About the song
Released in 1971 on Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV, “Four Sticks” stands as one of the band’s more experimental tracks, showcasing their willingness to push the boundaries of rock music. Known for its intricate arrangements and unique sound, the song reflects the creative peaks that Led Zeppelin was reaching during this period, blending blues, hard rock, and folk influences into something wholly original. While not as commercially successful as some of the band’s other anthems like “Stairway to Heaven” or “Rock and Roll,” “Four Sticks” has gained recognition for its distinctiveness and is often celebrated by die-hard Zeppelin fans for its bold experimentation.
The song’s title, “Four Sticks,” is a direct reference to the fact that John Bonham, the band’s legendary drummer, used four drumsticks to achieve the song’s unique rhythm. Bonham, whose powerful and innovative drumming style was crucial to Led Zeppelin’s sound, is a central figure in the track, with his complex rhythms and polyrhythmic beats driving the music. The song features a distinctive, almost hypnotic beat, with the four sticks creating a dense and layered percussion pattern. This experimental approach to drumming helps set “Four Sticks” apart from many of the band’s more straightforward rock songs, as Bonham’s percussive mastery is at the forefront, creating a thrilling and unorthodox listening experience.
Lyrically, “Four Sticks” is somewhat enigmatic, much like much of Led Zeppelin IV. The song’s lyrics were penned by Robert Plant, the band’s iconic lead singer and lyricist, who often wrote in a more poetic and abstract style. While the precise meaning of “Four Sticks” remains open to interpretation, the lyrics seem to deal with themes of emotional conflict, self-discovery, and the internal struggles that can come with intense relationships. Plant’s delivery, filled with both passion and vulnerability, adds a layer of depth to the song, with his voice shifting between the ethereal and the raw. The song, like many on Led Zeppelin IV, has an otherworldly, mystical quality, with its lyrics not so much telling a straightforward story as they evoke a mood or feeling.
Musically, “Four Sticks” features a striking balance of acoustic and electric elements. The song begins with a slow, almost meditative acoustic guitar intro, before launching into a more aggressive, riff-driven section. This juxtaposition of delicate and forceful elements is one of the defining characteristics of Led Zeppelin’s sound during this era. Jimmy Page’s guitar work is both intricate and powerful, layering multiple riffs to create a thick, textured sound that complements Bonham’s complex drumming. The contrast between the acoustic and electric sections mirrors the emotional tension in the lyrics, adding a musical depth that enhances the overall atmosphere of the song.
“Four Sticks” was part of Led Zeppelin IV, an album that became one of the most iconic and influential rock records of all time. This album, which also featured classics like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Black Dog,” marked a significant moment in the band’s career, solidifying their place in rock history. The album’s success—and its widespread critical acclaim—came partly from its eclectic mix of styles, from the hard rock of “Immigrant Song” to the folk-inspired “The Battle of Evermore,” and the soulful, introspective “Going to California.” “Four Sticks” fits right into this mix, showcasing Led Zeppelin’s ability to experiment with different sounds and ideas while maintaining the raw energy that defined their music.
On a cultural level, “Four Sticks” and the entire Led Zeppelin IV album had a profound impact on the rock music landscape of the early ’70s. It represented a shift in the genre, moving away from the simple, catchy hooks of earlier rock to a more complex, layered, and even experimental sound. The song was not just a demonstration of musical technicality—it also embodied the spirit of artistic freedom that defined Led Zeppelin. The band was at the height of its creative powers during this time, and “Four Sticks” is a perfect example of their willingness to take risks and explore new musical territories.
In conclusion, “Four Sticks” is a track that embodies the experimental, boundary-pushing spirit of Led Zeppelin at the height of their powers. From its unique use of drumsticks to its ethereal yet powerful lyrics and intricate instrumentation, the song showcases the band’s mastery of both musical innovation and emotional expression. While it may not be as well-known as some of their other hits, “Four Sticks” remains a favorite among fans and a testament to the enduring creativity and influence of Led Zeppelin in the history of rock music. With its complex rhythms, poetic lyrics, and seamless blend of acoustic and electric sounds, “Four Sticks” is a song that continues to captivate listeners and stand as a testament to Led Zeppelin’s legacy.
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Lyrics
Oh baby it’s cryin’ timeOh baby I got to flyGot to try to find a wayGot to try to get away‘Cause you know I gotta get away from you babeOh baby the river’s red, ah baby in my headThere’s a funny feelin’ goin’ onI don’t think I can hold out longAnd when the owls cry in the nightOh baby, baby when the pines begin to cryBaby, baby, baby how do you feel?If the river runs dry, baby, how do you feel?Craze, baby, the rainbow’s end, mmm, baby, it’s just a denFor those who hide, who hide their love to depths of lifeAnd ruin dreams that we all knew so, babeAnd when the owls cry in the nightAnd baby when the pines begin to cryOh baby, baby, how do you feel?If the river runs dry, baby, how do you feel?Baby how do you feel?Ooh yeah, brave I endureOoh yeah, strong shields and loreAnd they can’t hold the wrath of those who walkAn’ the boots of those who marchBaby, through the roads of time so long agoOoooh, yeahOooohOooooh, yeahAhhhAhhhAhhhAhhhOoooohHoooohHoooohHoooohHahhhhHoooh hooh hoooh hah hahhh