Black Dog
Led Zeppelin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning

Hey, hey, mama, said the way you move
Gon' make you sweat, gon' make you groove

Ah-ah, child, way ya shake that thing
Gon' make you burn, gon' make you sting

Hey, hey, baby, when you walk that way
Watch your honey drip, can't keep away

Oh yeah, oh yeah, ah, ah, ah
Oh yeah, oh yeah, ah, ah, ah

I gotta roll, can't stand still
Got a flamin' heart, can't get my fill

With eyes that shine, burnin' red
Dreams of you all through my head

Ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah

Hey, baby, whoa, baby, my pretty baby
Darlin,' make 'em do it now

Hey baby, oh, my baby, my pretty baby
Move the way you're doin' now

Didn't take too long 'fore I found out
What people mean by down and out

Spent my money, took my car
Started tellin' her friends she gon' be a star

I don't know, but I been told
A big-legged woman ain't got no soul

Oh yeah, oh yeah, ah, ah, ah
Oh yeah, oh yeah, ah, ah, ah

All I ask for, all I pray
Steady rollin' woman gon' come my way

Need a woman gonna hold my hand
Won't tell me no lies, make me a happy man

Ah-ah, ah-ah

Ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin seem to be about the overwhelming power of desire and attraction. The song opens with an address to a woman by Robert Plant, who comments on the way she moves (presumably sexually) and the effect that it has. He tells her that she is going to make people sweat and groove. The use of the phrase "gon' make you" is suggestive of inevitability and instinctive behavior, implying that the sexuality is almost out of the individual's control.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the power of the woman's movement, with repeated "oh yeah" and "ah-ah" sounds creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. Plant describes his own emotions in response to this woman, stating that he has to move and can't stand still. The imagery of a "flamin' heart" conveys intense passion and desire. The bridge of the song brings in a more narrative element, describing a woman who seems to have used the singer for fame and success.

Overall, "Black Dog" is a song about the primal power of desire and the way it can overcome rational thought and decision-making. The lyrics are strikingly erotic and vivid, conveying the sense of a physical attraction that is almost irresistible.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey, hey, mama, said the way you move
Mother, your style of movement is so enticing that it will lead to perspiration and motion

Gon' make you sweat, gon' make you groove
This will induce a physical response of sweat and motion

Ah-ah, child, way ya shake that thing
The way you dance is so explosive that it will cause burning and stinging

Gon' make you burn, gon' make you sting
Your movements have the potential to cause pain and discomfort

Hey, hey, baby, when you walk that way
Dear, when you walk with that particular gait

Watch your honey drip, can't keep away
The observer experiences a strong attraction to seeing you walking that way, like nectar dripping from a flower

Oh yeah, oh yeah, ah, ah, ah
The joy and thrill one experiences watching you in motion

I gotta roll, can't stand still
I must move, I am incapable of being stationary

Got a flamin' heart, can't get my fill
My heart is aflame, and I will never be content

With eyes that shine, burnin' red
My eyes are aglow, burning with emotions

Dreams of you all through my head
You occupy my entire being, and I can't stop thinking about you

Hey, baby, whoa, baby, my pretty baby
Oh dear, beautiful woman whom I adore

Darlin,' make 'em do it now
Please don't wait, take action and do it now

Didn't take too long 'fore I found out
It took no time for me to discover

What people mean by down and out
What individuals imply when they say they are struggling

Spent my money, took my car
I exhausted my finances and lost my vehicle

Started tellin' her friends she gon' be a star
She began telling her friends that she will become a celebrity

I don't know, but I been told
I am uncertain, but have heard

A big-legged woman ain't got no soul
Individuals of ample physical proportions lack spirituality

All I ask for, all I pray
All I desire and hope for

Steady rollin' woman gon' come my way
I will soon find a reliable and consistent partner

Need a woman gonna hold my hand
A partner to hold, comfort and support me

Won't tell me no lies, make me a happy man
They must be trustworthy and truthful, and enable me to find happiness

Ah-ah, ah-ah
Admiration for the goddess-like figure

Ah-ah, ah-ah
Commendation for the powerful and strong

Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah
The beauty of femininity and strength in its whole essence

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Patrick Page, Robert Anthony Plant, John Paul Jones

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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