppelin's song is over 7 min and contains a solo and many other mini riffs that are definitly not by Holmes. The problem is as soon as people hear "Holme's wrote the original", they automatically assume he wrote the whole 7 minutes.
Kelly from Smalltown, ArThis song is definitely NOT about 'being stoned'... *duh*
Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, ScSaw the yardbirds in concert last saturday (June 11 2005), and their version was awesome!
Isabella from Tucson, AzThe Yardbirds' version rocks too. I mean, really.

I'm tired of Zep fans paying no mind to the Yardbirds, man. Jimmy's work was awesome with the Yardbirds as well.
Ben from Oakville, Canadaone of my favourite zeppelin songs for sure, my bands first zeppelin cover, we added a drum solo and my guitarist bought a bow for the trippy parts and a bowed solo(hahah you probably dont care but yeah, its pretty awesome)
David Corino from Hawley, PaMy first Zeppelin song. My bro use to play it all the time, and the bass just stuck in my head!
Josh from Las Vegas, NvDid anyone else notice one of the middle riffs sounds a lot like Black Sabbath's Paranoid? Both songs are great, though
Ben from Perth, CanadaJohn Bonham is my personal favourite drummer ever and as such should be yours from listening to this song. Blows my mind!!!!
Jack from St. Paul, Mndid anyone ever think about the lyrics to this song? there really sexist. "soul of a woman was created below?" But its a great song anyways. the guitar solo is extraordinarily fab.
Murray from Shellharbour, Australiaother than stairway (being the greatest song ever written), dazed and confused is my favourite zeppelin song...it rocks! that opening bass line, the vocals, the guitar solos, the riffing back and forth between page and plant, and bonzo going off at the end (just before the last verse). ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!!
Taylor from Austin, TxPagey is da bomb!!!
Bill from Cleveland, OhJimmy Page also used a bow in How Many More Times. You can see Page using it on thier DVD disc 1 extras. Even though it is in black and white, you can clearly see it. And just by chance, Led Zeppelin also played Dazed and Confused at the same concert.
Fred from Odense, DenmarkI'm really amazed by the chords, Jimmy uses when he plays with the violin bow. Does anybody know them?
Andrew from Illinois, IlThe solo really amazes me. And JPJ was really working thoes fingers on that bass. you can hear it.
Zach from ..., PaThe live version of this song is phenomenal... all hail Page!
(oh yeah one other thing- Tony, which part?)
Jeff from Detroit, MiI love the guitar solo.
Michael from Greenville, Mslee i think that robert plant, jimmy page, john paul jones, and john bonham(God rest his soul) would ask you to never listen to their music ever again
Matias from Sharyland, TxThe best drumming I have ever heard of!!!
Liam from Campbell River, CanadaInsanely long perfromance of this on The Song Remains the Same..........it's actually a whole quarter (heh No Quarter) of the movie
Dave from Winnipeg, Canada..guitar solo live is ridiculous. It keeps building and then page busts out that ridculous decending scale. I wish someone would tab it so I could at least see how he plays it.
Anonymous from Electric Ladylandhmmm... you know this song could be comparing girls to drugs. Thats just one interpretation of it, though.
Loren(zo) from Carnation, WaAlmost forgot to complement on the other members of the bands qualities in this song. Robert Plant does amazing job. Man thats about as high as it gets for a guy. I mean he sounds like a siren when he opens his mouth!...John Bonham is definatly at his best in Dazed and Confused, and last but not least, the unfamous JPJ is hard at work on the bass n Song Remains the Same. You will see what i mean if you listen carefully.
Loren(zo) from Carnation, WaI definatly think it is an interesting song not only because it reflected on the times that were current back then, but because it is so different from others. It is psychedelic, hard riff rock, mysterious, mystical, and amazingly well performed all in one package! Also, the revolutional Jimmy Page bow solo in this song is amazing. And i'm not talking about the one in Led Zeppelin 1, but i suggest you watch it in The Song Remains the Same movie. That clip inspired me to try the bow out on my own guitar.
Jack from Melbourne, United StatesThe song is about a bad acid trip. It was originaly written by folk singer jake holmes then page ripped it off when he was in the Yardbirds and continued playing in LZ
Chris from Whitesboro, NyAbout a month after hearing the bowing part for the first time, My friend brought his guitar to school and I happened to have my violin with me. He tried emulating the great J.P. and I did the same, but we could not get it to work. Soon after, I took out an acoustic steel string guitar and the method had great effect. It sounded just like the part in the How the West Was Won song.
Ryan from Mesa, AzJimmy Page did not use a violin bow during "In the Evening". It's all done with his vibrato arm (whammy bar) and a whole lotta phaser/distortion. But the heavy solo's and the intro I believe are all done on his whammy bar. BTW It was a fender stratocaster that he used. As seen in How The West Was Won.
Danie from Ft.wayne, InYou know wat is funny....actually it isn't that funny but, the first time Jimmy Page used a violin bow was while he was working studio time with the Yardbirds...he got so much feed back when he played it...the amps almost sounded as if they were ready to blow out..just a few adjustments and a little more practice Jimmy Page soon became one of the most memberable guitarist with a bow.. The main riff is so much fun to play in this song..and easy to learn by ear...
Vincent from Los Angeles, Cathis song reminds me of me...
Michael from Ocean, Njits about being obsessed with a girl. to the point of hurting her in someway."Try to love you baby, but you push me away.
Don't know where you're goin'
Only know just where you've been,
Sweet little baby, I want you again"
Ac from Winnipeg, Canadai agree with tom that plant did an amazing job with the vocals on this song.
and lee, everyone's right...this song is about heartache...maybe you need to get stoned and have a listen
Pants from Calgary, CanadaThe violin bow is also used in "How Many More Times"
Tony from Philadelphia, PaAs a Rock DJ who's worked in Philly, Houston and Chicago, I've got my own personal list of "Best Rock Tunes Ever". See what you think: #10-"Losing My Religion"/R.E.M., #9-"Sky Is Cryin"/Stevie Ray Vaughan, #8-"Isn't Life Strange"/Moody Blues, #7-"Frankenstein"/Winter, #6-"Aqualung"/Tull, #5-"Layla"/Derek & The Dominoes, #4-"Another Brick In The Wall"/Pink Floyd, #3-"Purple Haze"/Hendrix, #2-"High Enough"/Damn Yankees", and, #1-"Dazed & Confused"/Zep. Yeah...I know...my musical taste is all over the road. The ONE constant about all these tunes though is..a killer "hook". That's what makes 'em so great to me.
Will from Portland, OrBTW, he probbably got the drug thing because he heard only the title thinking "dazed and confused, like hes stoned!" yeah well its pretty obvious this song is aobut a girl.
Will from Portland, Orthis is zep's best song
Peter from Montrose, DcChris I totally agree with you
Chris from Victoria, TxLee you make us stoners look like idiots. Stoners are known for knowing the meanings of songs. Its about women. After 2 mins. you can figure it out. Nice try though.
Chris from Hull, MaLee:

How did you get BEING STONED out of this one?! Read and listen to the words. It is about doing everything for a woman he loves and she treats him like dirt, but he knows no differently than what it is about HER that keeps him there: he is DAZED and CONFUSED.
Cody from San Antonio, Txlee is wrong, this song is about women
Tom from Trowbridge, EnglandI think this is Robert Plant's best performance. His voice sounds so raw and emotional.
Andy from Halifax, EnglandOne of the greatest solos ever 3mins 30sec into this song.

This song features Juiimy Page's trademark cal and reply routine with the lead guitar.
Jon from Mountain Home, IdIve got the new cd out by zeppelin, "how the west was won" and this song goes up to 25:25. Now me and my dad actually just drive around town until it is over so we can listen to the entire thing, every second of it. Its on my top 5 of favorite songs ever. Led Zeppelin has surely and greatly revolutionized the way we listen to music and every song is a trademark A+ hit. Dazed and Confused was the first song I listened to after this girl told me she liked me and I started to like this other girl. So when I got home from school I sat down on my floor and just cranked this song up so loud that objects in my neighbors house started to fall over.
Janet from Perth, AustraliaI love this song. It has to be one of LZ's best. I have a video of a really early version of it on a compilation VHS called "Supershow".
Kris from Toronto, Canadathe film "Dazed and Confused" is named after this song.
Keith from Townsville, AustraliaI have always thought the band's greatest song
Lee from Durham, Ncthis song is definately about being stoned

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