WCSX Classic Cuts : Black Dog

WCSX Classic Cuts

Led Zeppelin: "Black Dog"

The Hook: The title has nothing whatsoever to do with the song's lyrics.

Album: Led Zeppelin IV

Year: 1971

Writers: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones

Stats: Peaked at number-15 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Zeppelin's second-highest U.S. chart single, behind "Whole Lotta Love, which got to number-four.

Background: Led Zeppelin recorded parts their fourth album at Headley Grange, a Victorian era house in East Hampshire, England. Robert Plant explains that it was the experience of recording there, and not anything to do with the song's lyrics, that led to the title "Black Dog."

Robert Plant on how the title “Black Dog” was a reference to Headley Grange, where the band recorded Led Zeppelin IV, and not to the song’s lyrics. OC:…moving well. :28

“It was an old work house that was supposed to be haunted and this, that and the other, but in fact it was just a tired house that needed some love. And with the tired house and the tired furniture and the peace and the ability to work came one old black dog, who I think was quite deaf, but insisted on following me everywhere I went. And, um, I used to sing outside a lot and the dog followed me everywhere and he was my old pal. It’s so simple isn’t it, really? It’s got nothing to do with a woman moving well.”