I Can't Quit You Baby

Album: Led Zeppelin (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Many musician types consider this one of Led Zeppelin's technically strongest performances, but Jimmy Page admits that it's far from perfect. He told Guitar Player magazine in 1977: "There are mistakes in it, but it doesn't make any difference. I'll always leave the mistakes in. I can't help it. The timing bits on the A and Bb parts are right, though it might sound wrong. The timing just sounds off. But there are some wrong notes. You've got to be reasonably honest about it."
  • This is based on a Blues song by Willie Dixon that he wrote for Otis Rush, who recorded it in 1956. Many of Led Zeppelin's songs were influenced by old blues or folk songs. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • The version on Coda is a soundcheck for a show at Royal Albert Hall on January 9, 1970. Coda is a collection of outtakes released after John Bonham died.
  • Some guitar parts are very similar to the guitar solo in "Heartbreaker." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jack - Beijing, China
  • Rolling Stones recorded this for their 2016 blues covers album, Blue and Lonesome. Their version features an Eric Clapton guitar solo.
  • This headed up a list of Led Zeppelin's Top 10 worst songs, which was compiled by CheatSheet.com. They said:

    "The band members are all on-point, particularly Page, but the repetitive lyrics and slow pace make for a rather boring song on an otherwise riveting record."

    Runner up on the list was "The Lemon Song", while the top three was rounded out by "Moby Dick."

Comments: 26

  • Johnhenry from Reston, VaI don’t care if Cheat Sheet rates “I can’t quit you baby” as one of LZ’s the worst songs, it’s my Favorite! Jimmy’s guitar is particularly intricate and masterful, as are Bonham’s drums. (And Plant’s singing ain’t bad, either.) I mean, are you kidding me? When I first heard this song in 1971 (in my freshman year of college,), I was Totally blown away, and still feel shivers run down my spine every time I hear it.
  • Mark from MinnesotaI don't really have a comment, i simply have a question about the song. Many people think this is about a bad love affair with a woman, i was wondering if the lyrics are really about a man's struggle with drug addiction, aka heroin, which is correct?
  • Jorge from Bronx, NyThis song was recorded on their debut album,was it 68-69?,This version here sounds like a rehearsel,Robert Plant is great but in Live versions,he;s everywhere,,,but did enjoy it!
  • Lisa from Blountville , TnThe Royal Albert show 01 09 1970 is a awesome show.Probably the best version of this song.So bluesy it makes your head swim and your body ache for more.I always thought no one does "white boy blues" better the Zeppelin. "MR JIMMY PAGE LEAD GUITAR " appalause. If this stuff does'nt move you in one form or another your souless or dead.
  • Sean from Boston, Maled zeppelin first playing this song at concerts in late 1967 but never recorded it till 1969
  • Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiConnor, you're probably thinking of the Coda version. This song, in its original version, was released in 1969.
  • Peter Griffin from Quahog, RiThis song could be recorded in 1969 BECAUSE IT WAS ON LED ZEPPELIN'S FIRST ALBUM, RELEASED IN 1969. SO THERE.
  • Connor from Coral Springs, GaI have never heard the Coda version, but the led zep 1 version is awesome. I love the guitar because it has a Hendrix-like feel to it.
  • John from Helsinki, FinlandHow can it be released 1969, if it is soundcheck recorded January 9, 1970?
  • Collin from Midland, TxThere's what I was trying to get at, Ryan. This song is quite fun to improvise on the guitar. Like most Zeppelin blues songs, its based in A, and its fun to just mess around with. Great song, all the versions.
  • Ryan from Ashland, Orthis is well known to not be a sound check, its just a cut up version of the actual RAH preformence.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScThis is on there first album, right? I think I remember seeing when I saw the titles, and was putting it in my computer, and I know I've heard this song before, on the album, and on the radio.
  • Collin from Midland, TxThe Coda version is shorter, with much of the middle section cut out. Listen to one, and then the other. Listen for Robert Plant say "Mr. Jimmy Page, lead guitar." on the DVD. Afterwards, he almost immediately sings "They told me not to worry..." This introduction and ensuing verse are absent in the Coda version. They are not identical "versions" but they are identical "songs", Coda just has the solo and one of the last verses eliminated.
  • Jesse from Toronto, CanadaThe one from Coda and from the double DVD are different. If you don't believe me, listen to then simultaneously. The Coda version is from the soundcheck of the RAH show.

    P.S. DVD version is ultimate
  • Jeanette from Irvine, Cawhen i hear this song i definitely think drugs.
  • David from Orlando, FlI wonder if Page had a reason for snipping the audio of the two live performances from CODA; it couldn't have anything to due with runtime given that the album is only 33 minutes long.
  • Collin from Midland, TxYeah, all of these guys are right. This is perfectly identical to the "Led Zeppelin DVD" version. Anyway, I believe this version is superior to the studio version. The vocals and the guitar have so much more emotion put into them, and Bonzo's solo at the end is pretty dang awesome. Led Zeppelin rules.
  • Mike from Cambridge, Mathis song owns everything else on their first
  • Robert from Santa Barbara, CaThe best version of this song is by Otis Rush, recorded on the Sue label in 1959, IMO. John Mayall also cut a pretty good version.
  • Fergal from Dublin, IrelandIs this song an allagory about drug addiction?
  • Danny from Sydney, AustraliaThe Coda version is soo much better than the studio version. Man, Led Zeppelin own.
  • Peter from Everett, MaJim and Adrian are right. "I Can't Quit You Babe" from the CODA album is NOT from any "soundcheck", it is from the actual concert performance. Please, take that off immediately.
  • Rob from Santa Monica, CaAnyway, the Coda version crushes the studio version like a grape. It is my favorite Jimmy Page guitar solo. Given the disappointment of Song Remains the Same, the Coda version of "I Can't Quit You Baby" was the first recorded (and released) evidence that Zeppelin could indeed kick ass live.
  • Andres from Santa Rosa, Cacould have been played-over like a voice-over
  • Adrian from Wilmington, DeThe version on Coda and the version from "How the West Was Won" ARE exactly the same and as Jim said, the Coda version was edited. It omits part of Jimmy's solo and most of the last verse.
  • Jim from Bethlehem, PaI'm not one to disagree, I've heard about this being from the sound check. I also read it on the album jacket. But did you ever see the video from the actual show? The lead is identicle, how often did Jimmy play two leads exactly the same. On Coda the lead break is also cut at the end.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Daryl Hall

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.