The basic structure of this song can be traced to rehearsal sessions for Led Zeppelin's sixth album, Physical Graffiti, as well as the 1975-era live versions of the song "Dazed and Confused". One of the interludes (first heard at around 0:38) can also be heard in Walter's Walk, as well as the snippets of the song included in certain extended live versions of Dazed and Confused.
The lyrics were written by Robert Plant about his frustrations with Jimmy Page and Peter Grant. Page used a lake placid blue 1960 Fender Stratocaster for the recording of this song, as can be heard from his use of this guitar's tremolo arm.
This is the only Led Zeppelin song in which the word "fuck" is ALMOST used in the lyrics. Plant says "fluck" at the end of the song's first verse ("...time and his bride growing older, I got friends who will give me fluck all..."). Whether the addition of the L is deliberate, it is obvious that the correct word should be pronounced without the L. It is the second time the word shows up in one of the band's songs, as Jimmy Page can be heard muttering it during studio chatter before the start of the song "Friends" on Led Zeppelin III.
Hots on for Nowhere
Led Zeppelin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though it couldn't have been the heat of the day
When I learned how my time had been wasted,
(And a) tear fell as I turned away
Now I've got friends who will give me their shoulder,
Event I should happen to fall
Time and his bride growing older
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala, my baby
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala
On the corner of Bleeker and nowhere
In the land of not quite day
A shiver ran down my backbone
Face in the mirror turns grey
So I looked round to hitch up the reindeer
Searching hard trying to brighten the day
I turned around to look for the snowman
To my surprise he'd melted away, yeah
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala, my baby
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala
As the moon and the stars call the order
Inside my tides dance the ebb and sway
The sun in my soul's sinking lower
While the hope in my hands turns to clay
I don't ask that my field's full of clover
I don't moan at opportunity's door
And if you ask my advice, take it slower
Then your story'd be your finest reward
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala, my baby
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala
Oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
oh oh oh oh
Lost on the path to attainment
Search in the eyes of the wise
When I bled from the heart of the matter
I started bleeding without a disguise
Now everything's fine under heaven
Now and then you've got to take time to pause
When you're down on the ground, don't be messin' around
Or you'll land in a boat without oars
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala, my baby
Lalalalalalalala, yeah
Lalalalalalalala
Hey babe, Hey babe, Hey babe
I lost my way
Hey babe, hey babe
I really, really, really
Hey babe, hey babe
I don't know where I'm gonna find it
Hey babe, hey babe
Do you want to know
Do you really, really, want to help me, yeah?
Let me tell you now, babe
Let me tell you
That it feels so good that it must be right
Now my babe
Let me tell you
That it feels so good that it must be right
Now my babe
Let me tell you
It just feels, it just feels, it just feels, it just feels so good
So good, so good
oh yeah
The lyrics of Led Zeppelin's song "Hots on for Nowhere" are rich in metaphors and symbolism, making it a challenging song to interpret. The song seems to depict the singer's journey of self-discovery and realization of the futility of chasing material desires. The first verse talks about a moment of realization when the singer realizes that he had wasted his time pursuing something that didn't fulfill him. He also realizes that his friends won't be of much help to him in this tough time.
The second verse talks about the singer's journey to finding himself. He is lost on the corner of Bleeker and nowhere, a metaphorical representation of being lost in life. He looks around to find some guidance but is disappointed to find nothing. The chorus repeats several times, which suggests that the singer is trying to find comfort or clarity of mind.
In the third verse, the singer seems to have found his way. He has realized that material pursuits are not enough to attain fulfillment, and he advises listeners to take things slower and appreciate what they have. The final lines suggest that the singer has found solace in gnosis or an experience of realization. Overall, the song seems to be about the dangers of chasing superficial desires and the importance of seeking inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
I was burned in the heat of the moment
I suffered due to my impulsiveness
Though it couldn't have been the heat of the day
It was not due to the external environment
When I learned how my time had been wasted,
When I realized that I had invested my time in vain
(And a) tear fell as I turned away
I regretted my actions and was sad
Now I've got friends who will give me their shoulder,
I have supportive friends
Event I should happen to fall
Even if I fail or face adversities
Time and his bride growing older
Time is passing by quickly
I've got friends who will give me fuck all
My friends won't be of much help
On the corner of Bleeker and nowhere
In a place that is insignificant
In the land of not quite day
In a transitional phase
A shiver ran down my backbone
I was frightened
Face in the mirror turns grey
I looked pale and unhappy in the mirror
So I looked round to hitch up the reindeer
I tried to find a way out of the situation
Searching hard trying to brighten the day
I was looking for a solution
I turned around to look for the snowman
I looked for something that wasn't there
To my surprise he'd melted away, yeah
It was gone without any trace
As the moon and the stars call the order
Nature follows its own rhythm
Inside my tides dance the ebb and sway
My emotions are in turmoil
The sun in my soul's sinking lower
I feel hopeless and defeated
While the hope in my hands turns to clay
My optimism is fading
I don't ask that my field's full of clover
I don't expect life to be easy
I don't moan at opportunity's door
I don't complain about opportunities
And if you ask my advice, take it slower
My advice is to slow down and be cautious
Then your story'd be your finest reward
Your patience will make your achievements more valuable
Lost on the path to attainment
I feel directionless on my path to success
Search in the eyes of the wise
I seek guidance from experienced individuals
When I bled from the heart of the matter
When my deepest feelings were hurt
I started bleeding without a disguise
My pain was evident and raw
Now everything's fine under heaven
Things are looking good
Now and then you've got to take time to pause
It's important to take a break and relax occasionally
When you're down on the ground, don't be messin' around
When you're in trouble, take it seriously
Or you'll land in a boat without oars
The situation will be hopeless
Hey babe, Hey babe, Hey babe
Addressing someone affectionately
I lost my way
I am lost and don't know what to do
I really, really, really
Emphasizing the statement
I don't know where I'm gonna find it
I'm unsure how to solve my problems
Do you want to know
Are you interested in helping me?
Let me tell you now, babe
Let me explain
That it feels so good that it must be right
My intuition tells me this decision is correct
Now my babe
Addressing someone affectionately
It just feels, it just feels, it just feels, it just feels so good
I have a strong positive feeling about this
So good, so good
It's great
oh yeah
Expressing agreement
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIMMY PAGE, ROBERT PLANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pat McPee
Funny.
The first Led Zeppelin album that I heard was Zeppelin ll.
It was phenomenal and it was a fine time to be alive. There was so much great music to be had (and heard).
A friend (who was a couple of years older) asked “Have you heard Zeppelin l?”
I said “No. I’ve never heard it”
He strongly recommended it. And when I sought it out and had a listen (several!), I was just blown away.
What a spectacular debut album!
Just a couple of years later, I was cruising around the world in the U. S. Navy.
A friend of mine would play some cassette every morning, much to my dismay.
I finally asked “What is that shit?”
He said “It’s an album by Led Zeppelin called ‘Presence.”
I said “That’s not MY Led Zeppelin!”
Just a mere two years later, however, I was out of the Navy, in a Rock & Roll band and playing three songs off of Presence- including this one.
Sad to say- there will never, ever be another Zep.
How could there be?
Rock On!
Raw Habjas
The more you listen to Presence the more you appreciate it
Johmathan .B. Swift
Habjas Yup.
Janneke Goossens
true. I hear so often that it's their "worst album" but imo that's just bs. It's absolutely beautiful.
Johmathan .B. Swift
Janneke Goossens Me too . What is your favorite Zepp album ?
bonzo692003
+Johmathan .B. Swift Physical Graffitti, Led Zeppelin 4, Led Zeppelin 2, Led Zeppelin 1, Houses of the holy, Led Zeppelin 3, THTOD, Presence, Coda. As for there live stuff How the West Was Won, Song Remains The Same,BBC Recordings THERE ALL BETTER THAN 95 percent of anything else period
Travis McLaurin
Just a few tracks like this one. That one, Achilles Last Stand, Nobody's Fault But Mine.
Marshall Adams
This tune is an example of how sometimes silence can be the most effective tool. The slight pause during the main riff just adds so much to the tune!! Love Zep forever!!
Jeff McElroy
Through the years Page proved himself a master at using space.
I know you’re Right
Light and shade……the joy of nothing.
senttome
So true it’s the space, they leave room for effect. I know when I play it. If I have a slight delay on it or reverb, that trail is really nice not all run together.