Stairway to Heaven: A Spritiual Calling

(Above: Robert Plant, vocalist of Led Zeppelin, penned the lyrics of “Stairway to Heaven” in one sitting.)

The most sold sheet music in the history of rock and roll. Played so many times on the radio that it adds up to 44 years (according to http://www.superseventies.com/stairway.html). “Stairway to Heaven,” by Led Zeppelin has remained one of the most played and requested songs in radio history (according to http://www.ehow.com/about_4671992_what-story-behind-stairway-heaven.html). Why? How could a song, released over 40 years ago remain so popular?

Here’s an excerpt of the lyrics to “Stairway to Heaven”- the first lyrics Led Zeppelin ever published on the jacket of an album because they knew the impact this song would have on the music industry:

“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.

And it makes me wonder.”

I believe the answer lies in the theme of the song.  The song, “Stairway to Heaven” goes beyond the surface of music – the surface of life, even.  Stephen Davis, author of Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga, explained that the song, “expressed an ineffable yearning for spiritual transformation deep in the hearts of the generation…” (pg 133).  “Stairway to Heaven” challenges listeners to look at who they are beyond their physical being.  The lyricist, Robert Plant, explained that his inspiration came from Celtic heroines on their journey to spiritual perfection.

As I stream the radio of today’s top hits, I find it rather difficult to hear a song that strikes me personally in such a way that “Stairway” does.  “Call Me Maybe” can hardly be called intellectual – in my opinion.  When “Stairway to Heaven” was released, it quickly reached the top of the charts in the US and the UK.  Why do all the songs on our top radio center on love, sex, drugs, and materialism – surface issues?  How many times have you felt the urge to reflect on life while listening to the current tunes?

Maybe that’s not what teens want to listen to nowadays as they drive their cars around.  There’s no time for introspection.  Similar to our fast-paced lives and fleeting attention spans, new songs are released constantly, and last months are soon forgotten.  Few tunes stand the test of time.

Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” remains an anthem to many, I feel, because the song delved into their souls.  Personally, every time I listen to it, I feel elevated and aware.  I realize the materialism I subscribe to and the weaknesses of my character in contrast to the song’s harmony.  But as a whole, I feel reawakened and ready to improve the world.

As much as I enjoy “Stairway to Heaven,” I would love for my generation to have an anthem similar in theme to “Stairway” of its own.  Many songs are released daily with the same calling as “Stairway,” but they have yet to touch the souls of every youth as “Stairway to Heaven” had upon its release. Until then, I will be waiting for it with open arms.