"No Quarter" really took off on stage. 1973 saw the beginnings of a extended version (usually around 12 min) with much more developed jam, and a very precise guitar solo from Page. From this point on, Page also employed the use of his CryBaby Wah. The Song Remains The Same Soundtrack features a version from July 28, 1973. This version features an unusually tight performance and a spot on Page solo.
In 1975 Led Zeppelin took "No Quarter" to a new level. Giving the song ample time for improvisation (usually clocking in at around 20-25 minutes), it really grew to be a centerpiece for every concert from this point on. Jones commands an impressive piano solo later taken over by Page, who takes on a more relaxed approach to his Dm Dorian solo.
Ever allocating more time in their sets for "No Quarter", Led Zeppelin typically played upwards of 30 min of the song in 1977. Most notably, Jones takes the piano in a new direction during his solo, further proving his multi-instrument mastery.
In 1979 the song was scaled back to 15 minutes and became a much tighter act. While still keeping the piano solo, it was cut back considerably from '77.
"No Quarter" got some more playtime with Page & Plant in 1994-5 and later in 1998. Here, Page used a 12-string guitar in DADGAD tuning, and Plant used an echo/delay modulator to give the song it's haunting appeal without the help of Jones.
Played in 2007, at the O2 arena, the song returned to it's early 1973 length of ~10 min. Here, Page tries more or less to replicate his solo from 28/7/1973.
No Quarter
Led Zeppelin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No, they won't be home tonight
The snow falls hard and don't you know?
The winds of Thor are blowing cold
They're wearing steel that's bright and true
They carry news that must get through, oh
They choose the path where no-one goes
They hold no quarter, oh
Walking side-by-side with death
The devil mocks their every step, ooh
The snow drives back the foot that's slow
The dogs of doom are howling more
They carry news that must get through
To build a dream for me and you, oh, oh, oh
They choose the path where no one goes
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
Yeah
Without quarter, quarter, yeah (without quarter)
Without quarter, quarter, quarter
Taking no quarter
Oh, oh, oh (hear the dogs of doom) (no, never quarter)
I hear the dogs of doom are howling more
The lyrics to Led Zeppelin's song "No Quarter" are open to interpretation by the listener, but a commonly accepted interpretation is that the song is about soldiers or warriors who are on a dangerous mission, walking side-by-side with death, and carrying news that must get through. The setting is in winter, with the snow falling and the winds of Thor blowing cold. The soldiers are wearing steel that's bright and true, suggesting that they are well-equipped for battle. The devil is mocking their every step, and the dogs of doom are howling more, creating a foreboding atmosphere.
The soldiers are choosing to venture down the path that no one else dares to go, holding no quarter as they go. This line can be interpreted in many ways, but it suggests that the soldiers are not asking for mercy or showing any weakness. They are determined to complete their mission, despite the danger and obstacles they face. The final lines of the song suggest that the dogs of doom are growing louder, foreshadowing potential danger or defeat.
Overall, "No Quarter" is a dark and atmospheric song that paints a vivid image of soldiers on a dangerous mission. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but the imagery and mood of the song carry a powerful sense of foreboding and dread.
Line by Line Meaning
Close the door, put out the light
Shut the doors, turn off the lights
No, they won't be home tonight
They won't come home tonight
The snow falls hard and don't you know?
It's heavily snowing
The winds of Thor are blowing cold
It's really cold, just like the Norse god of thunder's wind
They're wearing steel that's bright and true
They have a strong and unwavering determination to achieve their goal
They carry news that must get through, oh
They bear important messages that must be conveyed
They choose the path where no-one goes
They take the unconventional route
They hold no quarter
They don't show mercy
They hold no quarter, oh
They don't show mercy
Walking side-by-side with death
They are living in danger
The devil mocks their every step, ooh
The evil forces are taunting them every step of the way
The snow drives back the foot that's slow
The slowest ones will not make it in the harsh environment
The dogs of doom are howling more
The creatures that signal death are getting louder
To build a dream for me and you, oh, oh, oh
They want to create a better future for everyone
They carry news that must get through
They bear important messages that must be conveyed
They choose the path where no one goes
They take the unconventional route
They hold no quarter
They don't show mercy
They ask no quarter
They don't ask for mercy
They hold no quarter
They don't show mercy
They ask no quarter
They don't ask for mercy
Without quarter, quarter, yeah (without quarter)
Without mercy
Without quarter, quarter, quarter
Without mercy
Taking no quarter
Not giving any mercy
Oh, oh, oh (hear the dogs of doom) (no, never quarter)
The creatures that signal death are getting louder, and they'll never show mercy
I hear the dogs of doom are howling more
The creatures that signal death are getting louder
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Debmeow
Brilliant, a masterpiece.
@cactus-wren
Lyrics:
Close the door, put out the light
No, they won't be home tonight
The snow falls hard and don't you know?
The winds of Thor are blowing cold
They're wearing steel that's bright and true
They carry news that must get through, oh
They choose the path where no-one goes
They hold no quarter
They hold no quarter, oh
Walking side-by-side with death
The devil mocks their every step, ooh
The snow drives back the foot that's slow
The dogs of doom are howling more
They carry news that must get through
To build a dream for me and you, oh, oh, oh
They choose the path where no one goes
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
Yeah
Without quarter, quarter, yeah (without quarter)
Without quarter, quarter, quarter
Taking no quarter
Oh, oh, oh (hear the dogs of doom) (no, never quarter)
I hear the dogs of doom are howling more
@UncleFjester
I remember listening to this in 1973 and saying I hope to still be listening to this in 50 years!
@ignacioaraneda3628
Legend!
@charliebadger
Gone quick hasn't it. Too quick. :)
@Jim-ok9zi
Me too 👍
@lauriewhincup5635
What an irony...so did I. Never thought the day would come.
@KAZVorpal
And yet here you are!
@nathf4698
Wished Led Zeppelin did more trippy psychedelic tracks like this; one of the best songs of all time.
@user-og5kq7ko6j
Dazed and confused!!!!!
@saidchaida5431
Agree! This song immerses me in a totally different and exotic Universe.