About the song
“Going to California” by Led Zeppelin is a serene and introspective track from their critically acclaimed fourth album, commonly known as “Led Zeppelin IV,” released in 1971. This album is a landmark in rock history, featuring a diverse range of styles and some of the band’s most iconic songs, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Black Dog,” and “Rock and Roll.”
Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968, consisted of Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums. By the time “Led Zeppelin IV” was released, the band had already established themselves as one of the foremost rock groups of the era, known for their powerful sound and eclectic musical influences.
“Going to California” stands out on the album for its gentle acoustic arrangement and reflective lyrics. Unlike many of their harder-hitting tracks, this song showcases a softer, more folky side of Led Zeppelin. The song was primarily composed by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, drawing inspiration from folk and country music.
Musically, “Going to California” features delicate acoustic guitar work by Jimmy Page, complemented by mandolin played by John Paul Jones. The song’s gentle, melancholic melody provides a stark contrast to the heavier tracks on the album. Robert Plant’s vocals are plaintive and yearning, delivering a narrative about searching for peace and a fresh start in California, a place often symbolizing hope and new beginnings in popular culture.
The lyrics of “Going to California” reflect a sense of longing and disillusionment, capturing the spirit of the early 1970s when many young people were seeking a new way of life away from the chaos of modern society. Plant has mentioned that the song was influenced by his admiration for the music of Joni Mitchell, and there are references in the lyrics that echo this sentiment.
Despite not being released as a single, “Going to California” has become one of Led Zeppelin’s most beloved songs, praised for its lyrical depth and musical beauty. The song has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners, making it a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite in Led Zeppelin’s extensive catalog.
“Led Zeppelin IV” itself was a monumental success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. It remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 37 million copies sold worldwide. The album’s diverse range of songs, from the epic “Stairway to Heaven” to the rollicking “Misty Mountain Hop,” showcases the band’s versatility and their ability to push the boundaries of rock music.
In conclusion, “Going to California” is a poignant and beautifully crafted song that highlights a different aspect of Led Zeppelin’s musical talent. Its place on the legendary “Led Zeppelin IV” album underscores the band’s ability to create music that is both powerful and introspective. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless quality and the masterful artistry of Led Zeppelin.
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Lyrics
Spent my days with a woman unkind
Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine
Made up my mind to make a new start
Going to California with an aching in my heart
Someone told me there’s a girl out there
With love in her eyes and flowers in her hairTook my chances on a big jet plane
Never let ’em tell you that they’re all the same
The sea was red and the sky was grey
Wondered how tomorrow could ever follow today
The mountains and the canyons start to tremble and shake
As the children of the sun began to awake (watch out)Seems that the wrath of the gods
Got a punch on the nose, and it started to flow
I think I might be sinking
Throw me a line, if I reach it in time
I’ll meet you up there where the path runs straight and highTo find a queen without a king
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings
La la la la
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Trying to find a woman who’s never, never, never been born
Standing on a hill in my mountain of dreams
Telling myself it’s not as hard, hard, hard as it seems