Four Sticks
PAGE Jimmy & PLANT Robert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, Baby, I've got to fly.
Got to try to find a way,
Got to try to get away,
'Cause you know I gotta get away from you, Babe.
Oh, baby, the river's red,
Ah, baby, in my head.
I don't think I can hold out long.
And when the owls cry in the night,
Oh, baby, Baby, when the pines begin to cry,
Baby, baby, baby, how do ya feel?
If the river runs dry, baby, how would you feel?
Craze, baby, mm-the rainbow's end,
Mmm, baby, it's just a den
For those who hide,
Hide their loves to depths of lies
And ruin dreams that we all knew so, babe.
And when the owls cry in the night,
And baby, when the pines begin to cry,
Oh, baby, baby, how do you feel?
If the rivers run dry, baby,
How do you feel?
Ah-ah ah-ah-ah-ah-ay.
Ah-ah-ah ...
Babe, how do you feel?
Oh yeah, brave ... at dawn, yeah (brave I endure, brave are undone)
Oh yeah, strong shields and lore. (strong shields of all)
And they can't hold the wrath of those who walk
And the boots of those who march
Baby through the roads of time so long ago.
The lyrics of "Four Sticks" by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. At the surface level, the song seems to be about a person who is trying to escape an intense relationship. The first verse introduces the sense of urgency of the situation, with the singer feeling like they need to "fly" and "get away" from their lover. The second verse hints at the mental and emotional turmoil that this situation is causing, with the river being "red" and there being a "funny feeling going on". The chorus adds a layer of existential questioning, with the singer asking their lover how they would feel if the river runs dry, suggesting that their relationship is unsustainable.
However, the lyrics also include cryptic references to nature, dreams, and time, which could suggest a deeper meaning. The third verse, for example, introduces the idea of a "rainbow's end" and a den for those who hide their loves, potentially alluding to the promise of happiness that may be elusive or impossible. The last verse takes a turn towards historical and mythological references, evoking the imagery of ancient warriors and their march through the "roads of time so long ago." Overall, the song's lyrics suggest a sense of restlessness and longing, particularly with regards to the search for meaning and fulfillment in life and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Baby, it's cryin' time,
I need to leave you and say goodbye.
Oh, Baby, I've got to fly.
I need to take off and find my own way.
Got to try to find a way,
I must attempt to discover a path.
Got to try to get away,
I need to escape from you.
'Cause you know I gotta get away from you, Babe.
You know I must get away from you.
Oh, baby, the river's red,
There's something unsettling happening in my mind.
Ah, baby, in my head.
I'm feeling disturbed and uncertain.
There's a funny feelin' goin' on,
I have an odd sensation.
I don't think I can hold out long.
I don't know how much longer I can handle it.
And when the owls cry in the night,
When there's a melancholic atmosphere.
Oh, baby, Baby, when the pines begin to cry,
There's a sense of sadness looming.
Baby, baby, baby, how do ya feel?
How are you feeling about our situation?
If the river runs dry, baby, how would you feel?
If things fall apart, how will you react?
Craze, baby, mm-the rainbow's end,
People end up insane trying to reach the impossible.
Mmm, baby, it's just a den
It's nothing more than a place of hiding.
For those who hide,
For those who conceal their real emotions.
Hide their loves to depths of lies
They camouflage their true feelings with deceit.
And ruin dreams that we all knew so, babe.
And destroy the aspirations we once shared.
Ah-ah ah-ah-ah-ah-ay.
Instrumental.
Ah-ah-ah ...
Instrumental.
Babe, how do you feel?
What is your emotional state?
Oh yeah, brave ... at dawn, yeah (brave I endure, brave are undone)
At the moment of challenge, one must be strong.
Oh yeah, strong shields and lore. (strong shields of all)
Strong defense and ancient knowledge.
And they can't hold the wrath of those who walk
And they can't restrain the anger of those who move forward.
And the boots of those who march
And the footwear of those who continue to move.
Baby through the roads of time so long ago.
Through the paths of history long past.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Orcinus1967
So many arguments, i.e. "They borrowed enough material from their predecessors, to make them infamous." Did Mozart go on stage with an armadillo in his pocket like Plant? How can one even compare them? I am no musician. Therefore I have to plagiarize from what others have written, to form an opinion and present a counterpoint. What is my point? Bach apparently was forgotten for some time. Vivaldi died poor. There is nothing new under the sun, and everybody is influenced by someone or something, so borrowing in music is unavoidable. Will they talk about Led Zeppelin hundreds of years from now? Hard to tell. They probably should, based on this type of criteria, (which I found/ borrowed from someone else):
"Craftsmanship in Music Composition
The elements that constitute good craftsmanship in a composer are impossible to define with complete objectivity, but most authorities would agree that a few skills are essential:
1. Knowledge of technical musical conventions and the ability to apply them consistently
2. Expertise in the three dimensions of musical texture - monophony, homophony, and polyphony - and the ability to apply them when appropriate
3. Expertise in the three dimensions of instrumentation - the sound of individual instruments, the limitations and capabilities of instruments, and the blending of different timbres together.
4. Ability to produce novel musical ideas on both small and large scales.
5. Ability to take musical ideas and develop them to the fullest extent.
6. Ability to create in a variety of genres."
https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Articles/Defense-Bach[Reese].htm
I think Page/Plant/Bonham/Zeppelin fit this criteria for greatness well. I hope you are right!
@debramonzyk4925
WOW! JESUS, WHEN THE HEAVY BEAT OF THE DRUMS COMES IN, WOW!!!!!!!!!! JUST LIKE IF JOHN WAS THERE, WHAT A GREAT THING TO DO FOR HIS MEMORY!
@fabiangonzalezchiruchi36
The definitive mix of rock and egyptian music,,this is pure ancestral energy of music...
@koolaid28
Musical alchemy
@annarks70
The amazing Michael Lee! RIP... what an astounding drummer he was. Joyous, powerful!
@freerangegirl4457
Jimmy always seems happiest when teamed with Robert.
@swordghoti
I've always loved Four Sticks, but this version is just brilliant.
@MsCygnusX1
swordghoti Me too! It's a rare jewel- one of the most unique songs on the Zoso album. 🔥💎
@Orcinus1967
Indeed.
@JuanHayrenik
The best version of one of the best songs ever on music's history.
And with Hossam Ramzy !!
@LeftyandFriends
Played it with sub speaker on?
I saw it in concert and a bit into the song a sub drum comes in and melts the audience.