In 1984, Plant formed a short-lived all-star retro rock group with musicians Jimmy Page (also of Led Zeppelin), Jeff Beck, and Phil Collins called The Honeydrippers. The band had a Top Ten hit with their song "Sea of Love", a remake of the Phil Phillips' chestnut. Plant's also notably performed with Page in the outfit Page & Plant.
Plant's love of the music of Morocco led him to a new collaboration called Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation. The band's releases met with critical acclaim and numerous Grammy nominations. They completed a notable 2006 tour of Europe in September.
In 2007, Plant began recording and performing with American bluegrass star Alison Krauss. A duet album, Raising Sand, was released on 23 October 2007 on Rounder Records. The album, recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles and produced by T-Bone Burnett, met with enormous critical and commercial success. Tours have reached devoted audiences in multiple cities.
The year of 2010 proves to be yet another successful year for the lemon squeezer. During the summer, Plant will be reuniting with his old, Pre-Zep group, The Band Of Joy, for a tour of the southern and mid continental tour of the US.
In 2012 Robert Plant starts another band project going by the name Sensational Space Shifters releasing the live album Robert Plant Presents: Sensational Space Shifters. Along with Plant himself the band consists of Liam "Skin" Tyson, Justin Adams, Billy Fuller and John Baggot along with Dave Smith, Juldeh Camara and Patty Griffin.
Carving Up the World Again...a wall and not a fence
Robert Plant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're carving up the world again, it's getting kind of tense
A whole lot of posture and very little sense
It's no surprise they hide behind a wall and not a fence
The Irish and the English and the Scottish and the Welsh
A damp and misty history, they're keeping to themselves
I'll often talk antiquity and smoldering descent
Invisible division, behind a wall and not a fence
Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards
In China they got worried so they built themselves a wall
They built it big and long and tall to keep away the horde
A hundred years of burning toil, and many lives expent
The steely grip of dynasty, behind a wall and not a fence
Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards
Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards
Emperor and sovereigns and kings and presidents
Dictators and ambassadors engage in our defense
A lifetime of good service, of selfless good intent
And guaranteed immunity, behind a wall and not a fence
Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards
Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards
In these lyrics, Robert Plant is discussing the state of the world and how countries and societies are divided. He starts by mentioning the major global powers - the Russians, Americans, British, and their allies - and suggests that they are once again dividing the world amongst themselves. This creates tension and conflict, with a lot of posturing but little common sense. Plant suggests that these powers hide behind walls instead of having open communication and cooperation, symbolized by the contrast between a wall and a fence.
He then shifts his focus to the countries within the United Kingdom - Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. He refers to their complicated and troubled histories, where ancient grievances and smoldering dissent still exist. These divisions are not openly acknowledged, but rather hidden behind invisible barriers, represented by a wall instead of a fence. This suggests that these nations keep to themselves and maintain their separate identities rather than fostering unity.
The lyrics then delve into the historical context of the Great Wall of China. Plant highlights how the Chinese built the massive structure to keep away invaders and maintain control over their land. He emphasizes the tremendous effort, sacrifice, and loss of life that went into its construction. Similar to the other scenarios, the wall symbolizes a barrier, separating China from the outside world and indicating a preference for isolation and protection over collaboration.
As the song progresses, Plant brings attention to the leaders and rulers of nations. He mentions emperors, sovereigns, kings, presidents, dictators, and ambassadors who are entrusted with the defense of their countries. Despite their supposed selfless dedication and service, Plant implies that they seek personal immunity and protection. This idea is reinforced by the image of being behind a wall rather than a fence, suggesting they distance themselves from the consequences of their actions.
Overall, these lyrics reflect on the divisive nature of geopolitics and international relationships. They highlight the tendency for nations and their leaders to separate themselves from others, often resorting to walls instead of fences. This metaphor represents the barriers that hinder cooperation, communication, and understanding, ultimately resulting in tension and conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
The Russians, the Americans, the British and their friends
Powerful nations are once again dividing the world among themselves.
They're carving up the world again, it's getting kind of tense
The situation is becoming increasingly volatile as these nations assert their dominance.
A whole lot of posture and very little sense
There is a lot of showmanship and bravado, but little rationality.
It's no surprise they hide behind a wall and not a fence
They erect physical barriers to separate themselves from potential threats instead of seeking peaceful solutions.
The Irish and the English and the Scottish and the Welsh
The nations within the British Isles have a complex and contentious history.
A damp and misty history, they're keeping to themselves
They prefer to maintain their own distinct identities and avoid further conflicts.
I'll often talk antiquity and smoldering descent
The singer frequently discusses the ancient past and the underlying tensions that still exist.
Invisible division, behind a wall and not a fence
There is an unspoken separation between these nations, reinforced by physical barriers.
Trouble at the border, in the eleventh hour
There is a crisis or conflict brewing at the boundary, reaching a critical point.
Ditch and wire and palisade in the line of fire
Defensive measures such as trenches, barbed wire, and fortifications are put in place to withstand attacks.
Call up the cavalry and double up the guard
Additional military forces are summoned and security is intensified.
Plan for catastrophe inside the house of cards
Preparations are made for a potential disaster within the unstable and delicate situation.
In China they got worried so they built themselves a wall
China constructed the Great Wall to protect themselves from external threats.
They built it big and long and tall to keep away the horde
The wall was massive and imposing, designed to deter potential invaders.
A hundred years of burning toil, and many lives expent
Countless lives were sacrificed, and extensive effort was devoted to completing the Great Wall.
The steely grip of dynasty, behind a wall and not a fence
The ruling dynasties maintained control through strict governance, often relying on physical barriers.
Emperor and sovereigns and kings and presidents
Leaders of various nations and empires hold power and authority.
Dictators and ambassadors engage in our defense
Both oppressive rulers and diplomatic representatives are involved in safeguarding their interests.
A lifetime of good service, of selfless good intent
These leaders often claim to serve their nations and have noble motives.
And guaranteed immunity, behind a wall and not a fence
They enjoy protection and exemption from consequences, relying on physical barriers rather than accountability.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID SMITH, JOHN BAGGOTT, JUSTIN ALEXANDER ADAMS, ROBERT ANTHONY PLANT, WILLIAM FULLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Михаил Сергопольцев
Русские, американцы, англичане и французы
Снова кроят мир, напряжение нарастает,
Много амбиций, мало здравого смысла,
Не удивительно что они окружили себя стеной, а не изгородью.
Ирландцы и англичане, шотландцы и валлийцы
Оберегают свою историю, полную влаги и туманов,
Все потерялись в темной древности и в тлеющих родословных,
Невидимое разделение — «за стеной, а не за изгородью».
Беспорядки на границе... в одиннадцатом часу,
Рвы, проволока и заграждения на линии огня,
Вызывайте кавалерию и удвойте охрану,
Приготовьтесь к катастрофе внутри своих карточных домиков.
В Китае забеспокоились, выстроили свою стену,
Большую, длинную и высокую, чтобы защититься от орд,
Сотни лет крови и труда, миллион жизней потрачено,
Стальная хватка династий «за стеной, а не за изгородью».
Беспорядки на границе... в одиннадцатом часу,
Рвы, проволока и заграждения на линии огня,
Вызывайте кавалерию и удвойте охрану,
Приготовьтесь к катастрофе внутри своих карточных домиков.
Императоры и султаны, короли и президенты,
Диктаторы и послы вовлечены, чтоб защитить нас,
Пожизненный сервис, бескорыстные намерения,
Гарантирован иммунитет «за стеной, а не за изгородью».
maria luiza matai
I guess sometimes arts not only immitate life but predict it.
This song is timeless and have no boundaries.
Fluff McMuff
A perfect song for the times we're living in.. Cheers!
Fluff McMuff
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. These lyrics speak volumes & echo from the past to the now in such a relevant way it's insane..
Thomas Oviatt
This album is incredible. His voice is so mature. His wisdom is on point from experience. Thank you Robert Plant, thank you!!!
Homer Ward
Robert Plant has shown that he has still got what it takes to take his fans on a magical tour with his song writing. I really love this album
Михаил Сергопольцев
Русские, американцы, англичане и французы
Снова кроят мир, напряжение нарастает,
Много амбиций, мало здравого смысла,
Не удивительно что они окружили себя стеной, а не изгородью.
Ирландцы и англичане, шотландцы и валлийцы
Оберегают свою историю, полную влаги и туманов,
Все потерялись в темной древности и в тлеющих родословных,
Невидимое разделение — «за стеной, а не за изгородью».
Беспорядки на границе... в одиннадцатом часу,
Рвы, проволока и заграждения на линии огня,
Вызывайте кавалерию и удвойте охрану,
Приготовьтесь к катастрофе внутри своих карточных домиков.
В Китае забеспокоились, выстроили свою стену,
Большую, длинную и высокую, чтобы защититься от орд,
Сотни лет крови и труда, миллион жизней потрачено,
Стальная хватка династий «за стеной, а не за изгородью».
Беспорядки на границе... в одиннадцатом часу,
Рвы, проволока и заграждения на линии огня,
Вызывайте кавалерию и удвойте охрану,
Приготовьтесь к катастрофе внутри своих карточных домиков.
Императоры и султаны, короли и президенты,
Диктаторы и послы вовлечены, чтоб защитить нас,
Пожизненный сервис, бескорыстные намерения,
Гарантирован иммунитет «за стеной, а не за изгородью».
Ирина Смирнова
Спасибо огромное за этот перевод.
ARTHUR D DUDA
still a great voice at his age,
Daniel Franke
Love this song !!!
D. Rossett N.
Love this music