Essential Listening #53: The Rain Song

My Comments

Another great song from Houses Of The Holy. I have a story I share a lot with my students about The Rain Song. I loved the song when it came out. I tried very hard to learn it back in the 70s. In those days I learned almost everything by ear. I would figure out pieces of the song listening to a record until I got tired of trying. I would stop trying and go on to something else. But I would always come back to it and try again. Finally, in the early 80s (yes it took years to learn it) I finally learned the song. So, I stayed up all night writing it down in guitar tab. The next day, and I kid you not, I received my monthly subscription of a magazine called Guitar For The Practicing Musician.   And, low and behold, in the magazine was a transcription of The Rain Song. I quickly looked at it only to discover a different tuning was used for the song. I had worked out the song in standard tuning but it was done in an open tuning! And, it was not hard at all.  I tuned my guitar accordingly and I was playing the song within minutes.That has happened to me with other songs also. So, let that be a lesson to you. If a song seems too hard it might be using an altered tuning or a capo.

Details

“The Rain Song” is a beautifully crafted ballad by Led Zeppelin, featured on their fifth studio album, Houses of the Holy. Known for its lush orchestration and emotional depth, it is one of the band’s most beloved tracks. Here’s an in-depth look at “The Rain Song”:

Background and Composition

• Release: “The Rain Song” was released on March 28, 1973, as the second track on the album Houses of the Holy.
• Songwriters: The song was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.
• Recording: It was recorded at various studios, including the famous Headley Grange in England, where the band often captured their most inspired performances.

Structure and Style

• Genre: The song is often categorized as progressive rock or rock ballad due to its intricate composition and orchestral influences.
• Length: The track runs for approximately 7 minutes and 39 seconds, making it one of Led Zeppelin’s longer and more complex songs.
• Instrumentation:
  • Jimmy Page: Guitar (using an open tuning), and Mellotron.
  • Robert Plant: Lead vocals.
  • John Paul Jones: Bass guitar and Mellotron (providing string arrangements).
  • John Bonham: Drums and percussion.

Musical Elements

• Introduction:
  • The song begins with a gentle, melodic guitar intro by Jimmy Page, featuring the use of open tuning (D-G-C-G-C-D), which gives the song its distinctive sound.
• Verse and Melody:
  • Robert Plant’s vocals enter softly, delivering introspective and poetic lyrics. The melody is tender and evocative, complementing the song’s lyrical themes.
  • John Paul Jones’s Mellotron adds lush, orchestral textures, mimicking a string section.
• Chorus and Dynamics:
  • The song builds gradually, with John Bonham’s drums entering to add depth and dynamics to the arrangement.
  • The interplay between the guitar, Mellotron, and vocals creates a rich, layered sound.
• Instrumental Sections:
  • The song features instrumental passages that showcase Page’s guitar work and Jones’s orchestration, emphasizing the song’s emotional depth.
• Coda:
  • The song concludes with a reflective and tranquil passage, fading out with Page’s guitar and Plant’s lingering vocals.

Themes and Lyrics

• Themes: The lyrics of “The Rain Song” explore themes of love, longing, and the changing seasons, using rain as a metaphor for emotional transformation and renewal.
• Inspiration: The song is said to have been inspired by a conversation between George Harrison of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Harrison reportedly mentioned that Led Zeppelin didn’t have any ballads, prompting Page and Plant to create one.

Production and Innovation

• Guitar Tuning: Jimmy Page’s use of open tuning (D-G-C-G-C-D) is a key element in creating the song’s unique sound. This tuning allows for rich harmonics and resonant chords.
• Mellotron: The Mellotron, played by John Paul Jones, provides string-like textures that enhance the song’s orchestral feel, adding to its lush soundscape.
• Orchestration: The arrangement is notable for its sophistication and subtlety, blending rock instrumentation with orchestral elements.

Reception and Impact

• Critical Acclaim: “The Rain Song” is widely praised for its artistry, emotional depth, and innovative production. It is often regarded as one of Led Zeppelin’s most beautiful and accomplished songs.
• Live Performances: The song was performed live by the band during their tours in the 1970s, often paired with “The Song Remains the Same” as part of a medley.

Album Context

• Houses of the Holy: The album marked a departure from the heavier blues-rock style of earlier albums, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical genres.
• Track Position: “The Rain Song” follows the high-energy opener “The Song Remains the Same,” providing a contrast with its introspective and gentle mood.

Live Performances

• Evolution: In live performances, “The Rain Song” often featured extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their musicianship and improvisational skills.
• Notable Concerts: The song was a regular part of Led Zeppelin’s live setlists, particularly during their 1973 and 1975 tours.

Cover Versions and Influence

• Covers: The song has been covered by various artists, reflecting its enduring influence and popularity. It is often praised for its emotional resonance and complex arrangement.
• Influence: “The Rain Song” has inspired musicians across genres, highlighting Led Zeppelin’s impact on both rock and progressive music.