About the song
Led Zeppelin's "The Ocean," a dynamic and electrifying track from their 1973 album "Houses of the Holy," stands as a testament to the band's musical prowess and innovation. Opening with a thunderous drum beat from John Bonham, the song immediately grabs the listener's attention and sets the tone for the energetic journey that follows.
Jimmy Page's iconic guitar riff in "The Ocean" is instantly recognizable, showcasing his mastery of the instrument. The riff, along with John Paul Jones' pulsating bassline, creates a powerful and infectious groove that runs throughout the song. Robert Plant's vocals soar above the instrumentation, delivering lyrics that are both poetic and enigmatic, contributing to the song's mystique.
One of the notable features of "The Ocean" is its ever-evolving structure. The song seamlessly transitions between different sections, showcasing the band's ability to blend various musical elements. From the infectious main riff to the quieter, more contemplative moments, the song takes the listener on a captivating sonic journey.
The lyrics of "The Ocean" are often interpreted as a celebration of the band's fans and the energy of their live performances. The reference to "the big, blue sea" in the chorus may symbolize the vast sea of fans that Zeppelin had amassed by the early 1970s. The ocean becomes a metaphor for the collective energy and enthusiasm of the audience.
As the song progresses, it builds to a climactic finish with a powerful vocal performance from Plant and a frenetic guitar solo from Page. The intensity of the closing moments captures the essence of Led Zeppelin's live performances, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
"The Ocean" is a prime example of Led Zeppelin's ability to push the boundaries of rock music. Its dynamic instrumentation, memorable riffs, and intricate arrangement showcase the band's creative genius and contribute to its status as one of the standout tracks in their extensive catalog.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
"We've done four already but now we're steady
And then they went: One, two, three, four"
Singing in the sunshine, laughing in the rain
Hitting on the moonshine, rocking in the grain
Got no time to pack my bags, my foots outside the door
I got a date, I can't be late, for the high hopes hailla ball, uh uh, uh uh, yeah
Singing to an ocean, I can hear the ocean's roar
Play for free, I play for me and play a whole lot more, more!
Singing about the good things and the sun that lights the day
I used to sing on the mountains, has the ocean lost its way
I don't know, oh oh, yeah'
Ooh, yeah
Sitting round singing songs 'til the night turns into day
Used to sing about the mountains but the mountains washed away
Now I'm singing all my songs to the girl who won my heart
She is only three years old and it's a real fine way to start
Oh yeah!
It sure is fine!
Ah blow my mind!
When the tears are goin' down!
Yeah! Yeah, yeah
Oh so, oh so, oh so good!
Oh so good!
