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The most famous Rock song of all time, this didn't chart because it was never released as a single to the general public. Radio stations received promotional singles which quickly became collector's items.

On Tuesday November 13, 2007, Led Zeppelin's entire back catalogue was made available as legal digital downloads, making all of their tracks eligible for the UK singles chart. As a result, at the end of that week the original version of "Stairway To Heaven" arrived in the UK singles charts for the first time. Previously, 3 covers had charted: the multinational studio band Far Corporation reached #8 with their version in 1985, then Reggae tribute act Dread Zeppelin crawled to #62 in 1991 and finally Rolf Harris' reworking outdid the other two, peaking at #7 in 1993.

This song is about a woman who accumulates money, but finds out the hard way her life had no meaning and will not get her into heaven.

Many novice guitarists try to learn this song, and most end up messing it up. In the movie Wayne's World, it is banned in the guitar shop where Wayne starts playing it. In the movie, Wayne clearly plays the first few notes before being scolded, but due to legal issues, the video version was changed so Wayne plays something incomprehensible. On an episode of South Park, the character Towelie tries to play this in a talent show and screws it up. (thanks, Ben - Cincinnati, OH)

This is rumored to contain backward satanic messages, as if Led Zeppelin sold their souls to the devil in exchange for "Stairway To Heaven." Supporting this theory is the fact that Jimmy Page bought Aleister Crowley's house in Scotland, which had become a well known Satanic church and was known as "The Toolhouse." In his books, Crowley advocated that his followers learn to read and speak backwards.
Robert Plant addressed the issue in an interview with Musician magazine: "'Stairway To Heaven' was written with every best intention, and as far as reversing tapes and putting messages on the end, that's not my idea of making music. It's really sad. the first time I heard it was early in the morning when I was living at home, and I heard it on a news program. I was absolutely drained all day. I walked around, and I couldn't actually believe, I couldn't take people seriously who could come up with sketches like that. There are a lot of people who are making money there, and if that's the way they need to do it, then do it without my lyrics. I cherish them far too much." (thanks, rob - easton, PA and Tolga - naples, FL)

This runs 8:03, but still became one of the most-played songs on American radio. It proved that people wouldn't tune out just because a song was long. It has also sold more sheet music than any other rock song (10,000 to 15,000 copies a year, and more than one million total. (thanks, Stephen - Steamboat, CO)

In solo work or with other groups, Jimmy Page would not let anyone but Robert Plant sing this, but he does play it as an instrumental on occasion.

Jimmy Page has a strong affinity for this song, and felt Robert Plant's lyrics were his best yet. He had him write all of Zeppelin's lyrics from then on. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine (March 13, 1975) the interviewer, Cameron Crowe, asked Jimmy Page how important "Stairway To Heaven" was to him: Page replied: "To me, I thought 'Stairway' crystallized the essence of the band. It had everything there and showed the band at its best... as a band, as a unit. Not talking about solos or anything, it had everything there. We were careful never to release it as a single. It was a milestone for us. Every musician wants to do something of lasting quality, something which will hold up for a long time and I guess we did it with 'Stairway.' Townshend probably thought that he got it with Tommy. I don't know whether I have the ability to come up with more. I have to do a lot of hard work before I can get anywhere near those stages of consistent, total brilliance."

This was the only song whose lyrics were printed on the album's inner sleeve.

Robert and Jimmy wrote this in an old mansion called Headley Grange in Liphook Road, Headley, Hampshire, where Led Zeppelin recorded most of their 4th album. It was a huge, old, dusty mansion with no electricity but great acoustics. Bands would go there to get some privacy and focus on songwriting. One night, in front of a roaring fire, Page strummed the chords to this for Robert. Plant wrote 90% of the lyrics right there in front of the fire. He has said in many interviews that he didn't seem to be writing, that something else was moving his pencil for him. Plant is a great admirer of all things mystic, the old English legends and lore and the writings of the Celts. He was immersed in The Lord Of The Rings around this time and many of his lyrics reflect that. (thanks, Chris - Tucson, AZ)

Zeppelin bass player John Paul Jones decided not to use a bass on this because it sounded like a folk song. Instead, he added a string section, keyboards and flutes. He also played wooden recorders that were used on the intro. Bonham's drums do not come in until 4:18.

Dolly Parton covered this on her 2002 album Halos and Horns. Plant liked her version. Other artists to cover this include U2, Jimmy Castor, Frank Zappa, The Foo Fighters, The Dave Matthews Band, Sisters of Mercy, Nancy Wilson, Zakk Wylde, Elkie Brooks, Pardon Me Boys, White Flag, Jana, Great White, Stanley Jordan, Far Corporation, Dixie Power Trio, Justin Hayward, Leningrad Cowboys, Dread Zeppelin, Tiny Tim, piano virtuoso Richard Abel, and Monte Montgomery. Neil Sedaka had an unrelated Top-10 hit with the same title in 1960. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada)

The band performed this at the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary concert in 1988 with Jason Bonham sitting in on drums for his late father. Plant did not want to play it, but was convinced at the last minute. It was sloppy and Plant forgot some of the words. This was not the case when Jason joined them again in 2007 for a benefit show to raise money for the Ahmet Ertegun education fund. They performed this song and 15 others, earning rave reviews from fans and critics.

Gordon Roy of Wishaw, Scotland has all of the lyrics to this tattooed on his back. He did it as a tribute to a friend who died in a car accident.

Led Zeppelin played this for the first time in Belfast on March 5, 1971 - Northern Ireland was a war zone at the time. John Paul Jones said in an audio documentary that when they played it, the audience was not that impressed. They wanted to hear something they knew - like "Whole Lotta Love." (thanks, Adrian - Wilmington, DE)

Jimmy Page considers this a masterpiece, but Robert Plant does not share his fondness for the song. Plant has referred to it as a "wedding song" and insists that his favorite Led Zeppelin song is "Kashmir." After the band broke up, Plant refused to sing it except on rare occasions, including Live Aid.

This was the last song the remaining members of Led Zeppelin performed when they reunited for Live Aid in 1985. Bob Geldof organized the event, and did his best to get many famous bands to play even if they had broken up. Unlike The Who, Geldof had an easy time convincing Plant, Page, and Jones to play the show. They played the Philadelphia stage with Tony Thompson and Phil Collins sitting in on drums.

The acoustic intro was borrowed from the song "Taurus" from the band Spirit, who toured with Led Zeppelin when they first played the US. The band Spirit has acknowledged this, and is okay with it. (thanks, Conrad - Los Angeles, CA)

Former Gospel singer Pat Boone covered it for his album In a Metal Mood. He wanted to see how it would turn out as a Jazz waltz, and it opened and closed with soft flute-playing. In a subtle reference to his Christian faith, Boone changed the line "All in one is all and all" to "Three in one is all and all" - a reference to the Christian god, the Trinity. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada)
Another notable cover was by an Australian performer called Rolf Harris, who used a wobbleboard (piece of quite floppy wood, held at both sides, arched slightly and wobbled so the arch would continually invert) and changed the line "And it makes me wonder" to "Does it make you wonder." (thanks, iain - edinburgh, Scotland)

In the '90s, Australian TV host Andrew Denton had a show on which various artists were asked to perform their version of this song. Their versions were released on an album called The Money or the Gun: Stairways to Heaven. Artists performing it included Australian Doors Show, The Beatnix, Kate Ceberano and the Ministry of Fun, Robyne Dunn, Etcetera Theatre Company, The Fargone Beauties, Sandra Hahn and Michael Turkic, Rolf Harris, Pardon Me Boys, Neil Pepper, The Rock Lobsters, Leonard Teale, Toys Went Berserk, Vegimite Reggae, The Whipper Snappers, and John Paul Young. In reply to Rolf Harris' version, Page and Plant performed his song "Sun Arise" at the end of another Denton TV show. (thanks, Graham - Australia)

In January 1990, this song was added to the Muzak playlist in a solo harp version. Unlike the original, the Muzak version, arranged and recorded to provide an "uplifting, productive atmosphere" and "counteract the worker-fatigue curve in the office environment," did not do so well, as even this sanitized version drew a lot of attention to the song, thus undermining the intention of the Muzak programming. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)

In an excerpt from Led Zeppelin; The Definitive Biography by Ritchie Yorke, Jimmy Page is quoted as saying concerning the first time this was played in concert: "I remember playing it for the first time at the LA Forum, and - I'm not saying the whole audience gave us a standing ovation - but there was this sizable standing ovation there. And I thought, 'This is incredible because no one's heard this number yet. This is the first time hearing it!' It obviously touched them, so I knew there was something with that one." (thanks, Spencer - South Kingstown, RI)

Zeppelin's longest ever performance of this song was their last gig in Berlin in 1980. It clocked in around 15 minutes long. (thanks, Marshall - Gallatin, TN)

The members of Led Zeppelin were great fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series - as many as 5 of their songs have direct references to Tolkien's literary masterpiece - the most evident song being "Ramble On." It's possible that Stairway to Heaven also makes many references to Tolkien's story. The phrase, "In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees" could be a reference to the smoke rings blown by the wizard Gandalf. Some say the song itself was inspired by the novel - and that the lady spoken of in the tale is Lady Galadriel, the Queen of Elves who lives in the golden forest of Lothlorien. In the book, all that glittered around her, was in fact, gold, as the leaves of the trees in the forest of Lothlorien were golden. (thanks, Shannon - Tacoma, WA)

According to the radio trade magazine Monday Morning Replay, this is still played 4,203 times a year by the 67 largest AOR (album-oriented rock) radio stations in the US. ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, refuses to release exact figures on how many times it has been played since its release, but figure that on each AOR station in America, the song was played 5 times a day during its first 3 months of existence; twice a day for the next 9 months; once a day for the next 4 years; and 2 to 3 times a week for the next 15 years. There are roughly 600 AOR and Classic Rock stations in the US, which means that "Stairway" has been broadcast a minimum of 2,874 times. At 8 minutes per spin, roughly 23 million minutes - almost 44 years - have been devoted to the song. So far.

On January 23, 1991, John Sebastian, owner and general manager of KLSK FM in Albuquerque, New Mexico, played the song for 24 solid hours to inaugurate a format change to Classic Rock. It played more than 200 times, eliciting hundreds of angry calls and letters. Police showed up with guns drawn after a listener reported that the DJ had apparently suffered a heart attack, later because of suspicion that - this being 8 days into the Gulf War - the radio station had been taken hostage by terrorists dispatched by Zeppelin freak Saddam Hussein. Weirdest of all, lots of listeners didn't move the dial: "Turns out a lot of people listened to see when we would finally stop playing it." (thanks, Stephen - Steamboat, CO, for above 2)

For more information and a photo of Headley Grange, where this song was recorded, check out the Song Images.

The Foo Fighters did a mock cover of this song, and their version was to say that nobody should try to cover the song because they will screw it up. Dave Grohl intentionally carried the intro on way too long, asked his drummer and audience for lyrics, and when it came time for the guitar solo, he sang Jimmy Page's part. This was done purely as a joke, and to tell people not to cover the song, as Grohl is a huge Zeppelin fan, and lists Zeppelin's John Bonham as a major influence. (thanks, Bert - Pueblo, NM)

Rolling Stone magazine asked Jimmy Page how much of the guitar solo was composed before he recorded it. He replied: "It wasn't structured at all [laughs]. I had a start. I knew where and how I was going to begin. And I just did it. There was an amplifier [in the studio] that I was trying out. It sounded good, so I thought, "OK, take a deep breath, and play." I did three takes and chose one of them. They were all different. The solo sounds constructed - and it is, sort of, but purely of the moment. For me, a solo is something where you just fly, but within the context of the song."

Comments:

I saw Led Zeppelin twice in Rochester, New York...and I will never forget it!!!
- John, Hamlin, NY

Well, first off, the song is very real, both forwards and backwards. That does not make this song a satanically inspired song though. Perhaps the opposite is true. Let’s look at the deeper meanings which the artists are depicting to uncover the realities in the song. We notice is speaks of a lady or nation, dressed in Jewels whom has glorified herself in her wealth. She has glorified herself so much that she thinks she can buy her way into heaven with her wealth. Only to find out that heaven on earth or the millennial reign of the Messiah will not allow her to purchase her way out, all the stores are closed for her. Her wealth means nothing how. With all her magicians and soothsayers, she attempts to read the signs on the wall through ancient Babylonian druidic rituals, but they fail her as she can not interpret the dual meanings of the lyrics in the music and mysteries of the signs. However a song bird sings of all our collective thoughts. As they look to the West, towards America, Mystery, Babylon, the lady dressed in Jewels, our spirits cry to leave us, for dread of the horror she brings on the earth. In the thoughts of each other we have see rings of smoke in the trees representing the voices of those whom stand on watch. The whispers come out to call us all in tune, and harmony. The someday for those who stand long, the piper will lead us all to reason. When that day arrives, and the woman is not allowed to buy her way into heaven on earth, the forest will echo with our laughter. If there is a bustle in your hedgerow or normal routine on earth, don’t be alarmed. It is just a spring clean for the May queen whom comes to purify the earth of all the Satanic forces. Yes, there are always two paths you can go by, but there is time still to change from the bad one you may be on. Yes people, your head is humming and you won’t go, because you don’t know the master piper is calling you to join him. Dear lady of wealth can hear the wind blow, as she carries you every which way but right. You don’t know, because your stairway lies on the whispering wind, which does not go to heaven. You can not buy your way in. The truth has now come to us, now that we are all one. We know who the lady is now, collectively, America in the West. So the message here is do not follow the Babylonian Harlot, America, whom is steep Babylonian rituals trying to read the signs on the wall as ancient druids did. When we play it backwards we see the other half of the story. There is an entire poem enclosed in the song from beginning to end also, very incredible. These men must be masters of some ancient elder group which rarely appears on earth. We see hints of it in Kashmir as we read these lyrics they can make us understand. Oh let the sun beat down upon my face With stars to fill my dream. I am a traveler of both time and space To be where I have been. To sit with elders of a gentle race This world has seldom seen. They talk of days for which they sit and wait When all will be revealed. All is revealed when the wealthy Lady whom has glorified herself in her wealth finds she can not buy her way into the eternal kingdom on earth, soon to come. The forest will echo with laughter as those whom have stood long have waited for their time to come…Backwards we can look at the famous part for times sake. If there's a bustle in your hedgerow Don't be alarmed now It's just a spring clean For the May queen Yes, there are two paths you can go by But in the long run There's still time to change The road you're on Backwards this reads, So, Here’s to my sweet Satan. There was a little child born who made me sad who’s power is faith. He’ll (Satan not the child) will give to those with him six, six, six. There was a little toolshed where he made us, (combined with the child) suffer, sad, sad Satan, stating mocking Satan. Apparently, the child is a child and Satan was a man when this suffering in the tool shed took place. The tool shed is a depiction of them being forged by the master’s hand that allowed Satan to bring suffering to them and the child. Most likely as the apokolypcia rolls in, Satan will make many believe the child or younger is Satan and that he is the Christ. The child will not claim God Status by will merely be a prophet. If one reads the entire backward story, this is pretty much the message conveyed. The beginning of the backward song has this in it, which is the end of the forward song, Plaaaay backwards, Hear why its sung here, oppositioner.. Allll on track, all arriving They all sing, and they are one. Shall I loathe you now, parishoner? Oh hear Him, Christian within me. It stirs my sin; the river, Oh, she swells with our lousiness. All my life will end for him? We're all out of signs, I know I'm sorta shocked To hear The Lord, My God now will save me! Oh I will n'er be saved, Because I live with Satan.. One wish today; That you'll all pray for Three who will make it here late. Pray now and you'll see.. The 'Lord' turned me on, But, oh, I was the shaggy fool.. Clothed in agony, Lost at a height. There's no escaping it, Nor his woes.. So here's to my Sweet Satan The end of the backward song or poem ends as such, He, who say the lords Thoth have our laws, Maat must be superb. Mass is ended.. Over there, He who should learn thee. Any moot that serves by my sworn music, I wish it with snow be shushed, All for my mass's sake. Hear why its sung, here, oppositioner, Ohh.. He who should show May make his show worthy, To look, for us, odd.. sickly, There's one chance - take his show. Hold thy head, Hear why its sung here. oppositioner. Who owns this earth built below? Oh sweet Israel... The poem backwards is much wordier than forwads. This is only about half of the poem backwards. It seems to carry a rather Godly meaning, hidden by men whom you would least expect to possess it. These men are masters of an elder race which seldom appears on earth. They are a collective group of chosen people whom have the same experiences, desires, pursuits, and preferences. They are in unison and synchronicity. In the end, they will be victorious over Satan and six, six, six as they have stood long to be where they will be. They are gentle elders of all time and space whom seldom appear. In their songs, they talk of days for which they sit and wait, when all will be revealed. That is scary stuff; I do not think I would want to mess with these guys or their God or prophet of whom they speak, whom Satan apposes as well as he apposes Israel.
- Victor, Chicago, IL

def in the top 10 of greatest songs of all time, no matter your religious views. on a political comedy show in Australia, the team that did the show performed "Stairway to Kevin" just before Kevin Rudd was elected Prime Minister. One of the funniest things i have seen in ages.
- emma, Adelaide, Australia

As a singer,musician, and songwriter I have learned to play this song and do believe the composition and progression of the music is absolutely brilliant. However, as much as I love the song, I do know for a fact there are hidden subliminal messages in the song. I experimented with many records and found that the messages really are there in this song, and many other songs including Beatles Revolution #9, and Revelation #9 by Marilyn Manson. Backmasking is an easy recording technique that has been experimented with since the 50's. You can learn more at: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backmasking) If you play this song backwards,your only going to hear jibberish if you don't do it right. You have play it backwards right at the part in the song that says: ''If there's a bustle in your hedgegrow don't be alarmed now. It's just spring cleening for the May Queen. Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the longrun, there's still time to change the road you're on.'' Why would Led Zep put subliminal messages in a song? Not sure. Artist have always experimented with all types of new ideas and new techniques in music. Do backward messages effect you even though you can't hear it? The near-consensus among research psychologists is that subliminal messages do not produce a powerful, enduring effect on behavior; and that laboratory research reveals little effect beyond a subtle, fleeting effect on thinking.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subliminal_message) Another words, there are not long term effects caused from the messages, but there may be some short term effects on thinking. However,that is when the song is played once. There hasn't been any research on the effects after listening to a song thousands of times. It's my personal belief that it could possibly effect your thinking significantly after thousands of plays. I'm not going to chance it. I don't listen to this song anymore. It is a beautiful song though. I love to play this on my guitar.
- Rob, Dallas, TX

Well...that Athesit guy has to consider one thing...if there wasn't a god, we'd all still be sitting around wearing peace medals and listening to Disco. God save Rock and Roll!
- Squigle, Columbus, OH

This has been my favorite since the '70's, it's in my yearbook of '74 as such and still heads the top of my list! Too bad they're not still a team. Karen, B.C., Canada
- Karen, Prince George, BC

If you look at it from a religius view the May Queen could very well be Mary the mother of Jesus because although the month of the immaculate conception( a holiday celebrated by Christians which commemerates the conception of Mary) is in december May is considered the month of Mary and Mary is somewhat considered the queen of heaven.
- Ryan, Grand Rapids, MI

"this is for the guy at the top about the satanic messages" first off man, when i read you whole shindig about the ~message~ i got relly upset and tryed not to get @#$@#$ off about it. do you relize how much proof their is on how unreal the devil and god are, myself i do not belive but i will if i get a damn good sigh there is an god" or "satan" other than that you people with your funny nonsence lies, and wasting half of your life in a room with fifty other people being talked to about how to be a good person and not go to "hell" you should be a good person and not worrie about whats going to happen to you when you die, besides all that lets not even think about dieing and think about you family and music and all that jazz till then, later.
- eugean, claremore, OK

Ok,ok, OK!!! Good People Regarding The Devil in Music:"Backwards Masking" is a Technical way to add subliminal, as in the case of ELO, "messages" into music tracks. After years of tripping on this Stairway story I have come to the grand conclusion that aside from Jimmy Page, the band, Eddie Kramer, or Peter Grant did not intentionally add the 6 references to "Satan" in the song. I believe this is a natural occurrence of a very dark forces at work here. The conscious motor hears things in a forward motion while the subconscious hears things in a reverse motion. You can hear many clear examples of this with audible words coming forth whilst played backwards. The fact that Stairway has at least 6 "Satans" audible in it--all produced from Different words sung forwards discludes the idea of a certain word reversed. Example: the word Natas. The odds of 6 "Satans" occurring are ASTRONOMICAL which lead me to believe they were attached to Plant via a demonic force--not unlike a temporary possession. Yes, people can be parasitically attached to, unfortunately, by evil meanies. The fact that at that time, Crowley's backward discovery was well known to Pagey, who we all know was literally a young man swimming, proficiently i might add, in a great sea of dark forces. Even David Bowie was, for a time in the early seventies, quoted as such, "to record things backward". Little children can be recorded forward and meaningful sentences can present themselves backwards. It's just part of our complex communication process that is only recently being delved into and discovered. Of course Robert Plant wasn't singing about Christianity's "Devil" Satan, the "light bearer closest angel to "God"--but in reverse you can clearly(that's open to your definition of clarity and experience listening in reverse) hear the word "Satan" and also "he will give you 666" as well as a few other complete sentences. The actual deep lorists believe the entire song is a complete piece of demonic messages coming through from some dark force. As is claimed also to "Battle of Evermore". Why is 666 so important??? Because my children, 666= The Chip that is already here and waiting to be put into you-your physical body! by Big Pharma world wide via nano technology. Why do children get 20-25 shots by the age of 6 these days? BECAUSE, they, The New World Order evil meanies, have plans for all of us in the order of enslavement thru computer tech, etc. It's not about money, they already control that. It's about power..control, of us! Stairway To Heaven was heard, over and over and over again by an entire generation..getting into our minds to accept the chip..or 666. I know this suggests i am a nut..but I'm not. If you have an old turntable, simply take out the belt and manually-using your finger or a pencil-turn the album backwards right around the lyric, "it's just a sprinkling for the May Queen" and continue along to hear, at different speeds, a wall in harmony of demonic voices all crying out to their Satan who will give you 666. Another way to hear this on a PC is to use the Sound Recorder built into Windows Accessories and pull up your studio version of Stairway.mp3. You can play it backwards at a steady speed and hear much of it. Remember, many of the messages or sentences are like listening to words being spoken with very varying speed changes so it takes a little time to actually hear alot of it. "Here's to my sweet Satan", does tho, literally jump out at you so don't freak out, ok? Again, i think this is natural evil-not using tech devices to do it-that got onto the song backwards, through Plant's voice, from Page's direct connection and heavy involvement with evil meanies. I, myself, am Not a big bible guy, i see and feel and connect with Diety, the God Force, the faces of God as Joseph Campbell would say, in nature, positive vibrations, and good intent from good hearts, dogs included. i think we all, all of us living things, rocks included!, have an eternal connection with "God" so I'm not really worried the "Devil" is going to get my soul n spirit, my life force. I Do Believe, tho, that there is an ongoing agenda, brought forth in an infinite number of ways, specifically designed to "get me". So i am wary of VeriChip and any other company that wants to eventually enslave me. As a guitarist, i can't help but dig on Led Zep, forwards!! but as a seeker and longtime observer, and indeed longtime participant, in many things deemed "occult"(hidden or unknown) I do see Black Arts written all over anything Jimmy Page touches so i have to ask myself why? Why was Stairway the Most Heard Song of it's time? Why does it tell us that "he will give you 666"?? Don't be a shallow putz and write me off without examining this thoroughly yourself before responding from your heart. The fodder i have seen over the years regarding people's opinions of Stairway, Zep, and backwards messages have led me to believe that Many will take the chip as planned. Next week's children will be getting them directly thru their dr.s via nano-tech shots to prevent H1N1 etc., etc. OK, I've pointed you in the right direction..maybe do a little further investigation on your own, take care, fear only fear itself, and be good to each other, enjoy thy journey! I'm off for some chocolate chunk..
- aleister, faraway, CA

The song brings back so many memories. Best song ever. I drove to Buffalo the day it was released from Toronto. Does anyone know the exact American release date? Paul, Kingston, Ontario
- Paul, Kingston, ON

This song gives me chill when i hear it i mean really just sit and listen. You feel the gradual cressendos. It is amazing! Best song in the world. All hail the legends!!!!! "Satan can go to hell as far as i'm concerned. - Buzz, Towntown, MI" I agree with him btw.
- Israel, Laredo, TX

I'm a Christian and yes I know Jimmy Page bought Aleisteir Crowley's old house but was Crowley Satanic? Some guy said he was a thelemite, I also read that his Christian mother called him the beast 666 and that he adapted to the nickname I guess to teach people a lesson. Isn't the may queen a term he used in one of his poems? Oh so Robert Plant didn't feel possessed.
- James, Newark, , NJ

If you want to SEE music as a human term, Them watch Led Zeppelin play Stairway To Heaven... There is not a single person on this earth who gets tired of this music, and if there is, he or she has no rights to live...
- Michael, Dubai, Italy

In my opinion this was the greatest song ever recorded...of course it's in my top songs of all time list and I apppreciate hearing it everytime I get the chance...I have never heard anything like it in my life..the opening guitar work is so recognizable and everyone whose heard it knows the song virtually on the very first chord of the song! Through the years when radio stations play their year end songs of all time, this one is always in the top two....even if the lists change from year to year, this song always endures at least the runner up position if not in the number one slot...thank you!
- Peter Steele, Medicine Hat AB, AB

I've found the satanic message in the song on Youtube. The lyrics are: ''If there's a bustle in your hedgegrow don't be alarmed now. It's just spring cleening for the May Queen. Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the longrun, there's still time to change the road you're on.'' in the first paragraph it talks about a tool shed. THIS SCARES THE s--t OUT OF ME!!!!!!!!!! You'll know why... These are those same lyrics played backwards... ''Oh, here's to my sweet Satan. The one who's little path would make me sad. Who's power is Satan? He'll give those with him 666. There was a little tool shed where he made us suffer. Sad Satan.'' freewebs.com/dougclub
- Doug, B, IA

this song released in 1971 is absolutely great. BUT... it is partially a copy... of RAMBLE TAMBLE from CCR, releases in 1970. listen to it when it comes slow in the middle. Respect to Fogerty!
- toutoune, Paris, France

It is a fact that this is the best solo ever,..... I'm serious.
- David, Los Angeles , CA

Great Song PERIOD.
- Reese, Somewhere In Texas, TX

Although several other Zeppelin songs draw their inspiration more directly from Lord of the Rings, I believe there is at least one line in Stairway that draws from that work. Specifically, I believe the line, "There's a feeling I get, when I look to the west, and my spirit is crying for leaving," refers to the Elves. As I recall, they all have some level of desire to travel over the sea to the lands in the west, leaving behind middle earth. I'm sure plenty of people have noticed this, but I seldom see Lord of the Rings referenced when it comes to this song. I remember well a period of about 20 years, from the mid 70's to the mid 80's when this was easily the most played song on FM radio. I never grow tired of hearing it, and in particular, hearing Page's greatest ever solo. The greatest song on what is possibly the greatest-ever album.
- Andy, Las Vegas, NV

People are going to have differnt views. To me this is one of the most beatiful songs ever written. Yea it tells the truth. When someone speaks that they speak one way and think the other,as in a forked toungue. We all look between the lines for a hidden meaning. I think the song does represent a lady that struggles for just that, and the man has the answer he thinks! But she will climb higher to get to where she belongs,in a stairway to heaven, to escape the boundaries that were set on her by her master. Whether it be a man or a spirtual entity! Sometimes she cannot trust either,but the wisdom she may find in herself,yet they may try to seek.
- shirley, lynchburg,va, VA

Ok, why would they make a "satanic" song backwards that had such a pure and good message forward for everyone to hear?? If it would be true it would only make the song even more brilliant.. "sometimes words have two meanings" it's a song about the choice between good and evil, and the song would in this way have both sides.. Everyone should make up their own mind, but even if this was true, i wouldn't see it as a tribute to satan rather then just a song with satan incorporated in it.. GREATEST SONG OF ALL TIMES ALL CATEGORIES, it has everything, greatest lyric, greatest guitar solo, greatest bassline, so sophisticated how all the different parts go so perfectly together, it has the really quiet calm first, folky part.. it slowly morphs into a smooth rock ballad and climaxes in an awesomely rythmic guitarriff with kickass rock n roll drums with a bit of a military vibe to it.. every part is unique, intelligent and seem so obvious like all good songs do, this time it's without beeing simple..
- Jonas, Gothenburg, Sweden

to Chloe, st. louis.. ofcourse it's ok to cover any song, you'll need to be very careful when covering stairway to heaven though.. it's illegal to call it a cover unless you change the vibe completely, as me and two dudes figured in a haze the other week, the VIBE is the song.. so make your own vibe and it can never be wrong.. listen to Frank Zappas version, a great tribute to a great band and his version is a great song on it's own with a whole new vibe that fits every part of the song.. and it's obvious he's not trying to outdo led zep..
- Jonas, Gothenburg, Sweden

Led Zeppelin are not satanists. If they were, would they deny it? If Robert Plant was a satanist, why would he get upset that people are saying Stairway To Heaven has satanic messages? Wouldn't he be more flattered? Why would he dismiss being a satanist if he really was? The fact that he says he is not a satanist means he is not. They wouldn't lie about that. Plus, I have that Stairway To Heaven was inspired by The Lord of the Rings, and I have heard this more than the "satanic message" thing. By the way, Stairway to Heaven is a beautiful and great song, inspiring and epic.
- Margie, St. Louis, MO

To Billy in Nederland Texas. Christian song? stairway to Heaven? I don't think so. The Piper is from Pagan beliefs such as Pan for example. The May queen is from May Day celebration which is a fertility festival. As for the verse about rings of smoke thru the trees, to me it is still pagan and/or wiccan references. Being of wiccan belief, I find a lot of wiccan references in the song. It was one of the MOST evil thought of songs when it first came out. It was believed to have satanic messages in it....lol, lol how funny. The song is fantastic. I have loved this song since I was a teenager...oooh, this is painful but that has been a long time ago. I am 60 yrs old. I felt a twinge when I typed that. Lol, lol.
- Valerie, Eureka, CA

To Ben in West Bend afghanistan....sorry to hear that Led Zeppelin was booed when they played Stairway. way back in 1975, I saw them in Long Beach California. They dedicated Stairway to those sitting in the 3rd balcony. LUCKY me! I was sitting in the 3rd balcony. These guys played like they were on fire! One of the best concerts I have ever been to. They gave 1000% of themselves.
- Valerie, Eureka, CA

As I said Before a million times I LOVE this song. Jimmy Page IS THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is one of the main reasons I play guitar. I've been playing 6,7 months now, and I can play some of the intro. This week my guitar teacher is teaching me the rest of the intro, and the riff of "Heartbreaker." Awesome!
- Billy, Nederland , TX

Rule of Life Number 1- It will never be okay to cover Stairway to Heaven. Ever.
- chloe, St. Louis, MO

fun little fact: the first time led zeppelin played stairway to heaven in concert, they were booed by the audiance because thats not the song they wanted to hear
- ben, west bend, Afghanistan

i think the song is pretty straightforward.. its all about ambiguity in our convictions beliefs.etc... is how we come to crossraods all the time.. within our hearts and heads i only have one question , the only line that i could not actually determine.. is the last one to be a rock and not to roll i mean do they see it in the pesimistic way.. like that the rock should be rolling .. and not be deprived of it... or the way around?
- aris, larnaca, Cyprus

Amazing song....pretty fun to play on guitar as well.....can't get the solo down yet.
- Laurice, Aurora, CO

Who cares if its about satin, god, drugs, gays, WHATEVER! Its a beautifull song that makes me cry, and thats good enoughf.
- Nick, Seattle, Albania

I agree with the most famous rock song of all time. Led Zeppelin is another one of my favorite artists and this, of course, would be my favorite Zeppelin song.
- JJ, Washington, DC

Did you read that part at the top? THE most famous rock song of all time. WOO LED ZEPPELIN!!! After 2 years of guitar playing, i can finally play the intro and chords of the song. Solo is tricky but i'll get there. And i recommend anyone who has only heard this song should hear their others, most likely: Bron-Y-Aur Stomp, Immigrant song, Friends, Dazed And Confused, Black Dog, Rock n' Roll, Whole Lotta Love, The battle of Evermore, Kashmir, Bron-Ya-Aur, The Song Remains The Same, and...well just hear them all if you got time.
- Nick, Cairns, Australia

I believe page sold his sole to the devil out of pure devotion to his music and fans.. It is not humanly possible for some1 to be as good at the guitar as he is.. At least thats what i like to think..
- Sean, Germantown, NY

the song is actually constructed as a stairway, it rises its intensity as it goes.
- karl, Havana, Cuba

Greatest Song of all times. The "baby boomers" relate in a total different perspective. The "Satan" issue is a little over exagerated, as HE is only a bad role in a fairy tale. The song rocks, the legendary Zeppelin is immortal.
- Tarahlou, Joplin, MO

Its strange people always say you know grundge killed hair metal and hair metal killed classic rock and heavy metal but think about it after hair metal killed classic rock and heavy metal it came back strong pretty strong and now after grundge killed hair metal it is still popular and all the best bands are touring so in my opinion one type of music has to esscentially die out after awhile then come back so to all those people who say there will never be another band anything like them agian just wait you never know....
- Jasmine, Allentown, PA

This is a great song, i love it, no doubt, but it is kinda over rated.
- Luke, Dayton, OH

Just adding some more info. "Stiarway to Heaven" is a Christian song. People the title's third word is "Heaven". And the lyrics, "yes there are two paths you can go by(Heaven or Heck)but in the long run you can change the road you're on"(you can change your sinful ways) The "piper" in the song is probaly an angel.I'm just saying.
- Billy, Nederland , TX

Rahul, the only thing about it was they borrowed the opening riff from "taurus" by spirit. nontheless, I am with you all the way
- Matt, Houston, TX

This is my 2nd post for this song.As I said earlier I LOVE THIS SONG. I was born in the 90's but, pretty much all I listen to is music from the 80's or before that.People, the Satanic backwards messages is bull!Listen to frontwards, the way your supposed to.
- Billy, Nederland , TX

defnitely the best rock song of all time.... and a breathtaking solo to top it off.... woow.... jimmy page, u rule.... n yeah plant too....lol
- rahul, chennai, India

This is the "Classic Rock Song" of all times. IMO
- Toni, Jeffersonville, IN

I had to rate this song a 5, for lack of a 286,374...
- Adrian, Gettysburg, PA

when the satanic message issue comes up, i say that i believe some weirdo made that up just to get attention because if you listen to it backwards without what is supposedly says, if its really a backwards message you should be able to hear it, all u hear is random jibberish.
- bob, owen sound, ON

Um...I could go on and on about this song...I LOVE IT TO DEATH
- William, Pheonix, AZ

I thought I heard somewhere that it was also partially influenced by the poem "The Lady of Shalott." I think it was off of a t.v. show(maybe vh1 classic, or mtv) but I can't remember, any confirmation to this?
- Stephen, Tahlequah, OK

In my opinion, Led Zeppelin is the greatest rock band to have ever graced the earth with their presense. They have influenced countless bands, and inspired people to get into music. I myself first got into Rock from the 60's and 70's because of Led Zeppelin. Their music contained a passions that you just don't get from todays version of Rock except from a few exceptions (such as the Foo Fighters, Tool and others like them.). Now for this song itself, being a HUGE Led Zeppelin fan, i can tell you that this is definantly one of the greatest rock songs of all time, however, it is not Led Zeppelin's greatest song, nor is it THE greatest song of all time. Stairway to Heaven is one of those songs that everyone knows and is THAT song that people know the band for, like Rob Zombie's Dragula, or The Eagle's Hotel California. While the solo in this song is very good, those in "Since I've Been Loving You" and the live 18 minute version of "Dazed and Confused" are much better. I suggest any new Led Zeppelin fan checks out these songs and hopefully delves deeper into the magic that is Led Zeppelin's Discography
- Jason, Glen Rock, NJ

This is me and my boyfriends song! I know its not about love or anything but just the fact its slow and beautiful!
- Jessy, Boston, MA

I get filled with joy whenever i hear this song! It deffinetly is Led Zeppelin's best song!
- Jessy, Boston, MA

The backmasking thing in this song is a load of B.S. You can only hear it if you have lyrics in front of you, and you can also hear the 'messages' if you sing it YOURSELF and play it backwards with lyrics. And Jimmy Page was not a satanist, he might have just owned his house and read some of his books... but he never joined the satanist church. And now he has separated himself from all that stuff.
- Matt, San Jose, CA

i am one of those people who will listen to almost anything and i do and this song is number five on my greatest songs ever and that includes the genres metal, punk, classic rock, and grundge so that says alot
- Jasmine, Allentown, PA

led zepplen will always be the best rock and roll band ever as i had the pleasure to see them 6 times and they got better with age. the song stairway to heaven was voted the song of the century back in 1999.
- tom, missoula, MT

First of all, I am a HUGE zep fan. Many people do not know what to think because it may be a coincedence, it may not be. Personally, I am one of those people. I question what people say about there not being satanic messages, I don't know where to go because there are so many references back to the subject in the controversial 5th verse that it can't possibly be a coinsodence. I do though think that Page was a satanist but kept it from the public. What about the mysterious "unamed album" that the track first appeared on, that the show a very odd photo of an old man on the front, or did anyone referback to the current days, what about when they produced Mothership, the song was unlucky number 13. Definately, satanic message or no, the song was made to cause some hype about history's greatest rock band.
- Garrett, Pittsburgh, PA

I'm gonna have to agree with Garrett, I don't know what to think it is impossible to have that many backwards messages in on recurring verse; just improbable. The unnamed album, little eerie don't you think and yes I never noticed, Stairway is number 13. And yes he bought Mr.Cowley's house, and he was involved in black magic and he was interested in that kind of stuff. Never-the-less, they are, will be, and ever have been the greatest rock band eva and that will remain the greatest song ever, no matter what you say. I agree though, I, personally, went through a phase for a week and a half of being obsessed with backmasking... LISTEN TO THE MUSIC FOR WHAT IT IS MAN!!!!!!!!!! I just think secrets are interesting, ZEP LIVES ON!!!
- Mike, Pittsburgh, PA

Guitar World readers voted Jimmy Paige's solo as the greatest guitar solo ever
- Austin, Smallsville, New England

On the 20th anniversary of the original release of the song, it was announced via U.S. radio sources that the song had logged up an estimated 2,874,000 radio plays - back to back, that would run for 44 years solid. As of 2000, the song had been broadcast on radio over three million times. It is also the biggest-selling single piece of sheet music clocking up an average of 15,000 copies yearly. In total, over one million copies have been sold
- Austin, Smallsville, New England

Who could deny the greatness of this song. It has all been said before. However, is it the best offering from LZ. Not in my opinion. I agree with Robert Plant that LZ's greatest song is Kashmire (sp). This song goes beyond the bounds of anything before or after. (IMHO)
- Paige, Crestline, CA

well look if we are talking about deeper meaning, yeah ill go for the beatles and radiohead and what not but with led zeppelin the rock is so pure and blues oriented i never can get enough of that stuff. Communication breakdown though? Damn....lmao
- Ryan, Morganville, NJ

Ryan I hear you man but from one die hard zeppelin fan to another that is just my opinion.Besides I tend to listen to deeper stuff with bigger meanings, so I kinda make an exception for lz.I put communication breakdown there because I have had people make me feel like dirt and it felt sorta like an anthem for people like me to rise above.Stairway to heaven is no doubt the best song ever [with kashmir] but it is not my favorite.plus it was hard to choose as i also wanted to include rock and roll,dazed and confused,black dog, the lemon song ,trampeld underfoot etc.
- Matt, Houston, TX

look matt hear me out man, look Im only nineteen but comeon....communication breakdown at number 2? Bro the list has to go in this order: Stairway to heaven, Kashmir, In my time of Dying, dazed and confused, since ive been loving you. Ok maybe not since ive been loving you at number 5, but ill be gentle with it. Theres no way you could have zeppelin without stairway at the top. the amazing colab between paige and plant....bro the solo on stairway makes me feel as though i could be 19 forever. And the lyrics are pretty decent, they stick to a understandable story line and honestly f--k all these idiots with the devil music they dont know anything about rock and roll or music for that matter at all. These are the same communists who thought paul was dead all this time. :D Communists
- Ryan, Morganville, NJ

top 5 zeppelin songs 1.kashmir 2.communication breakdown 3.stairway to heaven 4.whole lotta love 5.achilles' last stand
- Matt, Houston, TX

It's one of the most researched songs on songfacts.
- Austin, Smallsville, New England

I feel so bad for poor Page and Plant. All they did was write a song, and a spectacular song that is considered the best of all time. But instead of being loved by everyone on this planet like they should, some moron is saying they worship the devil and that they are evil. This song is beautiful and can have many meanings to many different people but you should just listen to it for what it is and not try to find any secret messages.
- Marley, Springfield, NJ

Eternal Loving God, I thank You for allowing Led Z. to compose this song. I like this song. The musical background is beautiful with the sound of the guitar and the other instruments. It's one of the best song I have heard. In my opinion, the lyrics are also beautiful, with words like Heaven, stairway, May Queen, rings of smoke, piper, 2 meanings, thoughts are misgiven. There are challenging lyrics for me. Whether it is good or bad song, I feel the challenge to love it more than to hate it; to love the composer rather than to hate him. I firmly believe that love is more powerful than hatred. Who am I to judge my Bro. Jimmy Page or other members of the Led Zeppelin? Some of the greatest saints were actually sinners before they became saints. Let's keep on rocking with the Holy Spirit through Led Z. Amen.
- oscar, bellflower, CA

The backwards messages are not real, you need the words in front of you to think there's a message. I know this is true because I tried it on my friend without the words and he thought Robert Plant was calling random things sexy lol. This is a great song and I will never tire of it.
- Marley, Springfield, NJ

I interpret this song as plain beautiful - just aspiring to greater things. I enjoy it. If we don't climb then we won't know.
- excell, Sydney, Australia

What a truly magnificent song. Will aways be right up there. No music these days can match to this. =]
- Elena, Paradise City, Australia, --

For everyone talking about the Satanic message thing, it has been pointed out on numerous occasions that the word "there" sounds a lot like "satan" when played backward. If you look at the "hedgerow" verse played backward, "there" and "satan" line up perfectly together. This trend could also be seen in other classic rock songs such as the Doors' Break on Through or the Eagles' Hotel California. Moral of the story: There = Satan! It's a coincidence. Sorry to burst the bubble.
- Frank, New York, NY

Guys, let the whole "backwards messages" go. If anyone can explain to me HOW exactly they would make it so that if you played fully understandable lyrics backwards and get a satanic message, or WHY they would do that, then I might believe that its in the song. But even if it IS in the song, why would that matter at all? Backwards messages don't work subconsciously, because you can't hear them conciously. So even if they did exist, which they DONT, (yes, i've heard it myself, you can't tell what they're saying if you dont have the words infront of you) then it shouldn't matter. Just listen to the damn song and enjoy it's brilliance, don't ponder about what it means if you play your record backwards. And as "me, why should I tell u?" said, Jimmy Page wasn't Satanic, he just studied the occult.
- Cati, Atlanta, GA

Jeez, some of you should try out for "South Park" or Beevis & Butthead" Zep is the best band ever. I kinda agree with Mick from Las Vegas, pretty damn close to right. Should "Hard Rock Park" reopen in Myrtle Beach, put your faith in your God and jump on the "Stairway to Heaven" and see how you come out. Don't forget to wave at Kenny in that first big Dip!
- Wayne, Mauldin, SC

The Magical thing about this song is that it reflects a lot of mystical aura when you listen to it. Its the kind of song I will listen to when I like to stay alone and reminiscing what possibly could Led Zeppelin could be doing to write a song like this. This is pure genius. This song always flashes a déjà vu illusion evertime I listen. This song has far more depth than any song I could possibly heard. Led Zeppelin is a legendary band.
- Visnu, Bangalore, India

I like Metallica's version better and I am not saying i do not like the original work
- Scott, Lewisburg , TN

When my hedgerow bustles it most certainly is NOT the May Queen.
- Chris, Tulsa, OK

Jimmy, Boleskin house, United Kingdom- What an excellent well thought out argument. I don't agree with all of it, but it was well done. I almost never read the long posts. Most people can't stay on topic for that long, but I really enjoyed your effort. Thanx mate!
- mark, worcester, MI

Go to www.reversespeech.com and go to examples. Go to the very bottom of the page, click on "many more examples of reversals can be heard here", and then go to music reversals page. At the very bottom, you'll see Stairway to Heaven. When reversed, it says "Play backwards. Hear words sung" and "Its my sweet Satan. The one whose little path would make me sad whose power is fake (indeterminate gibberish - some people claim this says, He gives you 666) There was a little toolshed where he made us suffer, sad Satan." This is crazy!! Many other songs are reversed like "Help!" "Hotel California", "We Will Rock You", and "Here Comes the Sun"
- Bob, Dumbsville, Belarus

This song is about going crazy from getting syphillis because the girl was a slut. "Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know, The piper's calling you to join him" - That's about going crazy, when else does your head hum? Piper = Syd Barrett "To be a rock and not to roll." - Plant was telling the stupid hoe to be a rock and not to roll like a rolling stone. The rock symbolizes staying with one guy, the rolling part symbolizes not to stray and screw other guys because you will catch a disease. "And she's buying a stairway to heaven." - Now she's either buying AIDS cream from the pharmacy along with painkillers or she died, went to Hell and is trying to buy her way out of it. She can't and she suffers in Hell probably getting mutilated like in those Saw movies.
- ShyGuy, Super Mario Land, Afghanistan

this is beleve it or not a Chirstan song the backward message is more than my sweet satain thats only the first line if you lisen to the whole backmasked message it's a anti satain message go here http://www.sunsetwestproductions.com/forever/stairway.htm
- alec, coulmbus, OH

this is beleve it or not a Chirstan song the backward message is more than my sweet satain thats only the first line if you lisen to the whole backmasked message it's a anti satain message go here http://www.sunsetwestproductions.com/forever/stairway.htm
- alec, coulmbus, OH

As an old school DJ I only spun LP's and at radio stations turntables moved counter and clockwise to cue up a song cut, so I checked for myself "My sweet satan" is clearly hidden behind "Theres still time" (to change the road your on)clear as a bell so go get some vinyl and see for yourself. Its no different then the production done for later Beatles like Abby Road. Page is a satanist which IS a religion like it or not and he produced all of Zeps albums sooooo, blame him. Robert is a spiritualist studying and practicing many religions, he wouldnt have any part of that but it wasnt his choice and so I think he just stays in denial. By the way this song is about our journey through life. One of the philisophical "paths" is the accumulation of worldy goods but it doesnt say that is a bad thing. The references to JRR TOLKEIN are there because Plant loved this author and of course words like bustle, hedgerow and may queen are English which, wow-wee so are the bsand members! Its a lovely etherial mix of fantasy and philosophy..too much attention to satanic refrences that the youth focus on when they listen to this song. I suggest a nice hit of acid and then see what you think...
- susie, Mpls, MN

How many comments???????? Just goes to show how popular the song is. But of course you get the few people, like Jean, who will openly dislike Led Zep and their songs!
- Blake, London, United Kingdom

Jean this song is more than two chords. It is Aminor,G,F,d,c,bminor or something like that.
- Austin, Smallsville,New England, --

This song is the biggest seller of sheet music in the United States.
- Austin, Smallsville,New England, --

During live versions of this song Robert Plant will say "does anybody rember laughter". Also when they play this live Jimmy Paige extends his guitar solo.
- Austin, Smallsville,New England, --

the only way to hear some secret message is to have smoke some pot before you listen to it. anyway one of the greatest songs ever.
- Joe, norristown, PA

I think that this was one of the greatset songs ever. I think that this song was made for everybody to have different opinions about it. I would like to see if someone on tv did do an investigation about this song and got some fact together
- john, Boca Raton, FL

It seems you all know some things about song than I do. Do I need to say something? Look at my name:) Yeah! Scared huh?:) Now go find and hold your Bible and read my following notes. The words have two meanings: but yes, it seems the obscured passage might be truthful of individual idea, but it does not mean that individual holds the truth, so what if I said something while my favorite band was recording this song, but does it means I tell the truth? Messenger does deliver the message, but only his master knows understands the truth meaning, and sometimes I don't even know what my doing. But I love this song, and I don't like to hear it the forward way, but remember I never tell truth:))) Forward: Stairway To Heaven you go. Backmasking: Come down and Join the Party. Sincerely 666, Cursed Satan:)
- Satan, New York, NY

Man I hate to say it but the controversy on the whole satanic messages may be true although I get the feeling someone tampered with it! if you are looking into this just type in "stairway to heaven backwards" at google go to the seventh one from the top and click on it. It will play the message forward and backward. wierdest thing i have ever heard. Led Zeppelin still rules!!!!!
- blake, tahlequah, OK

Who is this Jean character a few comments down? Led Zeppelin is incredible. Just because a song has only a few chords does not make it bad. Simplicity can work, if it's meant to be that way. Take Hey There, Delilah. Yes, I'm sorry to be comparing Plain White T's to Led Zeppelin. However, it is important to note that that song is also very simple, in fact more so, because it has basically a guitar and that's it (well, for most of the song) with three chords. Does that make it a bad song? No. Plus, is the whole solo in the middle of Stairway simple? It doesn't sound like it thank you very much. It requires skill to be able to play that little piece of music.
- Sam, Richland, WA

Jean from Paris: You made a HUGE mistake in insulting one of the influential bands ever in Zeppelin and the greatest rock ballad evr in Stairway. I love Jimmy Page's guitar solo on this great song. Thanks Zeppelin for all the great years of in-your-face rock n roll!!!
- Bob, Dumbsville, Belarus

It's humorous that every great song has to do with drug addictions and Satan. Half of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Eagles songs fall into this group.
- Andrew Mahalingappa, Bethesda, MD

The only way this could possibly be a satanist song when you play it backwards is because the reverse of it is for materialism and money, which is bad enough to be called that. That's a joke, by the way.
- Sibella, Pretoria, South Africa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpij-eSKIBk To eliminate the confusion
- Júlía, Reykjavík, Iceland

I've read only one comment that came halfway close to a statement made by Robert Plant, recorded during a live concert. And I quote:"This is a Song of Hope for America!" When Led Zeppelin first came to the United States of America, there was virtually no press, and no interviews, for several years. And with no STH single, it took about nine months for the hard partying rock & rollers to stay awake all the way through the album and get to know Stairway To Heaven. I've learned to play this song, revised my style to fit better as time has gone by, memorized the lyrics and played this at a North Georgia Christmas party whilst drunk rock & roll rednecks on one side telling me if I screwed up they'd kick my ass, and a born-again Christian couple(wonderful folks though) on the other side telling me the song worshipped Satan(he was called Lucifer in the beginning), at the same time...now that was fun! I joined their church, and played Dobro in the church orchestra later on. I never get tired of Jimmy Page on his trusty D-18 Martin Guitar intro, and the totally amped Les Paul solo at the break. The only performing artist to ever come close to covering this song, was Frank Zappa. I know there is probably one opinion of what this song means for every person who ever heard it. But I don't think Led Zeppelin would ever appreciate some of the rude comments made to people who are only expressing their opinions right or wrong, of this masterpiece song "STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!"
- AllenCJ, Cookeville, TN

My boss. a mad rock fan, swares that it's about a a heroin addict and she trying to buy her way into heaven.
- Mama, sims, NC

you would think that if it did have a message backwards, they would admitt it. it makes no sence to go through all the work to put it there just to deny it. its not like they kept any of their other religious belifs and stuff secret. i guess you could say they wanted people to figure it out on their own, but still they did deny it. and no offence or anything but how did 'jimmy' have time to type that whole thing! gosh it took me ten minuites to READ it! :)
- noved, Pittsburg, PA

i tried to discover the truth to the so-called "satan messages" myself. i played the song backwards to 10 people who i TOLD what the alleged satanistic lyrics were. and all of them but 1 claimed to hear the satan message. then i played it backwards to 10 people who i DIDNT tell what the satanistic lyrics were and ALL of them said they heard nothing but wierd sounds and nonsense. which doesnt prove but provides good evidence to what we already know is true!!! LED ZEPPELIN IS NOT WORKING FOR THE DEVIL and people only hear these messages because they are focused on hearing them
- Jacko, Atlanta, GA

This song has always been one of my favorites; Although, it is has been the center of many controvercial debates. Most of the arguments about Stairway have been over what exactly the song is about or what exactly is the message that Zeppelin is trying to send through. Well, I think this is one of those songs that take different meanings for different people. If you listen to the song very closely, you can understand how the song can be about a woman commiting suicide. I beleive that the message Zeppelin was trying to get through was that a woman comes into a lot of money, but doesn't find out until it's too late that money cannot buy everything and definately cannot buy her into heaven. But again I think that this song can take on several different meanings, depending on how you want to, for lack of a better word, DECODE the lyrics. But that is my opinion and I am not trying to force my ideas on anyone, i just thought i would throw that out as a theory for everyone to ponder for a while.
- Shayla, mountain view, MO

great song by one of the greatest rock bands every to play on the face of this earth
- Taylor, Chinook, MT

I personally think they leave the lyrics vauge so everyone can take it as they will so pretty much whatever you think the meaning is, it's right and jean from paris without zeppelin 90% of the bands out there today wouldn't be there
- Henry, Marion, MT

First I want to make it clear... I am not a religious person, I do not attend church, nor do I have a bible I thump. I do not believe in the personification of a deity called "Satan". So I do not have a religious agenda to push. My interest in Pages satanic backwards messages in Stairway to Heaven, is purely from a desire to expose the truth. Whether Page believes in satan, or worships this fictional deity, I do not know, nor do I really care. What I am more interested in is the elaborate deception. Some have suggested that the phrases found in this song, when played backward, are coincidence, or things people wish to hear. I reject this hypothesis because, though it might have been easy to dismiss one or two such bits, when collected together, they stay within a consistent theme. One of these phrases consists of eight words that form a coherent sentence that fits this theme. The bits are: 1) My sweet satan 2) The one whose little path would make me sad, whose power is Satan. 3) He will give those with him 666. 4) There was a little tool shed where he made us suffer, sad Satan. 5) We shall all fall if we lose feathers Statistically speaking, there is no way that the word satan could appear so many times in one song by accident. Statistically speaking, having phrases that are coherent, consisting of 8-13 words backwards, by accident, is impossible... period. The fact that they all are also part of a coherent theme, makes it undeniably intentional. Now Page had already pioneered backwards masking, a technique where you physically cut the tape and re-insert it flipped backwards. So he was more than familiar with the concept. But here is the deal… when you flip something backwards it is easily picked up by our ears/brain as being backwards. Example, the backwards clip on Pink Floyd’s "The Wall", which mentions a contest to enter if you find the secret backwards message. Page and Plant have denied that there is backward masking on Stairway, and they are telling the truth. The messages were not placed there using backwards masking, that would have been obvious and easy to recognize. The technique Page used was far more creative and devious. First Page played around with phrases he wanted to include, recorded them forwards, then played them backwards to hear what they sounded most like. After determining what words worked both forwards and backwards, he reconstructed the sentences to be dual purpose. Hence, there is no backwards masking. Having edited sound professionally for over 20 years, I have done experiments to prove this method, it’s not hard to do. Further more, Page wanted people to look for these messages, and included instructions, in the forward lyrics. "There's a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure, because you know sometimes words have two meanings." This is a clear declaration that the words have two meanings. The song itself, which is very melancholy, is about making the choice between good and evil, "Yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road your on." And in the climactic finale, the lyrics reveal their chosen path: "And as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our souls.." Suggesting that their sinful deeds have eclipsed their souls. Again, I have no religious agenda, I do not believe in satan. Personally, I believe that these messages were placed in the song to create hype and controversy, which is exactly what they did. Page made a concerted effort, from the design of the album, including references to the occult and astrology/tarot, and the enigmatic symbols representing the band members, to the careful crafting of the song Stairway including it’s double meanings, to create something mysterious and magical. Something that would stir emotion and imagination for generations. A quote from Page: “Every musician wants to do something of lasting quality, something which will hold up for a long time and I guess we did it with "Stairway". Clearly Page put more thought and engineering into Stairway, than any other song. I think Page succeeded in his goal, but I think it is important that people have the opportunity to see the truth as well. Some facts to consider: 1) Jimmy Page owned an occult bookstore in England. Where he sold Crowley’s books. 2) Page was a devote follower of Alistair Crowley. 3) Page purchased and lived in the Boleskin house, Crowley's former residence. 4) The scene in Song Remains the Same, where Jimmy Page (With glowing red eyes) is sitting and cranking out music on a tiny music box, was shot behind the Boleskin house. Any one item by themselves, may seem ridiculous, but when they are all brought together, the pattern is undeniable. Whether because Page actually believes in satan, or whether it was all an elaborate hoax, the intent was genuine and carefully calculated. It has also been suggested that listeners hear what they are prompted to hear. While this theory may hold some truth, after all, the power of suggestion can be strong. When I first spun my old vinyl album backwards, the only phrase that had been suggested to me at the time, was the “My sweet satan”. The rest was just obvious to my ears, and I think it is no coincidence that it syncs with the overall general consensus of the backwards messages. Today bands that want to include satanic themes into their music, do it directly, in-your-face. But back then, in 1971, it was still too controversial to take the direct approach. In my humble opinion, adding mystique to a body of work, is usually a great thing, it adds more dimension to the work and makes the audience bring their own imagination into the mix. Many bands of the day did it, some more successfully than others. What I object to is the deception and the lies. In a clip presented here, a DJ takes a caller, who asks Page about the Crowley home rumors. However, the caller makes two mistakes, he refers to Crowley’s Castle in England. Page dodges this question adeptly, as it is incorrect, he answers that Crowley never had one, and he never lived in one. This is true, because the Boleskin House, though it may have been a “Castle” to Crowley, was not a proper castle in any sense of the word, and it was located in Scotland, not England. But what is more interesting is that Page didn’t point this out. He was content to dodge the question and make the caller look like a fool. What does Page have to hide? If he is not a follower of the occult, so obsessed with Crowley that he had to buy and live in the house he owned… then why not admit to the truth? I still listen to Led Zeppelin, but when I listen to Stairway, I keep in mind that "..you know sometimes words have two meanings."
- Jimmy, Boleskin house, United Kingdom

This song is a nightmare, close with Hotel California and Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Guns N' Roses version of course). Anywhere in the world, when someone knows two guitar chords, what is he going to play ? Stupid song, stupid band, stupid fans.
- Jean, PARIS, France

Some people think that "Buying the stairway to heaven" means she's dying from taking drugs.
- lorelei, ellsworth, ME

I remember a point where i was somewhat anti-stairway. At this point i was in love with LZ I & LZ II, and the blues, and unbelievable energy, then i finally bought LZ Zoso/IV, and i listened to the whole album, and i fell in love with it, but still did not believe that stairway was the best. Now, after owning all of early Zep's albums(because that is when they were at thier best IMO, but damn, thier later music is sooo great too) i gotta say the song grew greatly on me. I, now, can say it might be the best song i've heard from them, it is truely unbelievable how insanely good it is. the build-up, the drums, the vocals, the flutes, the solo, the ending, all amazing.
- Bob, Somewhere, OR

The best version of this classic can be found on the live album The Song Remains the Same, mostly for the wonderfully impromptu, and imortal question from Robert Plant, "DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER LAUGHTER?" following the line 'the forests will echo with laughter'. Of course, the answer then, as now, would be, no, but who cares when the music is this good.
- John, London, United Kingdom

There are a thousand meanings to this song and they can be all correct interpretations because it is mystical in nature, it is not a math problem that has only one correct answer. Here is one of many different interpretations. Remember, a song is a poem put to music. "It is the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit that causes words such as these to stream from the tongue of the poets, the significance of which they themselves are oftentimes unable to apprehend." "Dawn Breakers" Nabil's Narrative pg 258 Remember, a song is a poem put to music. First, let's look at the concepts that run through the song. "With a word..." "... sometimes words..." "... there is a sign..." "... who sings..." "... spirit is crying..." "... my thoughts ..." "... voices of those..." "... it's whispered..." "... can you hear..." "...did you know" The holy books of the world tell us these same things. In America we are most familiar with the Bible which speaks about the "word" of God. The Bible says, be on guard, watch, look, listen, ye now not the hour. Sounds like; words, signs, sings, thoughts, voices, whispered, hear, know. Also note this imagery "... the piper..." "... new day ..." "... laughter ..." "... clean ..." "... change ..." "... calling you ..." "... can you hear ..." "... did you know ..." Calls to mind references to the holy books in the world. The Promised One ( the piper ) who will come to unite the world, the kingdom of God on earth, the New Jerusalem. A new day that will not be followed by night, etc... Now let’s take it verse by verse First verse: Wealthy women in the West that expend their wealth to help spread the devine teachings of the Promised One. Despite their wealth they did not let it come between them and their creator. They know the word, the "new name", so will you also learn it. Upon him that overcometh I will write upon him a "new name". Second verse: The religious leaders of the world claim to know, yet every time a Prophet comes to the world they are the first to persecute him. Yet illiterate fishermen accept him and so it is in this day. This is the double standard, the two meanings. Listen with your heart not your head. Third verse, this dispensation is being spread from the West not from the East. So powerful of this revelation your soul yearns for it, even as this song speaks to our souls. The world has never seen a day like this day. We went from horse and carraige to man on the moon in one life time. Something extraordinary has happened to the world. Fourth verse, the tune that whispers of the oneness of humanity, of religion and of God. Then will the world enter into the Great Peace promised to us in the worlds holy books. Fifth verse, don't be alarmed at all the trouble the world is going through, the wars and rumor of wars, neither desease or famine because it it the birth pangs of world peace to come. Work for building the new world order, the old world order will be crushed by it's own weight. Sixth verse, we will not find tranquility until we find the Promised One who is calling us. We will find him in the most subtle of places. Seventh verse, as we go down the road of life towards our death we cast a shadow of our deeds and actions that will effect our soul in the spirit world. “The Lady”, not the burning bush, not the dove, not the angel Gabriel, “The Lady” standing on a pillar of light. She will guide us to the Promised one. We will recognize the tune, like the flock will recognize the voice of the devine shepard. World Peace. This is my first and final comment on the song. If you like it then I wish you well on your spiritual journey. If you purify your spirit and strive with all your might then you will be led to that “sacred snow white spot”. If you do not like this commentary then I apologize for wasting your time.
- Tim, Austin, TX

This IS the greatest record of all time
- Anna, myrtle beach, SC

Alot of you guys are idiots trying to make up meanings for this song that doesnt exist. This is by far one of the greatest records ever and will be remembered for a long time. This song is about a woman who accumulates money, but finds out the hard way her life had no meaning and will not get her into heaven. And its also about the most important question of all: Do we go to Heaven? Hell? Or do we just rot in the ground? "oh it makes me wonder"
- Jacko, Atlanta, GA

A few things. First steve from chicago is now a proven lunatic. now to the song, it's amazing finest song writting ever. Zep, in my opinion, is the greatest band ever by far. Page clearly was into black magic, crowley, creepy thing, ect. But, he was, in my opinion, the greatest guitarist ever by far. The song itself I do not believe to be satanic. Double check this if u wish but many english words played backwards do sound lie satan. The rest our minds can fill in. The only problem I have with the song is it's WAYYY overplayed. I think some people believe Zep to be 1 hit wonders because this is all they hear. Zep will never be appreciated for all their great hits because they hide behind this one. I personally love every song they made i know most by heart and I'd love for everyone else to be able to do the same. Thank you for reading
- Jimmy, somewhere, VA

My two cents. When I was about 12 a friend of mine had a record player that had a neutral speed, allowing one to spin the record backwards. So we gave it a try. I remember making out "satan" pretty clearly several times. As I recall, right where the line "and there's still time to change the road you're on," is a backwards line of, "We sing for Satan." It sounds more dubbed in than an actual backwards sound of the forward lyric, but I have no idea. I'm not sure what any of this means, I am just saying that it is there and not just, "people hearing things," or "hearing what they want to hear." My record player had no way of playing records backward. If they did it to get people talking about their song for years to come it succeeeded but, as it turns out, the song was plenty good to be appreciated for years anyway.
- Frank, Lexington, KY

I have some old recordings of Page in the studio with the Yardbirds, after Beck quit the band, but before Led Zeppelin was formed. In the background between actual songs you can hare Page playing the intro to Stairway, not exactly as it was recorded 10 years later, but is was Stairway, no question about it. Which leads me to beleave that this was Jimmy's baby many years before Plant had the voice and the lyrics for it.
- Michael, Houston, TX

Let's get past the silly assigning of our thoughts to the song. I believe Robert Plant said very simply that the song was a 'return to the old ways' - nature. it's a beautiful dream to return to our old roots, no religion at all except for ALL IS ONE and ONE IS ALL. all of us (people) and nature. beautiful
- Janet, lynchburg, VA

listen and enjoy. period. let's not rip it apart for our own amusement. we are not up to that task. besides, we would all be wrong. it's just beauty, that's it. old ways. and we are all one, or should be
- Janet, lynchburg, VA

This song is amazing. Definitely Led Zeppelins finest moment because it showcases them at their hardest and at their softest. The entire song is just buildup after buildup with Plant's cryptic lyrics and Jones' orchestra, and each verse a little something new is added. And then you have the guitar solo, which is THE guitar solo! It climaxes like 3 different times. Then Robert Plant just comes in shrieking in the most intense verse of any song ever....it's simply one of the greatest songs ever.
- Corey, San Leandro, CA

Led Zeppelin is the best ever. No one will ever be as good. Ever.
- Seamus, Sligo, Ireland

Actually according to Christian demonology there are loads and loads of demon or devil references in Stairway to Heaven. Christians don't like pagans, right? So they steal their holidays and make up stuff about their beliefs. Personally I don't like paganism or christianity but onto the subject. The piper: Could be interpreted as the pied piper, the old german tale of the man hired by a town to remove rats with a magical flute and when the town doesn't pay him, he uses the flute on the children! The people end up believing he is the devil and all that etc. Okay, now another road of thought on the piper: Greek mythology. You have Pan, a flute playing GOATMAN. Pan also appears in pagan beliefs (not as Pan but generally goat people are in paganism). Now christians don't really like goatmen right? Because they're all pagan and evil so guess what? They get an old pagan symbol and draw and goat man head in it! Ta da! A christian pentagram representing their devil and a lot of angry pagans. So that's how satanic the song is but there are also drug references which would piss off prissy christian family groups as well! I believe this song is about a journey to enlightenment (Even if that journey involves illegal substances), ever seen the artwork? Old man at the top of the ledge above a town? What is he carrying with him? A lantern and what is in that lantern? The STAR OF DAVID! And where is that star from? Jews! And what do Jews like? Jews like knowledge, they like lots of knowledge and wisdom so they can make up for pissing off God too much. There you go knowledge and enLIGHTenment. Oh and one thing I forgot to add, the bright light also refers to Lucifer if you're like really, really clever or watch supernatural, so you know another christian teeth sinker.
- Mitchell, Adelaide, Australia

see this song played by "Rodrigo y Gabriela". after i saw them covering it in this way i had a terrible attraction for gabriela i wish god makes me her Lover in next lifetime
- zubin, mumbai, India

about the message in the back ground of the song. it is the words not a fancy studio work. How i know this is me and my roommate sang the lyrics where the message is and we reversed the track and we heard the message and we did not have fancy recording equipment
- George, Waynesburg, KY

You know the old saying, "you only hear what you want to hear." This is why, with all the ambiguity in the lyrics, you can have one group of christians say the song is satanic and another say its an evangelical song. Both are ridiculous. Robert Plant was no christian, so why would he write his defining lyric about jesus? And there are no references to satan in the lyrics either. I'm sure you could pick a d.c. talk song or any song by some lame christian group at random and play their music backwards and find subliminal messages about satan. Its all just random garbage that sometimes sounds like something. The fact of the matter is, the song isn't really about any one thing. You would have to be Robert Plant at the moment he wrote it to really know what its about. Most of the lyrics are really just vague lines that go together well. The lyrics were mostly an exercise in stream of conscience writing, as he pretty much just wrote the first thing to pop in his head. Thats why 'sometimes words have two meanings', as there have been many guesses as to what the song is about. There are a lot of what could certainly be references to Lady Galadriel, and this makes sense because Plant was a big fan of Lord of the Rings and referenced the books in a few other songs as well. In that case, the 'heaven' he is referring to is Valinor where the undying souls reside in the Tolkein tale. It doesn't hurt that this 'heaven' is west ('there's a feeling I get/when I look to the west/and my spirit is crying for leaving') of the Misty Mountains (another song from the same album, Misty Mountain Hop). Also, the May Queen is a mythological reference to the queen of the elves. May Queen was also the name of a poem by Aleister Crowley. It is a quite common misconception that Crowley was a satanist, when he was nothing of the sort. Christians like to say religious beliefs that are 'weird' or occult must therefore be satanic, and that's just wrong. Not to cause any alarm with that reference, yes the members of Led Zeppelin were interested in the occult, but that doesn't make them satanists. I'm interested in reading about such things, and I don't even believe satan exists. I'm also interested in the history of christianity and where the writers of the bible found their influences in other religions, and I don't believe jesus exists other than as a man who was the David Koresh of his time. Its just interesting to read about. And if you take all song lyrics literally, listen to 'hey, hey what can I do' where Plant sings about going to church on Sunday and there's plenty of singing about jesus in 'in my time of dying'. There, he's a satanist and a christian.
- Jeremey, Bellingham, WA

I heard that if you play this song backwards while watching the Wizard of Oz and listening to Another One Bites the dust it makes Salmon flavored poptarts pop out of toasters in hell.
- TAC, Providence, RI

If you download the newest version the backmask is MUCH clearer. I don't think that it was put there on backwards. I think It is God speaking in the voice of Led Zeppelin. What is God...Goodness. What is the opposite of good? Evil. What is pure evil? Satan. Satan oppositioner of God. So the backwards song of god is the song of Satan. That is my religious opinion of this song, unfortunately i have beliefs that don't match any religion i have ever heard of.
- Andy, Elizabethtown, KY

I'm always a bit cynical of 'satantic messages' when you play songs backwards - why not just put it in the song? What got me though is how clear the message sounds, and when Robert Plant sings 'cause you know sometimes words have two meanings' is kind of a hint. Who knows, it is unlikely but sure does make it more interesting.
- cat, glasgow, United Kingdom

This song means so much to me..... I love it and the way Plant sings it...It reminds me of someone... And just one thing - Mike from Clinton, Plant's voice CAN SING ballads and he ROCKS !!!!!!!! oooo!! and yes, Stairway To Heaven is not,and I quote weak pop ballad
- Wish, Rijeka, Croatia

This is no doubt one of the best songs in the history of time. Both Beautiful (Because of sound) and Chaotic (because of the idiots out there who CREATE the chaos by assigning means and political and religious stand points to the song) Just because someone backmasks does not make them Satanic. My english teacher trys talking backwards all the time, and he's a pastor at a local church (Not a satanic one either.) I've listened to it backwards, and while, theoretically you can hear satanic messages, they are garbled. The whole reason one hears satanic messages is because some stupid Disc Jockey found the right formula of speed and rotation to apply in order to make them clearer. We have been told the messages are satanic, so we expect to hear satanic messages, and therefore we do hear satanic messages. If you were skilled enough you could make them sound like they were talking about anything, satanism was conveniant though because Page had an occult bookstore, even though he has long since sold it and denyed any affiliation with Satanism. For Goodness sakes people he gives money to charity! He trys to make the world a better place. So to all you people out there who are too fixated on Religious conspiracys and trying to destroy everything that true rockers hold dear, get a life, and follow God like God wants to be followed, through love, not hate and conspiracy theorys.
- Sam Fredrickson, Meridian, ID

Wow, I think that was the longest thread I've ever read. For my two cents on this one, "Seek and ye shall find," - whether you are seeking God, Satan, LOTR, Celtic Mythology, Janis Joplin or production company hypocracy. I always keep in mind the fact that my interpretation is all about me and usually has very little to do with the author's original intent - especially if he/she is good at their job. Ambiguity is the hallmark of great art because it leaves the listener/viewer able to place their own perspective on the subject, while still sharing common human experiences of beauty, wonder, pain, etc.,(that's why we're all still talking about the Mona Lisa's smile centuries later - she's sure got much better looking competition in recorded artistic history, and yet she is the most famous). Based on the impassioned, widely varied responses in this thread, I would say the guys have done top notch work - musically and lyrically. Personally, I thank God I got to be born into a world where not only were JRR Tolkein and Led Zep possible to experience at the same time, I got to do so while drinking homemade elderberry wine ;-)
- g, Erie, PA

One of the greatest songs ever written and will always be a favorite of mine.
- Amber, San Francisco, CA

This song makes me cry like a little school girl whenever John Bonham(RIP Bonzo, September 25, 1980) plays near the end. The raw, untamed emotion being let out and knowing he will never ever play again...Regarding the Satanic message, if Jimmy Page worships Satan, mabye Satan isn't all that bad...Personally I think it's all stupid, that "secret message" crap...but then again, it did actually help Led Zeppelin in a way, more publicity...It also sounds so cool backwards; the drums make that inside out sound, truly amazing song either played correctly or backwards, period.
- Bruce, Conyers, GA

The best part of the song is eiather the beginning folk solo or the almost ending rock solo. No matter what, Page rules
- henry, baltimore, MD

Wow! I read all the comments and what a diverse interpretation of the music there is! I did go to the backmasking web-site, that is referred to in some of the posts, and listened to "Stairway to Heaven" played backwards and IT IS eerie! I was always kind of freaked out to hear certain songs played backward. I know when I first graduated from high school, and got my first job back in 1977, there was a radio station in Atlanta that was looking back at the "Paul is Dead" Beatle's controversy, and the way that you could play backwards certain Beatle's songs and hear a message saying "Paul is Dead" and other strange and eerie statements. I guess the Beatle's did it for a publicity stunt or something, but it sure sounded scary and it is also on that same web-site. I wanted to add to the discussion by saying that in Cameron Crowe's wonderful movie "Almost Famous," Stairway to Heaven plays a wonderful role, but in a deleted scene no less. If you have a copy of the DVD, you might have seen this scene. When the teenage boy (the main subject of the film) gets offered a writing job with Rolling Stone magazine, his mother is totally against it because he is only 15, is an honor student, and she is way over-protective. He brings one of his high school teachers, his counselor, and his sister's boyfriend to try and convince his mother to let him go out and write a piece on Led Zepplin for the magazine. She refuses at first, but then he plays Stairway To Heaven for her, and she finally gives him permission to go, but with a set of rules attached. It is very funny, and although the song was not "cleared" by Led Zepplin for use in the film, Cameron Crowe did an interesting thing by stopping the film at the point where YOU the VIEWER should go and get your copy (album - vinyl - is preferable, but CD will do) and he tells you when to start it up. Then the movie continues with a very funny scene of this boy, his support group, and his mother listening to Stairway to Heaven. In the boy's introduction to the song, he tells his Mother that Stairway to Heaven was inspired by and is about J.J. Tolkeins "Lord of the Rings," which, he tells her, is a literary masterpiece and a very inspirational book. I don't know if that is actually so or not, but in the SONG FACTS at the top of the page, one person does say that it IS about Lord of the Rings. I would like to think that is so! The boy goes on to say that the Lady in the song is actually the Elf Queen (who was played in the Lord of the Rings by Cate Blanchett). Anyway, I loved the movie "Almost Famous," and I recommend it to anyone with a genuine love of movies, and of 70's music. This song is a classic, and has always been a favorite of mine. It bring back my high school years definitely, and what a lovely and heady time that was!
- Kate, Marietta, GA

I just realized this but Tolken wrote a poem saYing "All that is gold does not gliter" and in this song they say "there's a lady who shure all that gliters is gold." There is a resembleance
- zachbon, okemos, MI

I always put this song when walking up hills or stairs, it kind of fits the mood. I have a very long and boring interpretation of this song, I'm not going to post it though, just briefly though, its asking a lady to follow a paganistic goatman which was later considered in christianity to be the devil.
- Mitchell, Adelaide, Australia

Madison should get a Nobel Prize for humour, man!
- Sibella, Pretoria, --

This is my second-favorite song of all time (nothing beats Bohemian Rhapsody). There's something strange about it. It's both simple and complex, short and long, plain and elegant, sad and happy. Though, I don't think this song ever ought to be analyzed too deeply. I did that with Bohemian Rhapsody and almost ruined it for myself. Therefore, I don't try to understand what the words are about. All I know is that there's a journey, and a piper, and a lady who tries to buy a stairway to heaven but can't. Other than that, I must admit that I can't tell what else the song is about. I don't want to know. If there's a hidden meaning behind it, then I don't care. I have heard this song backwards, but it didn't do much for me. I doubt they really meant it that way. Oddly enough, my friends all assosiate me with this song because I did it three times for talent shows. It's incredible. Led Zeppelin is amazing. Favorite Zeppelin song ever.
- Pippin, Rhye, CA

one of their greatest songs.stop looking for meanings,enjoy what ur hearing,this is what they want !!!!
- rose, philadelphia, PA

Okay, Here's a message for Lisa Denison. Aleister Crawley wrote "The Book of the Law". A lot of his book is used in the Satanists' bible. Now YOU CANNOT tell me that that man wasn't demon possessed. And as far as Led Zeppelin, AC-DC, Brittany Spears, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, N-SYNC, Madonna, THE BEATLES!!!, etc., goes, they all backmask, and they all follow Aleister Crawley, who is without a doubt Satanist. See, I've done it myself with 2 computers and their music, and let me tell ya, as scary as it is, it's true. Ya'll are all in denial because it's too difficult for you to accept the fact that you're wrong, and you don't want to give up your music. The music that you're listening to though, is actually controlling you. Music can be used as a drug because it releases endorphines in your brain that causes you to get high. That's why you crave music. For example, that's why listening to fast music pumps you up or why listening to slow music relaxes you. You all need a reality check and realize that there are people who'd do things like backmasking. THEY'RE SATANISTS! THEY DO IT ON PURPOSE! Jimmy Page, if I'm not mistaken, admitted that when he got on-stage that there was a demonic force controlling and pushing him. I have a 3 CD collection of a man named Nathan Barrett who taught me all of this. He actually did the backmasking himself and researched many different artists. Some of them confessed in magazines. And Jay Dundalk, Christians don't cuss.
- madison, Moscow, Malaysia

Its a good song i guess..Hell its a great song. Kashmir is a better and more clever arrangment i feel. As for the backwards messages, Plant didn't even know he'd done it, thats how good he is. I think his mind was possesed and 15minutes later the lyrics were written!!..Also, its the best guitar solo ever written along with Thin Lizzy's I'm still in Love with you.
- Luke Taylor, Manchester, United Kingdom

My friend had this song played at his funeral...it is such a emotional song....and led zeppelin sings it so you know that can only make it better =)
- Amber, Houston, TX

In my opinion, a true classic, certainly a favourite of mine, and along with Black Dog and Rock and Roll make for an awesome first side to the vinyl record. (Recently had the pleasure of hearing Robert Plant sing Black Dog and Rock and Roll at a charity concert for the local childrens hospital, he lives quite close, so his appearance was not a great surprise, but the song choice was a very pleasant one, he was excellent). As for this satanist rubbish, I can't believe how guillable people are. What kind of idiot has nothing better to do than play records backwards anyway? Get a life!!! Yet another good reason to be grateful for CDs I guess too.
- Andy, Halesowen, West Midlands, United Kingdom

For 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." Also here's a link to Jeff Milner's site on that has a great reveal of the prayer to Satan back masked in the "If there's a bustle in your hedgerow" verse. Just listen honestly, it’s pretty blatant. God Bless in Jesus Christ, James Manchester, CT
- James, Manchester, CT

In the verse when the drums come into play "yes there are two paths you can go by but in the long run, there's still time to change the road your on" is where the back masking is. You hear "here's to my sweet satin" and satin again is said. Just convert the song to wav, use windows sound recorder and clip that verse of the song. Then click the reverse tab under effects and you hear it. Weather this was meant to be put there or not it is clearly there. It probably means nothing and I could care less if it does but some people find it interesting. It really adds to the mystique of the song thats for sure. Jason, Sunrise, Fl
- Jason, Plantation, FL

I think this song is about defying certain laws of nature, perhaps to appear as someone who is treated like somewhat of a god, my stab at it
- Brian, Vancouver, Canada

Zep had the greatest drummer of all time and he doesn't appear in this song until about 4&1/2 minutes... That's how good this song is...
- Dean, Sydney,

Jimmy Page: the song "crystallized the essence of the band. It had everything there and showed the band at its best.... as a band, as a unit.... It was a milestone for us. Every musician wants to do something of lasting quality, something which will hold up for a long time, and I guess we did it with 'Stairway.' "
- mark, worcester, MI

8:03 minutes of Musical brilliance!
- Robert, Calgary, Canada, AB

Zep is one of my favorite bands right bhind mettallica and all this satanic message stuff is a whole bunch of bull!!! this is my favorite song and Leo or anyone tell me why it wouldnt say lucifer if it was about lucifer?? its a great song with a great message: you cant buy youre way into heaven. So if anyone thinks that it being what it is backwards thats a whole load of crap because it would take years and years to write two songs out of one!! this is a great song and shouldnt be scarred with accusations of satanic referances!!
- Beef, Quahog, RI

This song is one of the master-pieces of rock. I just don't know why some people WANT to find satanic messages listening the song backwards.
- Tomislav, Zagreb, Croatia

I just listened to this song backwords again and i reconised about 10 words only 10! backwards sinicality in stairway is just like global warming or the therory of evolution, IT'S A PEICE OF SH*T!!!!!
- zachbon, okemos, MI

This song is great but still only holds third place in my book: 1) Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan 2) Sympathy for the Devil - Rolling Stones 3) Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin Then after that I dont know what should come next... Purple Haze? Baba O' Riley? Light my Fire? Dazed and Confused? I cant make up my mind!
- Justin, St. Louis, MO

First the song don't say enough to make a substantly clame of backwards sinicality but this is Cristian I have a friend that his parents only let im realy do religion stuff and read narnia and LOTR (best story ever!) and they still let him listen to stairway, It's Cristian
- zachbon, okemos, MI

In this tune I find the best guitar work Jimmy Page ever played, before or since. In my opinion, (I know, I know), he is the sloppiest guitar player in Rock and Roll history. Inconsistent and loose in his performances. And sometimes even off key. Of all the songs this band ever recorded, this one is the best. Which ain't saying much. I think the best song I will ever hear Zeppelin play will be the last one I hear before I die. Then I won't have to listen to their garbage anymore. Hell for me would be attending one of their concerts.
- Michael, Summerdale, AL

one thing ive seen thats pretty strange is how the videos ive seen on youtube each word that plant says backwards is said perfectly and seriously who could make a song that makes sense fowards and backwards and who would even know how to say satan backwards?
- jesse, philly, PA

jesse- people usually edit those clips before they post them on youtube... that way they can trick people.. so it isnt the real thing backwards
- Carlota, Ankara, Turkey

Personally I believe this song is about the end of time..because it says: And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune Then the piper will lead us to reason. And a new day will dawn for those who stand long And the forests will echo with laughter.- which I think piper means gabriel and his horn and new day is self-explanatory, and the forests will echo with laughter meaning nomore pain for the faithful. Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run There's still time to change the road you're on.- meaning the path of light or dark but in life you can give yourself over to god. Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know, The piper's calling you to join him,- meaning you know it will happen but some people choose to ignore it. How everything still turns to gold. And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last. When all are one and one is all- when everything is made perfect in heaven and you hear finally hear the angels sing and you are one with everyone else. thats just my opinion
- Brandon Floyd, Gruetli-laager, TN

“I think this is a song of hope” I want to thank Jimmy Page and Robert Plant for this song. It is a beautiful illustration of rock and its peak. The lyrics are genius and the melody sooths the depths of the soul. This song has moved me and in several instances changed my life. To all those who say this song has satanic back masking just shut up and listen to the song! If you cant appreciate the song for the masterpiece it is you obviously cannot hear talent and need to crawl back into the hole you came from and stay there!! When it’s all said and done it doesn’t matter if the song has back masking or what the meaning of the lyrics are the only thing that matters is does the song move you?
- Christopher, Rome, GA

What was really funny to me was years after the religious controversy about this song, I had bought a commentary on the Book of Revelation written by a respectable seminary prof in which he noted that the ancient Babylonian astronomical ziggaruts were referred to as STAIRWAYS TO THE HEAVENS. And in the 60s some young people used to say that Bob Dylan could not carry a tune-I saw it on PBS! Am I getting old!
- Tony, Toledo, OH

ok this is my personal opinion and plz dont give me crap about it.. i belive that this song is about the apocalpse (i know i spelled that wrong). the reason why is because of certain parts of the song. such as when he says "may queen" the virgin mary is also known as the queen of may and if u read the book of revalations it says that there is a woman and has a child born. this is probably mary. another part is how plant says theres two paths and u can change which one ur on doesnt have to be between god and satan it could just mean being a hardcore chirstian or catholic or being a sinner. it is in the bible that god will always forgive us. make sense? for the piper that could be anything there are tons of ppl that could resemble the piper. it could be a prophet that is saying wats gonna happen. also the part when it says the forest well echo with laughter could be ppl happy with jesus christ coming to earth and joining everlasting life in heaven. now im not a religious fanatic or some priest ok im just someone who has an open mind for things. for the messages relax guys cause if satan wanted anything it wouldnt be a song. another thing why do u ppl have conspicies about songs. music is about expressing ur self. i think thats enough said.
- jesse, philly, PA

From reading all of these comments, I guess that the song has multiple meanings... I guess it can mean what you want it to be... it is practically unknown. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I think that your opinion will help you decide what "Stairway to Heaven" means.
- Carlota, Ankara, Turkey

This song is, hands down, the greatest ever written and recorded!
- JD, Seattle, WA

The only people to find backwards messages in songs - and to actually look for them in the first place! - are religious (usually christian) fundamentalists and their objection to this song is that it is about finding the true nature of ourselves and in the process; of realising, understanding, KNOWING that we are ALL ONE with the Universe - One is All & All is One. The material world is NOT all there is to conscious experience... Ask yourself who is listening to this song when you hear it.
- Tone, Nottingham, England

Tone, when speaking things as if they're fact at least come close to getting them right. Christian fundamentalists didn't know what the meaning of the song was at all. Their objection was that it was a very popular rock song and that is it. The reason they play things backwards is because some dope decided this is how Satan is "corrupting the youth" through rock music and the rest followed. It was all hysterical paranoia, which the fundamentalist christians are famous for. As an actual christian who reads the bible, I know there is more of a religious meaning to the song than you imply.
- Jesse, Portage, IN

Guys... music is music. Whatever you may believe of the song or what you think this band ... I suppose it's really up to the meaning you attach to things. I personally am a huge fan of Led Zeppelin and I'm also Roman Catholic. If you think this has secret meanings... try to cope well my friends but I don't think Page or Plant or anyone would waste time doing this. Many songs if you play them backwards would say something but what doesn't? Try recording conversations (wouldn't advise it) and listen to them backwards... All in all it's what you believe. Don't waste your time thinking such things thoughts. They're a great band. Don't disrespect and throw away their hard work and dedication. If you are still very superstitious think of it this way. You have two paths. What do you choose? Forward or Backwards? (Don't waste your time on this anymore)
- Fidel, chicago, IL

I lost a lot of respect for Led Zeppelin of the last five years after finding out that so many of their songs are a rip off of blues from the south. They even tried to claim the credit for writing them. They are definitely a good band, and Page is the man on the guitar, but they are not the best band ever or anything!
- Casey, Moscow, TN

About 5:30 into the song, if you play it backwards, the song has a Subliminal Message. The message being about Satan, and such. Not saying Crowly worshiped satan or anything... Good song though
- Adam, Boston, MA

I agree. Anyone playing songs backwards to find hidden meanings really should put the joint down. Christians who give the rest of us Christians a bad name, started this dumb "search for Satan" decades ago to say rock and roll was infiltrated by the subtleties of Satan. And even today obviously there are people are still doing it. I think the inventor of that was the Church Lady from SNL. Blows my mind. First there was pig-latin, now there's "peyote-latin".
- Jesse, Portage, IN

If you feel you want a true meaning for this song this is it. Stairway To Heaven words and music by Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold And she's buying a stairway to heaven. (she is tithing) When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed With a word she can get what she came for. (The bible is the word of God, with the bible, she can get into Heaven.) Revelation 3:8 Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven. (She is tithing and she she thinks that will get her into Heaven) There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure (points out the significance of the next line, hint hint) 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings. (parables, which the bible is full of, and the words in this song have two meanings) In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, (reference to John the Baptist and Jesus) Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiving. Ooh, it makes me wonder, (think!) Ooh, it makes me wonder. There's a feeling I get when I look to the west, (the anointing of the holy spirit's comforting, Christianity is the religion of western civilization) (it's usually about now that I feel the spirit! -jk) And my spirit is crying for leaving. (soul crying out to be saved) In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees, (Revelation of Jesus Christ) And the voices of those who standing looking. Ooh, it makes me wonder, Ooh, it really makes me wonder. And it's whispered (Revealed by Jesus) that soon if we all call the tune Then the piper (Jesus, the one playing the woodwind instrument, the flute, which has a whispering tone) will lead us to reason. (Jesus' second coming, revelation 7:17) And a new day will dawn for those who stand long (World after tribulation) Revelation 3:12 And the forests will echo with laughter. Well I've got some good news! (Gospel is the Greek word for good news) If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now, It's just a spring clean for the May queen. (God puling the weeds, the tare, reaping...) Yes, there are two paths you can go by (the Stairway to Heaven or the Highway to Hell), but in the long run, There's still time to change the road you're on. Well I hope so! (There is always hope. It is never to late to be saved) And it makes me wonder. Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know, The piper's calling you to join him, (Jesus said I will knock on the door...) Rev 3:20 Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, (the word of Jesus) and did you know Your stairway lies on the whispering wind. (if you want to get to heaven you have to follow the piper, Jesus. Christians are saved by grace, not by their works.) And as we wind on down the road (Later in life, after a few wrong turns. There is a straight and narrow path to heaven, there is a long and winding road to hell. ) Our shadows taller than our soul. (late in the day (near the end of our life) we cast longer shadows, our soul is nothing with out Jesus) There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold. (Later in life after more and more sin we can still be saved. The new world after the tribulation will be made of gold.) And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last. (if you accept Christ the holy spirit will come into your heart and you will be saved.) When all are one and one is all (in Heaven we are one with God) To be a rock and not to roll. (Jesus is the Rock, be strong with his foundation) And she's buying a stairway to heaven................
- Clint, Mount Vernon, MO

*pokes head in* I seem to have been called out. Sweet! Acknowledgement! And I wonder what I'd sound like backwards... hmmmm. .lla uoy snwp gniklat sdrawkcab yM
- Mickey, Mars, PA

If you relly want to appreciate this song, try playing it (well) on guitar while singing the lyrics - there is nothing that compares to the Page/Plant brilliance in this masterpiece. Truly a song that no-one can reproduce the way Zep did.
- Mossie, Cape Town, South Africa

Ok, once and for all THERE ARE NO SATANIC MESSAGES IN THIS SONG!!! I believe it is quite DISRESPECTFUL towards one of the greatest bands ever, to ruin their masterpiece with these rumours! I've listened to it played backwards several times, and honstly, it sounds like...any song would sound beeing played backwards, irregular
- alina, Karlstad, Sweden

Mickey, you can get a big kick out of my reference to verses in the Bible all you want, but if you read the lyrics and know the Bible, there is clearly more than just a connection. If you can't see them, then you're blind. Are the references to verses necessary? We're talking about the meaning, are we not? Anyone who thinks this song has to be played backwards to understand the meaning really should find something else to do with their time. No one can purposely sing a song to have something understood when playing backwards. Record yourselves talking, play it backwards and let your peyote-induced thoughts hear what you want to hear. "Whoa dude, it sounded like I said 'birds in Waziristan'! What does that mean, maaan?"
- Jesse, Portage, IN

This song is what happens when you combine great musicians with great drugs. Spectacular!!!
- Mick, Des Moines, IA

Here's my 2 cents on the backmasking. In the book "Hammer of the Gods", they admit to doing it, I have a Tascam 4-track recorder, you can find one for under $90. But on the lyrics "There's still time to change the road you're on." You have to record it on a new tape, flip the tape over at those lyrics and hit play after rewinding. I could make out " Here's to my sweet Satan mmmmmmm Satan." You can hear Robert go nyaaa before the line.I think it was Jimmy Page's way of keeping people arguing about stupid s--t forever. What a genius! Some interpretations made my brain hurt!
- alan, Cleveland, OH

ROFLMAO!!! I love the people pulling scripture verses up while commenting. It's a good song, a beautiful song. It does have a semi-religious deeper meaning, but are the verses really necessary? XD
- Mickey, Mars, PA

Tom, I think your interpretation is too allegorical. Plant does say "rings of smoke through the trees". Pipesmoking isn't going to create that kind of smoke. Plant isn't wanting to leave America for materialism, seriously. His spirit is crying for leaving because of something bad he saw in his thoughts. This is easy. Her buying a stairway to heaven is her doing good deeds and realizing when she dies that she can have anything she wants. Closed stores will be open for her. But doing good deeds for this woman isn't enough, because God is calling her to join him. As it says in the Bible, some people will be called by God. Considering how Plant and Page lived their lives, the last thing Plant would be talking about is materialism. The rock that does not roll is Plant's suggestion that we don't roll. He often said that in his concerts. "Don't you roll!" Being a rock is to be firm and to stand strong. For someone being so allegorical with his interpretation, I can't believe that one got by you so badly. When you overthink, you can turn this song into anything. He clearly made biblical references, just twisted the words with a celtic tone. And I don't want to get into a whole religious debate with you, but Mary isn't the Mother of God. She was the mother of his human flesh only. Jesus put her in her place in the gospels which let her know she was only the mother of his flesh, not spirit. She was a great woman and was chosen for a reason, but she isn't a deity. How did Mary give birth to the Creator of the universe?
- Jesse, Portage, IN

Satanic messages ? Backwards, it is more gibberish than something else...
- Frank, Montreal, Canada

the most overplayed song in the history of music!and im azepp fan but if ever hear this song again i will hurl!
- wes, sherwood, AR

Thanks. Isaiah 18 says "Woe to the land shadowing with wings..." From all I've read, and I've read intently, this is the only time America was mentioned. We are shadowing with wings because our national symbol is the Bald Eagle. There are other things in the first few verses that point to that country being the United States. Being this is the only time America is mentioned in the Bible, and 9/11 wasn't mentioned, what will happen must be a lot worse. This is what Plant said he saw in his thoughts.
- Jesse, Portage, IN

The greatest songs, like good poetry, contain many meanings which reveal themselves in different ways. That is, in essence, the purpose of art. To say that this song is about Janis, LOTR, religion, materialism, or whatever, is correct. To me, the most obvious meaning is that of a cautionary message to America. Jack in Mesa came close to this interpretation as well. As I read the lyrics today, I find them to be more chillingly relevant than ever.
- Brad, Indianapolis, IN

To all the people who say that this song is some sort of Satanic chant, I have a suggestion for you...all of you kindly retreat to your bomb shelters, listen to some old Gospel recorded in a graveyard in 1923, and watch your recorded reruns of the 700 Club, and stop trashing good music. Chad has it right...you'll only hear the Satanic message if you are told it's there. The other day, my friend told me that in the song "More Human Than Human" by White Zombie, Rob Zombie was really chanting, "Paul Newman, thank you, man", and I listened to the song three times and that's all I would hear. The message doesn't exist unless you think it does. This is one of the definitive classic rock songs (along with "Free Bird" and "Layla.") Just enjoy it on it's own merits, and stop trying to turn it into something it's not.
- Rob, Detroit , MI

There's a couple of things you left out of the meaning of Stairway. That woman in the song is being called by the Piper, hence God. The Bible talks about people being called. The time Plant was setting this scene in is right before the fall of America in Isaiah 18 and the Tribulation period spoken of in Revelation. "There's a feeling I get when I look to the West..." is America. In Isaiah 18, the US is the country that raises a sign in the mountains (Mount Rushmore)and beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (Ethiopia was in a different place then... was the farthest western country in Africa) which the whole world will pay attention to. Iraq is the country with the spoiling rivers and will most likely be split into three. Many things Plant said are things like Jesus said. "If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now. It's just a Spring clean for the May Queen" is basically what Jesus said in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 when he says "when all these things come to pass, let your heart not be troubled, for they must first come to pass" before his return. The last set of verses in Stairway is Plant saying no matter how bad things may get to hold your ground and do what's right. There's still time to change for the good.
- Jesse, Portage, IN

This song can be whatever you want it to be. Tha ranges from a devil worshipping chant , till a hymn praising the Judeo-christian God , and it can go much further.The fact that this song's lyrics are so hard to figure and that they can be given multiple meanings is a crucial factor in making it a legend and hailing it eitherways ,because few people seem to curse it as 'bad'. My small contribution Nik
- nik, athen, Greece

Hell yeah, you can't deny the fact that the guitarplay, oh so beautyfull is the same as the lyrics played backward. Hear why it's sung here, opposisner equals e c e a , f#/c c e c played so sweet. the piper reverse the the wellknown whistle of the guy with the funny leggs.
- Rqpon, den helder, Netherlands

okay, for those of you who said this song 'got killed by a radio play' are derranged. this song is not only classic rock, but it is LED ZEPPELIN. classic rock (especially led zeppelin) can NOT be killed by being overplayed. Otherwise it wouldn't be called CLASSIC ROCK. the only stuff thats good and could get killed by being overplayed is stuff like...Hey There Delilah. this song is amazing. i hate when people try to turn it into something 'satanic' why cant you guys just appreciate true art? ughhh!
- michelle, Scranton, PA

Always played last at school dances "way back when", trotted out by clasic rock stations regularly, destroyed by novice guitarists and, judging by some of these posts, the song that tried to burn down the remote village you grew up in (Yes "Fanatic Obsessives", I'm talking to you)...it's "Stairway to Heaven"!! Here's one for the folks that are reading far too much into the song: Get yourself a copy of Zep IV on vinyl. Hold the record jacket out in front of you. Turn it 90 degrees, clockwise. You'll find that the record falls out...hahahaha Satan? The boogeyman? No, just four English gents that made excellent music.
- Sean, Ottawa, Canada

I dont understand anything now that i've listened to this song. I don't understand how people can compare this song to kashmir. I dont understand how people say kimi hendrix is tthe greatest guitarist of all time, since he may be good, but it takes more than just shredding and burning your guitar to be great. I don't get how people think eruption has a better solo, or how people i know dont FEEL it when they listen to this song; they only HEAR it. Led Zeppelin has some of the most talented people in it. Robert Plant isnt freddie mercury, jimmy page isnt yngwie malmsteem, Joe Bonham isnt Neil Peart and John Paul Jones isn't Geddy Lee, but they're all pretty damn close. It stinks I'll never be able to see Led Zep in concert though, since i was born into a world of crappy music as a teenager. But no matter how far we burry ourselves in this wretched music world this song will always live on. They should play it at my funeral.
- ozzy, fresno, CA

If it had have been released as a single it would have been edited as it is 8 minutes it would have been cut down to 4 or 5 minutes probally it would have deffinately got to number 1 though for at least 10 weeks maybe 12
- Jesus of Suburbia, Frinton On Sea, AL

Back in high school in 1975, my guitar teacher transcribed for me a version of STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN which I learned after only 5 months of guitar lessons. I used to play that for people when I would play my guitar for them. I really had a laugh when I saw the movie WAYNE'S WORLD for the first time on TV in 1995 and at the guitar shop there was this giant sign on the wall that said NO STAIRWAY! That gave me a pretty good laugh as I used to check out the better guitars at the guitar store on Saturdays at the mall and see what a better guitar would sound like. I used to play for myself, STAIRWAY, HIDEAWAY or SUNFLOWER SLOW DRAG. But I am not a Led Zepplin fan. I simply wanted to learn that song for myself. It sure beat CARCASSI'S CLASSICAL GUITAR METHOD. But I ain't played since 1980. I am happy to just be a consumer of music!
- Tony, Toledo, OH

Leo, it saddens me to read your description of the song. Page had been working with the riffs for a while, while Bonham would help with the rhythm during down times. They presented it to Plant, he sat with it for a while, and it flowed out nicely. He has been quoted as saying it is one of his proudest moments in life, and saddens him when people make a reference as you did. The world is a big place Leo, larger than you or I could understand. Let the band rest in peace without defining the song as you have. You are wrong. It's meaning and symbolism comes from the Celtic culture; I only make this comment for you to take with an open mind. It would help the world greatly if you could contribute something positive to the world today, instead of frowning upon that which you do not understand. God bless you Leo
- Craig, Boise, ID

Flamenco guitar duo "Rodrigo y Gabriela" cover this song. It's pretty cool.
- Ramon, Long Beach, CA

Totally overplayed but Stairway never gets old! I love this song. And I am really sick of hearing that it is satanic... if you are looking for that you will find it, but it is really not there and I absolutely don't beleive it was intended, if anything remotely sounds like satanic messages. Really, who listens to music backwards?
- Melanie, Seattle, WA

For: Leo, Millersville, MD & Mick, Las Vegas, NV There are many bands associated with Crowley and the Occult. During this period, many received great money and fame from embracing Satan. See The Beatles and Sargent Pepper's Album cover at yaeljardin.spaces.live.com. Blog: Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - CrossTV- They Sold Their Soul For Rock and Roll Blog: G-d Perfecting Souls and the Phallus People Illumination
- Yael, Alexandria, VA

Okay Leo. Thanks for sharing. Now someone will get you a valium and you can rest for awhile. Doesn't rest sound nice Leo? That's right...be a good boy and put your keyboard away.
- mark, worcester, MI

This song is about lucifer the fallen angels and their servants going to Hell for all of eternity and not about a woman, the "lady" is Lucifer. This is reveled at the end of the song. Jimmy Page as well as Robert plant both have a deep knowledge of the symbolisms and meanings the satanic.Jimmy page is still a satanist. Robert and John were best friends growing up and John P was a studio musician jimmy knew.When Jimmy Page wanted to make his band he picked 19 and 18 yr olds named Robert and John.Robert insisting that is home town best friend be the drummer. Jimmy Page then taught them these things being a satanist, older wealthy and a star for his day, and because of the mass delusion resulting form lucifer's deception of impersonating God and substituting its worship ie. drinking blood and eating flesh of the first born child sacrifice on the day of the sun, telling the lie that the human race is to blame for the original sin while in fact it was lucifer and the fallen angels, Robert and John and John P fell in to it too and became quite adept with the symbolic and esoteric meanings of these things. And as all satanist know fool you are fool you shall be lucifer goes in hell at the end and has no power but lies and deception and is not God.And only a Fool would serve satan. Robert did put LOTR references in some songs but the meaning here is not about LOTR just like in "The Battle Of Evermore" he uses them to weave a mysterious picture into the lyrics.The LOTR's books meanings are a subject in it's self. As for listening to it backwards you hardly have to if you know the symbolic meanings.There are some very interesting things that people have discovered but lets look at it forewords. Also there s are wordings and pronunciations that are also said at the same time the lyrics are these are not any type of masking but Roberts own voice and soul. I will point these out* in the real explanation and truthful meaning of "Stairway To Heaven" And There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold and she's buying a stairway to heaven. (lucifer hiding behind a woman like a coward it is ) When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed with a word she can get what she came for. (Heaven is blocked from lucifer/but with lies or words or wind/lucfer can decive) There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure 'cause you know sometimes words have two meanings. (The writing is on the wall/prophecy/lucifer impersonates God/meaning of God in your minds eyes/also two meanings for words appears later) In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven. (Earth /nature/beauty/times interface/flowing engergy in this dimension/lucifers deception of God resulting in spiritual confusion) Ooh, it makes me wonder, (searching for complete truth/also the deception makes him get lost) There's a feeling I get when I look to the west, and my spirit is crying for leaving. (The sun is the symbol of lucifer as is light lucifer being the angel of light or appearing as the angel of light also know as the light bearer/the sun sets in the west therefore lucifer descends to hell/Roberts soul wants to be free knowing lucifers fate) In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees,And the voices of those who stand looking. (seeing/hearing the presence of the fallen angels/watchers/those who are hidden and exist but do not wish to be known) And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune (wind/words/if listen and follow lucifer and repeat its lies) Then the piper will lead us to reason. (lucfer will mislead all having impersonated God and already falsely passed its shame onto the innocent will then try to appear to be a liberator) And a new day will dawn for those who stand long (sun rise/lucifer's false ascension/ aleister crowleys "order of the golden dawn') And the forests will echo with laughter. (the fallen angels lucifer/watchers/laugh at the foolish) If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now, It's just a spring clean for the May queen. (if you see the truth lucifer will try and lure you in to a false sense of complacency having impersonated God/May 1st is the most satanic day of the year called grand climax/may queen is a reference to a fertility ritual also where lucifer the coward deceiver hides behind sexuality and women/*note Robert also says Law-man at the same time as alarmed) Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run (good-evil/truth-lies) There's still time to change the road you're on. (free will) Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know,(lucifer and the fallen angels are real they exist,there is only one true God is real nothing in world or all of the lies or time will change that) The piper's calling you to join him, (lucifer is springing the trap of the deception having lied and impersonated God now wants to mislead you in the end) Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know your stairway lies on the whispering wind. (lucifer in disguise did you know words sometimes have to meanings and that lies will never get you heaven and all the lies in the world are not worth one word of truth) And as we wind on down the road (time/curving path/the end ) Our shadows taller than our soul. (the sun is setting/lucifer is falling to hell/*Robert also says all shadows stolen then are sold) There walks a lady we all know (the world leaders are satanists) Who shines white light and wants to show (She shines white light because it is not a woman the lady is lucifer the angel of light the light bearer) How everything still turns to gold. (and to the last day lucifer will still be what is is worthless and false) And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last.(lucifer is the great deceiver the false god and is going to hell with all of the fallen angels and all those who served it*Robert also says the truth will come to you as lies) When all are one and one is all (the end of time/final judgment ) To be a rock and not to roll. (lucifer the fallen angels and all souls that have served are in hell for all of eternity suffering with out end for all the pain misery and suffering they have caused since Babylon and before. *Robers also says Auwa Rot during the saying of "a rock". And shes buying the stairway to heaven (you can not but the stairway to heaven).
- Leo, Millersville, MD

"I Love to read all your comments, would like to say, Jim never meant it to be satanic song.." - Robert Plant, Kashmir, India I love acoustic guitar. I was always more creative just sitting around a fire drinking whiskey and writing songs. - Jimmy Page, Heston, - - Wow, Robert and Jimmy both posted for this song? That's really awesome. The fact that either of you would take the time to actually post here is cool.
- Peter Griffin, Quahog, RI

at first this song talks about a girl who thinks her happiness lies in money, and she's convinced that money and material possesion are a path to true happiness. She thinks it will buy her a stairway to heaven. the beggining of he song tells us that many people are trapped in this sort of logic and worse still their whole thinking revolves around it ex. (hm.. im rich but not happy, oh! i know i need more, hm... i got more still not happy, oh! i know, they say you need friends to be happy so ill get some friends, since i'm rich it wont be hard and when i get friends and have met that requirement then ill proceed to get richer and thus feel happier) this is an example of all this persons thoughts being misleading (as is mentioned in the song) they try to seek the other things that people say are necessary for happiness but they do it in the wrong context, in the context of getting richer in this case. then the song goes on about the piper and us calling the tune and basically it talks about finding true happiness and purpose and how we seem to be on the verge of a major shift in consciousness which will allow this.
- Rodney Tavares, Montreal, Canada

Actually, Dustin, I think this song was probably written by a sober Plant, as it was written in Headley Grange, which means the band was probably trying to stay focused on songwriting. I, of course, don't know for a fact, though.
- Jon, West Bend, IA

'It makes me wonder' I like. Children wonder. I always thought the lady was the lady in Revelation 12 who is clothed in the sun and has the moon uner he feet. And wears a crown of 12 stars -- dumb me. It would be good if it was though. Because the lady in question is all our prayers answered -- the lady symbollic for a tiny bit of essential truth that would make an enormous difference in many lives.
- raymond, Sydney , Australia

there is more of the song that has messages is it. I have a entire binder full of the song history theres a message in there songs, possibley all of them have a backwards message.
- CHRIS, JAX, FL

The great "Stairway To Heaven" debate is getting very very old and boring. Let it die already. The song is immortal and will live on for generations as having THE greatest guitar solo of all time. Period! The lyrics are not unlike many many Robert Plant/Zeppelin lyrics. Unless you are him and can get inside his head, only then MAYBE you'll know what he was thinking. BUT , now in 2007 and with Robert being 59 yrs old, even he probably can't remember what he was thinking. The Beatles had many lyrical mysteries in their music after they moved out of their 'early bubble gummy pop love songs'. That's what drugs will do to ya.
- Elyssa, NY, NY

its about the story of beren and luthien in tolkein's the silmarillion buying a stairway to heaven refers to luthien traveling back to the western continent to convince mandos/manwe to allow beren to live another lifetime with her all that glitters with gold might refer to the silmaril jewel she has in her possesion stairway to heaven refers to either how she made herself mortal(thus allowing her to go to heaven with the rest of humans), or how she retrieved beren from this heaven with a word she can get what she came for refers to the song of sorrow she sang to convince manwe to let beren come back manwe offered to erase her of the pain of losing beren, or allow her to become mortal and die with him(two paths) and two paths also refers to the two paths that the children of illuvatar can choose, and how luthien chose the mortal path of men rather than her natural elven path of immortality the songbird in the song refers to luthien's translation in the elven language, "nightengale", and beren first met luthien because of her singing and dancing in the forest the 3rd verse looks like its about how beren stayed in Mandos's halls when he was supposed to depart for heaven, and how he remembers his trip to morgoth's keep the 4th verse refers to luthien singing her song at mandos(which was sung there for the rest of eternity) and how mandos (the piper of spirits) allowed beren's spirit to be released because of lluthiens sorrow in the song. after they come back, they live in the forests of ossiriand the may queen thing might be referring to yavanna, but im not sure what that would have to do with the story and I've already explained the two path thing in the verse after that the verse after that explains again how she sang the song, and how manwe (the wind) allowed her to change her fate There walks a lady we all know refers to the fact that she was widely known to be the most beautiful being to ever live, and the silmaril shone white light, and the last part of this verse is admiration at the fact that luthien didnt just give up and say this is my fate
- bob, bobland, China

when you play this song backwards the satanic message is: heres to my sweet satan the one whos little path would make me sad, whos power is satan he will give those with him 666 there was a little toolshed where he made us suffer, sad satan and in the end of the song, the last verse says shes buying a stairway to heaven. backwards it says, play backwards, hear words sung
- jer, round lake, IL

this is without a doubt the greatest song ever, i have played it over and over and i can never get sick of it. i cant believe jimmy didnt get the best solo for it, and now its being tied with killer queen-queen. whhich i dont think is right, jimmy page is the greatest ever.
- nick, Bozeman, MT

jimmy page made a deal with the devil that this would be the one of the best songs of all time, (thats why when played backwards ass all theat mumbo jumbo) but for the rest of his life he had to be chinese
- Brendan, calgary, Canada

This WAS released as a single in Australia. The song was split in half!
- Craig, melbourne, Australia

This song has been in debate for the next PS3 game Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock. After a huge demand for Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" made its mark in GH2, there are talks of it making an appearance...that is if they BEG on their HANDS AND KNEES like Jack Black did for "Immigrant Song" in "School Of Rock." I heartily agree, "Stairway" is a CLASSIC!!!
- Robert, Chicago, IL

How many times has Stairway been on the top 10? Has a week ever gone by without this song being displayed in the top ten? It's a good song, yeah, but somewhat overrated. I like it, but I don't think it's Zeppelin's best. The guitar solo at the end definitely kicks a##, but (in my opinion) they've done better songs. Also, the whole satanist/backmasking thing- I THINK IT'S A BUNCH OF BULL! Like someone earlier said, "who the hell would play it backwards to begin with!?" (J, Dundalk, MD)
- Ramon, Long Beach, CA

All I know is that song is so good, that I have NEVER gotten tired of it in all my years! I am 42 years old and still play it quite a bit!!
- Lori, Richardson, TX

Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest rock bands EVER!!!! I don't believe for even a second that they would put satanic messages in a song. And anyway, Stairway to Heaven is THE GREATEST rock song ever recorded. I am sick of hearing about "satanic messages". The only thing you would hear if you tried to play the song backwards is the cries of outrage as you ruin a perfectly good record.
- Greg, Mohnton, PA

The best song on earth and any other demension but i am a little sick of it still kicks alot of a** though
- Bill, Topeka, KS

What can be said that hasn't already? It's the epitomy of rock music anthems. Zep rules.
- DJ, Minneapolis, MN

Its a bit creepy backwards, but i think its more about LOTR's than satan
- Ashley, Leeds, England

I like any piece of creative work, whether it's a rock'n'roll song, a sculpture, a rap or a sonnet, to leave me in a different place--whether mentally, spiritually or emotionally--from the one I was in before I experienced this. Stairway to Heaven accomplishes this beautifully. You have to accept that songs, and other such works don't follow the logic of A to B to C. Rather, their logic is more like that of dreams. And that's why, if they're really good, they "work," even if they're not "supposed to." Yes, this is a very spiritual song. It's not a piece of the performer's ego laced with Native American or Buddhist or whatever motifs, as so many songs by Jim Morrison and others were. For all of you who knock 'Zep' because you think they were Satanists, think of what English poet William Blake said about John Milton, author of "Paradise Lost" and the greatest English-language poet besides Shakespeare and Bob Marley: "He was of the Devil's party without knowing it"
- MusicMama, New York, NY

On a lighter note: Have any of you heard "Stairway to Gilligan's Island"?
- MusicMama, New York, NY

May I say... Even though I'm only eighteen, I've had many experiences. Out of all of those, nothing has hit me quite leke stairway to heaven. Led Zeppelin is untouchable. I love them. Let me know if you agree, young or old, feelin' "IT" or not!!
- Timmy, Boulder, CO

This and "Achilles last stand" are high onmy list of most face melting songs of all time along with Rush's "YYZ"
- this dude, philla, PA

I'd like to record an album, just to put some backward message in it. They would be messages like "f*** you all people", "haven't you anything better to do?", "Hey idiot, the future is forward", "Application error: backward messages are only available if you walk upside down". I'd try to figure out the listener's face :-) Out of the joke, it's a really great song, rightfully listed among the greatest of all times. The whole untitled album is one of the greatest of all times.
- Stefano, Rome, Italy

hi.. this is one of the most spritual songs i have heard in my life....i m just nuts after this song...and i have become a greater fan of this song after reading the lord of the rings..i feel that the comments about this song being satanic and bla bla bla is all a bullsh*t....in the song the line that i like the most.. is: The tune will come to you at last. When all are one and one is all To be a rock and not to roll. its very imp to b the rock and the roll...i feel most of the rockstars today r merely rolls and not rocks......................... -Siddhartha Dabhi (India, Ahmedabad).
- siddhartha, ahmedabad, India

yesterday i was talkin to some guys and they said they thought 'disturbed' was a better band then the beatles and led zeppelin. i asked them if they had ever even heard this song and they said no. >.< god.....
- ozzy, fresno, CA

Normally Page would record 3 solo's for a song and pick what he felt was the best one. In this case he got the best one the first time straight thru. A one off with a guitar gifted to him by his friend Jeff Beck.
- Mr., New York, NY

Greatest Song Of All Time Especially the Guitar solo
- Jorge, Manchester, England

Even though this song came out like 26 years ago.. everyone knows the intro on the guitar. It's like Free Bird. Everyone knows this song.
- chris, columbus , OH

OK...1...It's not CROSLEY, it's Crowley. 2. Crowley wasn't Satanic - as in, he did not worship Satan. He was a self-proclaimed magician, he attempted, and if you believe the hype, possibly succeeded, in conujuring up entities, but he wasn't trying to call demons, he was trying to call angels but he sucked at it. Crowley didn't believe in Satan per se - in fact, for the most part, only Judeo-Christians do, most other religions do not. (not to say he wasn't into some wierd stuff, becuase he was...) 3. Buying Crowley's house doesn't make anyone Satanic anymore than a Buddhist buying a church makes him a Christian....Stop listening to what people TELL you something is and investigate it for yourself. I've never listened to it backwards, so I don't know if it says something or not. But I'd consider myself sad and lead astray if I took everything the media or a preacher or my cousin's great aunt Sally told me and accepted it as fact without checking it out for myself....Lisa, Dallas, TX
- Lisa, denison, TX

It is a great song but it has satanic messages if you listend it backwards.After all the whole song when you listend it backwards is about satan. 'to be rock not to roll'-'all on track all arriving'.Who is arriving???
- Ivana, -, Czech Republic

Led Zeppelin = Greatest Band of all time 5 greatest songs = The Song Remains The Same, D'yer Mak'er, Immigrant song, Stairway to heavon, and the battle of evermore. People who think this song is satainic and robert plant is a satinist = F*cked up son of a bitch stoners who know absoulutely nothing! if theres any message in this song its to teach people to live a Christian life, look at the beatitudes and compare it to this song, you'll se what i'm talkin about
- T., sydney, Australia

This is the ONE. I remember skating to this tune as a kid in 1976 as it came up as the number one song (was always that - number one). I figured it out on guitar. Sometimes, and rarely, do these things come our way. These are the times when Heaven reaches down and takes the pen and writes the words. This is among the classics of ALL TIMES including Mozart and any song ever written. Lord Hear Our Prayers.
- Scott, Granger, IN

dude you guys got it all wrong this song is all about choosing your path in life. "yes there are two paths you can go by ,but in the long run there's still time to change the road your on" those words have forever touched me and gotten me through the hardest times in my life. It simply means its never to late to change.
- joey, yourmomsville, MA

This song, and its meaning is sealed. We will never be able to pick out its infused meaning because unfortunately either, we are too neurotic, or the writer was writing this on some heavvvvy sh*t. But this is why it was made so popular, the sheer mystery. But, because the big picture and details or disoriented, that leaves us with the plain message, and what that leaves us is our imagination.
- Domenic, Antioch, IL

To Basil, Skylark Sound City, MT- MAYBE the backward lyrics theory is true, but all that backwards stuff YOU say they did-----Give me a frickin break! Dude, you need to get into a rehab program. Your name is an herb, and you're obviously burned out on the "herb" and are heavy into the psychadelics.
- BobPape, Austin, TX

wats up. I think this song is one of the greatest songs ever made and i do believe in the backmasking within the song. How they did it i don know. I ran a program called Audacity and was able to backmask that part of the song and the words i found were very clear. I do think page and plant were satanic , and i forget which one but one of them bought the house of Crosley i think his name was. Crosley was a satan worshipper. Alot of led zeppelins songs show satan in them not only this one. Although sometimes i am confused because this song i think can be taken two ways. The piper in the song could either be the devil or it could be god. The fallen angel which is a symbol of led zeppelin represents Lucifer. Also the knot was used much by Crosley and if you put three of the knots together u can see 666. Also the May Queen was a poem written by Crosley which was also satanic. Dont get me wrong i love this song and led zeppelin and i am also a christian.
- Joe, Bellerose, NY

forget about the backwards thing and listen to that SOLO!
- Echo, Normalville, MA

best jimmy page solos: 5=whole lotta love, 4= since I`ve been loving you, 3= heartbreaker, 2= Achilles last stand, 1= Stairway to Heaven
- jose, guanacaste, South America

ok, first if any of you out there don`t know that Jonh Bonham was the one who past away, you can`t call yourselves Zeppelin fans(since it`s an unwritten law for fans to know that).Also, you`ve all being discusing whether Stairway is satanic or not, but you have to know that you`re missing the point of music because you are fracmenting the song, and music is about apreciating the music. Still, if there were a message in the song, it would`n be satanic because if talks about how satan made us feel bad, it is not supporting him. also, it is the greatest song of all times (at least it is to me)and has the greatest guitar solo ever.
- jose, guanacaste, South America

Stairway to me is a cry for hope. The "lady" has been a greedy person all her life but soon tries to repent and get her way to heaven. Also, it's not a hard song to learn note for note - it takes practice to play the song at the right tempo. The solo is extremely fast and can only be accomplished on an electric guitar.
- Brian, Springfield, VA

this is the greatest song ever, and i have heard lots. its just... magical. and then the solo... man, this is just the best song in history, and will be forever.
- Cam, Melbourne, AL

this song has a lot of spiritual meaning =====> This song does have a lot of christian meaning - Ben, Portrush, Ireland all roads lead to the same home, people just keep taking different turns and calling it the only way
- Robin, Pittsburgh, PA

This song to me means a person goin through life only caring about the material things in life and then passing on to the after life and realizng she cannot bring anything with her. thats only the first verse though i feel lik the rest of the song has a completley different meaning
- jordan, New York, NY

I love acoustic guitar. I was always more creative just sitting around a fire drinking whiskey and writing songs.
- Jimmy Page, Heston

Has anyone heard about how the ocean, going to california, and this are like one big story??????
- stephen, Claymont, DE

They didn't put a "backwards message" in the song. I tried singing the phrase "yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on" using my microphone on my computer back in 1998 and played it backwards. Sure enough, it sounds like it says "oh my sweet Satan". Just a coincidence. No backmasking dude. I tried the same with "Another One Bites The Dust", singing it into my mic and played it backwards... again, it sounded like I said "decide to smoke marijuana".
- Paul, Iowa City, IA

there are no subliminal messages these 'messages' however seem to talk about hell and satan. But it's not true i have played it backwards over and over and over it's not true.
- Mike R, Methuen, MA

"Stairway to Heaven" is number 5 in the list called "Sounds at the Speed of Music: 50 Rock Anthems at 100 kph"
- Street Strategist, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

"Stairway to Heaven" is number 6 (correct ranking) in the list called "Sounds at the Speed of Music: 50 Rock Anthems at 100 kph"
- Street Strategist, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

hey ppl , im kinda new 2 this "place" . i was looking 4 the subliminal message in stairway to heaven and i ended up here . 2 day mi friend told me about subliminal messages in songs and disney movies . but a lot of these posts say there is no subliminal message in stairway to heaven . i dont have anything that plays songs backwards . so i cant find out 4 myself . can anyone tell me the truth about stairway to heaven .
- justin, Oshawa, Canada

How come there are no bannister references in Stairway to Heaven?
- Lynex, Warrington, England

What else might one say about Rock's most famous song? Well, let's give it up to the most talented, spirit-driven, four musicians ever on stage and thank them. They took yesterday's pain and relieve today's. Let's remember not to be afraid of the spirituality. Most recently reminded by Bonnie Raitt, I call the tune - 'Religion is for those afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who have already been there and back.' Leave Satan out and follow your spirit - that 'Lady still believes all things. . . .' I don't. Those four men left a gift to the ages. Leave Satan out and allow for some mysticism - you might find your 'soul is taller than your shadow', and you might find your freedom.
- Dean, Houston, TX

Perhaps I might put it more plainly. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Without standing in judgement then of those who search: heaven or hell can be found, either, by any person looking for -either. What leads and informs one's search matters most. Those who are looking for back-masking will find it, and sometimes, it is meant to be there. However, the following might leaven this whole discussion: Take the time for a, 'trip,' outside of your own headphones and visit a few other places in life as you assess this one. For instance, take my 1997 trip to France, where I purposefully arrived on New Year's Eve. Following a $550 dinner in the shadow of 'Le Tour Eiffel', on New Year's Eve, my wife and I shook off the champagne and used our purposefully planned, next, New Year's 'day-off' in France to visit the American Cemetary at Omaha Beach, followed by a round of Bernard Montgomery's British monument nearby. There was something in all of those marble crosses, stars, et. al., in the light of the sun setting over the English Channel, 60MPH gales and with Taps dutifully trumpeted. My perspective grew regrding heaven, hell, sacrifice and defeat of the truly demonic, if you will. Follow that by a tour of L' Mussee Dorsay and The Louvre. Now then, having done all of the above, ask yourself about where heaven and hell reside. Ask yourself if you see the same thing in Renoir's work as the next person. Ask yourself if the Mona Lisa is not stil interpreted differently by every person who views her 500+ years later. Ask my wife why the Coat of Hammurabi meant as much as Michelangelo's slaves did to me. Ask her why Monet's Lillies at the L'orangerie, down the promenade of dead-winter's gardens from the Louvre, meant as much to her. Art, letter, music and war are history the minute they are done. Each is left to the ages for understanding, and we will find whatever meaning we either desire or need in all of them. That having been said, then, if you find demons in the back-masking - that is your thruth - but yours alone. It is an ontological question - What vessel or being holds the real truth for you? For certain, the ages hold some of it: time, people and the earth thereupon tread. So, tread as much as you can, body, mind and soul. 'The truth will come to you at last. . .' The truth lies in that Being that fully holds your body, mind and soul. Whoever that be, let it be something bigger and better than you alone. Then you can find 'Quarter,' in your wanderings. If you are alone and untraveled in your back-masking treck, what you DO find will lack the Hope of the, "two paths you can go by. . . and the [time, still], to change the road you're on." Evil and demonic quirks exist, and finding those is fine. Try to avoid searching them out alone and/or without perspective. What you don't know can hurt.
- Dean, Houston, TX

First of all, Zeppelin, although good, isn't nearly as good as my top 3 favorite bands. (The Who, Doors, and Yardbirds) and for the whole satanic messages thing, theres like a small paragraph of "satanic" lyrics when you play the middle backwards. BULLSH*T! How dumb do you have to be to accuse this masterpeice of something satanic. Nuff Sed.
- Joe, Bellingham, WA

I have listened to the lyrics backwards myself and I don't believe there is anything intentional there. I have played with recording things myself and then listening to them backwards and often you can hear things the you never intended. For instance, uses the recorder function in windows and record yourself saying f*** you! and play in backwards; it sounds like you are saying "wake up".
- Nique, Dallas, TX

Ok question tht has been on my mind forever---in many classic rock songs they speak of a green see for example they say as we sailed to the green sea in yellow submarine and in paint it black he talks about it also.....WTH is the green sea
- Stephen, Claymont , DE

this song is amazing, i think the wholr bakmasking satan messages is total fake
- jimi, marshamellow, VA

i love that song! it gets me all happy and energized! not ''scared, angry or satanic''! this is one of the greatest songs ever, for me the song ''different world'' by iron maiden is the greatest, tough this song makes a good second place. i think its a lot of bull '' satanic messages''. cuz if this song is based on a sermon the how the hell could it be satanic? ever seen satanic messages in the bible?!?!?!?! satan is a idiot really being so mean and stuff... greetings from holland robert! btw:holland is better than america AND britain bcuz we smell like flowers and honey but yankees stink. :P
- Wessel, dedemsvaart, Netherlands

Whoa Cody. The people that say there aren't any satanic messages are just voicing their opinion. Maybe they really just didn't hear them or you are imagining them. People often think they hear stuff when they don't so its possible that it happened to you.
- Page, London, Canada

hey if u say the backwards messages arent true they are. even the original records i have the original records. and they say more than that is documented that they say
- Cody, Defiance, MO

On alot of the Stairway To Heaven songs when you play them back words you will them talk about satan but those are not the original songs when you play it back words on records there is nothing about satan.
- Ricky, Pittsburgh, PA

Ok question tht has been on my mind forever---in many classic rock songs they speak of a green see for example they say as we sailed to the green sea in yellow submarine and in paint it black he talks about it also.....WTH is the green sea
- stephen, Claymont, DE

A liitle something from a John Paul Jones interview: "Question: What influenced you in writing the keyboard part for Stairway to Heaven? John P Zep: Really, a reaction to what Jimmy was playing on acoustic guitar I think he had already started writing it with robert when they were away in their cottage in Wales and Jimmy had lots of different part of it which we put together, the two of us at Hedley Grange"
- mark, worcester, MI

You notice "they" did the same thing to the Beatles and said there were messages that Paul was dead played backwards in Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the album cover had hidden messages, etc. etc. All hokey. Led Zeppelin was not a media and press favorite. Successful and famous people have legendary rumours follow them all the time. As far as satanic dabbling by Jimmy Page??? Has he ever admitted it? He looks pretty harmless now doesn't he at age 62. Stairway to Heaven can be played all the time for all I care......Jimmy Page's guitar still gives me goose bumps when I hear it.
- Elyssa, NY, NY

Whichever people made up the rumours about satanic messages in Stairway (or any song)were probably label owners or radio D.J's that wanted the public to buy their record. I mean, you either think thats a totally amazing idea and decide to go buy the song to hear it for yourself, or you think its the stewpidest rumour and you want to proove whoever made it up wrong. Either way, you buy the song and the label owners make more money. Not only do these rumours make a tremendous cash grab, but they make the public want to hear the song all the time so the band (in this case Led Zeppelin) become even more popular if they're weren't already. The song starts getting played all over the radio because the listeners want to hear it, and D.J's end up getting more money for playing that particular song. It's all an elaborate plan to make more money. Then, once we've all bought and listened to the song backwards we start aruing with eachother about what the hidden messages really ment. Almost 40 years later and we're still picking at Stairway trying to figure out what the band was trying to say to us, the devoted fans, because we would love to know what our idols were telling us through secret messages. The higher- ups made big money, the band gets better known and the fans have something to talk about in later years to come. Brilliant idea once you really think about it.
- Page, London, Canada

LED ZEPPELIN WAS THE GREATEST BAND EVER
- Stephen, Claymont , DE

Does anyone hear no about the whole conspiracy that ............ the ocean.......going to California..........and stairway to heaven........go together???
- Stephen, Claymont , DE

Elysia Hamilton: What????
- Aleister, Disneyland, CA

I think the whole backmasking thing is just fake...or a coincidence...and if it is real its probably not intentional. Some of it is, like in Empty Spaces bye Pink Floyd, which crearly was put in there bye the band becuase the message is: Congratulations. You have found the secret message. Please send your answer to old pink, care of the funny farm. Chalfont.~ but this song is definately NOT about Satan and even if it is~ IT STILL ROCKS!
- Strong Bad, London, England

Hey Kirsty from Australia: I know about the tempest but, and im sorry to have to tell you this, I dont think that they are in anyway related! )-: sorry
- Strong Bad, London, England

led zeppelin is greatness you have to love them
- ANDREW, long island, NY

Our minister mentioned "Stairway to Heaven" in a sermon about Jacob's Ladder during which I started thinking about the lyrics. Afterwards, I told him I thought his sermon's message was perfectly captured in "Stairway". He agreed and of course added, "God works in mysterious ways".
- peter, rochester, NY

Religous people make me uncomfortable. "Let's talk about Jesus" Let's not OK?
- Mike, petersham, MA

hey all! im in year 12 and i am doing 'The Tempest' for my advanced english study! i need to relate "the stairway to heaven" to "the tempest" and i wouldnt have a clue how! so if anybody knows about "the tempest" and can help me with this that would be great
- kirsty, sydney, Australia

My second favorite song of all time behind "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult. I have listened to both songs for over 30 years and have never grown tired of either one. They are both masterpieces of rock 'n' roll. In fact both songs still give me cold chills. That's staying power! Larry B.-Newton, NC
- LARRY, NEWTON, NC

The the person that made this post "There are roughly 600 AOR and Classic Rock stations in the US, which means that "Stairway" has been broadcast a minimum of 2,874 times. At 8 minutes per spin, roughly 23 million minutes - almost 44 years - have been devoted to the song. So far." Perhaps you should do your math again. If STH has been broadcast a minimum of 2,874 times at 8 minutes per spin, thats only 22,992 minutes. Not 23 million minutes. Thats only 16 days played consecutively. Now I'm pretty sure that its been played more times than you listed, but in order for a 36 year old song that have been played for the equivalent of 44 years, the song would have to be being played at some point every minute, of every day since its release, and it would still be 8 years short.
- John, Broken Arrow, OK

I personally think led zeppelin is one of the worst bands ever, except their "immigrant song". no, i dont think they, or their songs, are satanic. it was pure coincidence that their songs sound like that backwards (i feel sorry for the people who actually have the time to/ actually thought to listen to it backwards). it was just a way for them to get media attention with their music. no more, no less. and if you want to hear it backwards, go on youtube.com and type "led zepplin" in the search bar (as opposed to led zeppelin - just take out the 2nd "e" in zeppelin)
- Billy, A Place, AL

In some private schools back when this issue of satanic messages in rock songs first appeared, many principals played the questionable exerpts of this song on the overcom and then told the students why rock music is devilish.
- Glen, Charlotte, NC

Actually if you record yourself and play it backwards you can hear the messages. John Pual Jones is not dead like some idiot said on this page. You cannot write a song that accidentally has messages in EVERY verse so quit being stubborn because the messages are there, just don't take them too seriously.
- Zach, Darlington, SC

This is the best song from the classic rock era. I listened to it everyday for four months straight before I moved on to other songs.
- Ameer, LA, CA

This song is one of the best of LED ZEPPELIN. The most famous Rock song of all time,my best of the best.
- Sabin, bhaktapur, Other

Another great song killed by radio program managers. Brian VA USA
- brian, burke, VA

Actually, I heard from my dad that the "Stairway to Heaven" was supposed to represent Jacobs Ladder in the bible. He also told me that Plant was very saddened when he heard the news about the "backwards satanic messages". So compare: Jacobs Ladder in the bible, or satanic messages... hmmmm. PLUS! Page was the one included in all the occult stuff. Plant writes the lyrics im pretty sure... And im a drummer, and John Bonham is FRICKEN AWESOME! When i was younger it took me forever to figure out how he played Kashmir. But now i have it down. 7 years of drumming can do that for you!
- Ortie, Chaska, MN

This is one of my favorite songs and a classic that will last a long time.
- Mike, Quakertown, PA

It was released by plant like ten years ago that there was no way that the devil was controlling him that was some crazy thing that the critics made up to take them down. Plant declared that the lyrics were about his personal life not to long ago.
- Stephen, Claymont , DE

Ok basically... these are the backwards lyrics... I don't think they are exact but its as close as it can be... i'd say about 90%... there may be 3 words out of the whole thing that i couldn't understand, and it was mostly cause it was fast and i didn't fallow. but when you read this and play it backwards, it's unmistakable. well here it is. Plaaaay backwards, Hear why its sung here, oppositioner.. Allll on track, all arriving They all sing, and they are one. Shall I loathe you now, parishoner? Oh hear Him, Christian within me. It stirs my sin; the river, Oh, she swells with our lousiness. All my life will end for him? We?re all out of signs, I know I?m sorta shocked To hear The Lord, My God now will save me! Oh I will n?er be saved, Because I live with Satan.. One wish today; That you?ll all pray for Three who will make it here late. Pray now and you?ll see.. The ?Lord? turned me on, But, oh, I was the shaggy fool.. Clothed in agony, Lost at a height. There?s no escaping it, Nor his woes.. So here?s to my Sweet Satan. The one who?s little path Would make me sad, Whose power is faith. He?ll give those with him 666. there was a little toolshed, where he made us suffer sad Satan. Ohohohoh... ?Family won?t get loose, They?re offered me? Always soothes the worker. Always will be as we know now ?I see ruins,? said he, ?the world they offered me? Who wished the Lord?s fall? If we lose feather, Say you?ll save me! And no wimps can bend the rules.. And no wimps can do.. Hunt next to the shore, ?Cause they see all from there, See here?s the news, Who walks with mute grief! Perhaps no-one found thee... ?Heavy, lift me out,? Spake the Reve, ?Someday, failed, we?ll lose one line-up, They?ve gotta leave forsaken? And no wimps can do.. And no wimps can do... He, who say the lords Thoth have our laws, Maat must be superb. Mass is ended.. Over there, He who should learn thee. Any moot that serves by my sworn music, I wish it with snow be shushed, All for my mass?s sake. Hear why its sung, here, oppositioner, Ohh.. He who should show May make his show worthy, To look, for us, odd.. sickly, There?s one chance - take his show. Hold thy head, Hear why its sung here. oppositioner. Who owns this earth built below? Oh sweet Israel? In case you don't know how to hear it backwards. use sound recorder (for windows) hit recored then play the song. then effects, then reverse. if you have better lyrics, feel free to mail @ angelous207@hotmail.com
- JustAfan, Elkton, MD

cool song. the lyric were writen in 15 minnets i dont think there is a message either way you play it.
- Joe, ep, MN

by the way I think it is totaly cool that Rob or any artist gives feedback about any of there songs that have a fanbase. Thanks Rob.
- Joe, ep, MN

I Love to read all your comments, would like to say, Jim never meant it to be satanic song..
- Robert Plant, Kashmir, India

This song is ok but if you want to hear a great rock song listen to Ramble Tamble by CCR. Very unkown and VERY underrated song.
- Mike, Hueytown , AL

This is a great song, and my favorite. There are no satanic messages... I hate that myth. It's literally impossible to speak backwards. On the websites that have it played backwards, if you don't read the lyrics then it just sounds like random sounds.
- Gina, Woodbury Heights, NJ

this song is way overhyped! for me, it's decent at best. I really don't know what everyone means when tehy say this is the greatest song ever written. it ranks about 542 on my 1,000 favorite songs list.
- Joe, Bellingham, WA

Haha, well i wonder if anyone will ever read this comment after they get through all the other ones... this is officially the greatest song of all time... it's got over bohemian rhapsody and darkside of the moon. robert plant is the bomb
- Zac, Sydney, Australia

http://jeffmilner.com/backmasking.htm
- dan, chicago, IL

well, i dont really think there are any satanic messages ..... and i dont even care if there are ..... this is one of the most awsome songs and one of my favourites
- Nikhil, Rome, Italy

I think that if there is a "Satanic Message" then it is purely coincidental to be honest. Who would waste their time writing a song and then playing it backwards? Crazy.
- Rachel, London, England

i think this is a good song and i really dont care if there are satanic messages when its played backward. I dont think it matters what the song means and i think that people are looking for deep messages when there are none.
- Guy, Summerville, SC

um, ok this is the first time i've ever commented this song, and i think your retarded
- Danielle, New York City, NY

first of all LED ZEPPELIN IS THE GREATEST BAND IN THE ENTIRE DAMN WORLD!!!!!!!!! stairway to heaven is without a question the most beautiful, life changing song ever to be written, there are no satanic messages in this song, such beautiful words could only have come from divine inspiration, from something bigger than us, bigger than life, it's perfect. Jimmy Page has the true soul of a poet. It gives a great message to evryone no matter how old you are, this song is like an anthem to me. It is every prayer everyone has ever said, ever real kiss ever given, every life ever sacraficed to love, every meaningful tear ever shed. It is the explanation, of life, and love.the essence of compassion.
- Danielle, New York City, NY

this is a very beautiful song but it creeps me out a bit because of the whole Satan thing which i don't know whether or not its true.... but how could someone know what their song will sound like played backwards, I think its just a coincidence...but what's the deal with the "Piper"? Ever notice how everyone who plays guitar makes it a point to be able to play stairway to heaven?
- Hayley, Nowhereland, United States

This is the best song eva. Led Zeppelin rocks!!!!
- Chrissy, Long Island, NY

with the whole satanic messages thing i have taken the song, myself, and reversed it. it does,coincidentally, say satan and the rest of the message does say what sounds like words. i also tried recording myself just saying the lyrics forward and reversing them but it wasnt at all the same. my conclusion is that Combined with Plants extraordinary note range and coincidentally the words of the song there are eligable words when you play the song backwards
- Blake, Watertown, SD

I the youtube version that i saw he says does anybody rememeber laughter
- Brandon, Sterling, VA

I think this song is one of the best songs ever!
- Josh, Boce Raton, FL

BTW if the message is really there its about the pain satan caused not that he is good
- Brandon, Sterling, VA

Ha Ha. Duh it's overrated. Without ever listening to the track I could've told you it was overrated just because it's the biggest song in the world! lol Also... NOT supporting the backward satanic message crap... but there are some other songs that could be considered satanic Dundalk. Maybe not hidden. Houses of the Holy for example. He's talking about this holy perfect place where the devil's daughter apparenlty lives in... and he even says "Satan and Man" lol
- Craig, Springfield, OR

how the hell is it possible to put a satanic message in a song. i think stairway to heaven is the greatest song written
- jordache, national city, CA

"Stairway to Gilligan's Island" was released in the 1970's by "Little Roger and the Goosebumps" on a real 45. You can listen to it at http://www.gilligansisle.com/stairway.html and someone may a video out of it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTCYLbFxTpI
- Steven, Sunnyvale, CA