Hats Off To Harper
Led Zeppelin (Definitive Collection Mini-LP Replica) Lyrics


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When I done quit hollerin' baby
I believe I shake 'em on down
Get my babe won't be late
You know by that I mean seconds late
Ah must I holler
Must I shake 'em on down

Well I've been mistreated babe
I believe I'll shake 'em on down
Shake 'em

Well I ain't no monkey
I can't climb no tree
No brown skin woman gonna make No monkey out of me
I ain't no monkey
Sure can't climb no tree,
I been mistreated babe
I believe I'll shake 'em on down,
Well I've been mistreated babe
I believe I'll shake 'em on down

Listen mama, Put on your mornin' gown'
Put in your nightshirt Mama we gonna shake 'em down yeah, yeah?
Must I holler
Must I, must I, must I shake 'em on down?
Well I've been mistreated babe
I believe I'll shake 'em on down,

Gave my baby a twenty dollar bill,
If that don't get her,
Sure my shot, shot, shot-gun will,
Yeah, I gave my baby a twenty dollar bill,
If that don't get that woman,




I'm sure my shot-gun will
Gonna go shoot her now

Overall Meaning

This song is a classic example of the blues genre, with its use of repetition, call-and-response style, and focus on themes of mistreatment and revenge. The opening lines have the singer asserting that he will eventually get what he wants, even if it takes some effort (“shake ‘em on down”). This sentiment is echoed in the later verses, where the singer refutes the idea that he is a “monkey” who can be easily controlled or intimidated by others. The repeated line “must I holler” suggests a sense of frustration or desperation, as the singer implores the listener to understand the gravity of the situation.


Overall, “Hats off to Roy Harper” is a showcase of Led Zeppelin’s skill in interpreting and reimagining classic blues songs from the Delta region in the southern United States. The song features heavy electric guitar riffs and powerful drums, adding a modern twist to the traditional sound. Despite its origins as a cover tune, “Hats off to Roy Harper” is still regarded as a fan favorite and a testament to Zeppelin’s ability to create original music with a deep respect for the blues tradition.


Line by Line Meaning

When I done quit hollerin' baby
After I stop shouting, my troubles will disappear


I believe I shake 'em on down
I'm confident I can overcome my problems


Get my babe won't be late
I'll pick up my lover on time


You know by that I mean seconds late
I won't be a moment late


Ah must I holler
Do I really have to shout?


Must I shake 'em on down
Do I really have to work so hard?


Well I've been mistreated babe
I've been wronged by my lover


Shake 'em
I'll overcome my problems


Well I ain't no monkey
I'm not foolish


I can't climb no tree
I can't be tricked


No brown skin woman gonna make
I won't be deceived by a woman of color


No monkey out of me
I won't be taken advantage of


Listen mama, Put on your mornin' gown'
Get dressed and get ready


Put in your nightshirt Mama we gonna shake 'em down yeah, yeah?
Get ready for some serious action


Gave my baby a twenty dollar bill,
I tried to bribe my lover


If that don't get her,
If the bribe doesn't work,


Sure my shot, shot, shot-gun will,
I'll use my gun if necessary


Yeah, I gave my baby a twenty dollar bill,
I tried to use money to solve my problems


If that don't get that woman,
If that doesn't work,


I'm sure my shot-gun will
I'll use force if necessary


Gonna go shoot her now
I'm going to take drastic action




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES OBSCURE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@LotofacilLogica

Hats Off To (Roy) Harper ( Lyrics 100% accurate)

Must, must, must, must, must, down
When I done quit hollerin', babe
I believe I'll shake 'em on down

Get me, baby, won't be late
You know by that I mean not seconds late
Ahh-hah, must I holler-a, must I shake 'em on down
When I done quit hollerin', babe
I believe I'll shake 'em on down
Shake 'em, ah-ah

Well, I ain't no monkey, I can't climb no tree
No brown-skinned woman gonna make no monkey outta me
Yeah, and I ain't no monkey, sure can't climb no tree
I been mistreated, babe, I believe I'll shake 'em on down
Well, I been mistreated, babe, I believe I'll shake 'em on down
Ah-hah-hah, hah-hah-hah-hah, hi-hi-hah-hah
Hi-hi-hah-hah, hi-hi-hah-haaah

Listen, mama, put on your mornin' gown
Put on your nightshirt, mama, we gonna shake 'em on down
Yeah, yay, must I-ha, must I, must I, must I shake 'em on down
Ah-ah-ah
Ooh, well, I done been mistreated baby
I believe I'll shake 'em on down-ow-own

Gave my baby twenty-dollar bill
If that don't finish her, I'm sure my shot-shot-shotgun will
Yeah, yeah, I gave my babe twenty-dollar bill
Well, if that don't get that woman out, I'm sure my shotgun will
Yeah, I'll go shoot her, now



All comments from YouTube:

@addy3164

Am I the only one who enjoys how unique and weird this song is? I’m kinda loving it 😂

@davechae5890

Me.two. what a. Tune. Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 🇺🇸🇺🇸🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

@frankybhoy1495

no, this and 'Friends' best songs on the album

@naudianeels1328

One of my favorite Zeppelin songs 💯😉❤️

@anthonyj.m.4750

I don't understand how you can say this is their worst song if you're a Led Zeppelin fan. This is a cover of authentic delta blues which was a huge influence on the band. A great song and without this type of music there would be no led zeppelin.

@SuperDOCTOR21

To me,one of their Best songs.

@teamyordle23

That's what I'm saying. This is the blues right here, pure rawness. A guitar and a voice, that's all you need to feel someone's soul.

@billbrasky1288

I just think this sounds more like an intermission of sorts, not a proper LZ song. So I don’t think it’s fair to include it in any worst song lists.

@fkflip

It's a great little treat at the end of LZ III.

@kriglum0760

It’s strange but I like it

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