This is based on a Blues song by Willie Dixon that he wrote for Otis Rush, who recorded it in 1956. Many of Led Zeppelin's songs were influenced by old blues or folk songs. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)
Source: Song Facts
I Can't Quit You Baby
Led Zeppelin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I'm gonna put you down for awhile
I said I can't quit you baby
I guess I gotta put you down for awhile
Said you messed up my happy home
Made me mistreat my only child
Yes sir you did
My love for you I could never hide
Oh, you know I love you baby
My love for you I could never hide
Oh when I feel you near me little girl
I know you are my one desire
When you hear me moaning and groaning, baby
You know it hurts me deep down inside
When you hear me moaning and groaning, baby
You know it hurts me deep down inside
Oh, when you hear me, honey, baby
You know you're my one desire
Yes, you are
The lyrics of Led Zeppelin's song "I Can't Quit You Baby" revolve around the deep longing and addiction to a romantic partner who has caused some pain and trouble in the singer's life. The first two lines repeat as the chorus, establishing the difficulty of letting go of this person despite their negative impact on the singer's "happy home" and mistreatment of their child.
However, the singer's love for this person is undeniable and intense, as expressed in the second verse. They proclaim their love for this person and the impossibility of hiding it. The singer's desire for their partner is overwhelming - when they are near, they feel complete.
The final verse expresses the pain that the singer feels due to the absence of the partner, even though their presence is also causing pain. The moaning and groaning suggest a sense of emotional and perhaps physical longing, and emphasize the difficulty of breaking free from the partner's grip. The repetition of "you're my one desire" throughout the song is a reminder of the power of addiction and the hold that this person has on the singer.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Can't Quit You Baby" express the complex emotions of love, addiction, and pain that often exist within romantic relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't quit you baby
I'm addicted to you and can't stay away from you despite knowing that it's not good for me.
So I'm gonna put you down for awhile
I need some space from you to try and get over my addiction to you.
Said you messed up my happy home
Your presence and our relationship has affected my family life negatively and caused me to mistreat my child.
Yes sir you did!
I'm placing the blame solely on you for the problems in my life that were caused by our relationship.
Said you know I love you baby
I can't help but love you despite the negative effects our relationship has on me and my family.
My love for you I could never hide
I will always love you openly and without reservation no matter the consequences.
Oh when I feel you near me little girl
Your physical presence fills me with desire and I can't resist you.
I know you are my one desire
You are the only thing I want, even though it's not healthy for me.
When you hear me moaning and groaning, baby
Your absence or lack of affection towards me causes me pain and suffering.
You know it hurts me deep down inside
My emotional pain is intense and overwhelming.
Oh, when you hear me, honey, baby
I hope you understand how much I need you and how much you mean to me.
You know you're my one desire
Despite everything, I can't help but want you more than anything else.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marcusvehtibulos
I can't quit you baby
So I'm gonna put you down for awhile
I said I can't quit you baby
I guess I gotta put you down for awhile
Said you messed up my happy home
Made me mistreat my only child
Yes sir you did!
Said you know I love you baby
My love for you I could never hide
Oh, you know I love you baby
My love for you I could never hide
Oh when I feel you near me little girl
I know you are my one desire
When you hear me moaning and groaning, baby,
You know it hurts me deep down inside
When you hear me moaning and groaning, baby,
You know it hurts me deep down inside
Oh, when you hear me, honey, baby,
You know you're my one desire
Yes, you are
@getenlightened
Page, Plant, Bonham & Jones carried me through some dark days. My gratitude for them is eternal. I thank the universe for making it possible for them to exist.
@philabustahblue5532
Fuckin straight
@andrepellegrini2849
Amen,
@rajnandini5968
Seriously man
@patriceverrochi3205
Agreed 👍, I am so grateful for them! Page is my God
@turahglen3959
@@philabustahblue5532 0aaaaapf8l
@khuddle
This is the most underrated song in Zep's catalogue. Just awesome.
@tman29360
What about bring it on home man people always forget
@evidenceia5699
Your time is gonna come is very underrated too
@saulgoodman8063
@@tman29360 wow this is so good i just listened thanks for putting me on