Led Zeppelin

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hangman, hangman, hold it a little while
I think I see my friends coming, riding many a mile
Friends, you get some silver?
Did you get a little gold?
What did you bring me, my dear friends
To keep me from the gallows pole?
What did you bring me to keep me from the gallows pole?
I couldn't get no silver, I couldn't get no gold
You know that we're too damn poor to keep you from the gallows pole

[Verse 2]
Hangman, hangman, hold it a little while
I think I see my brother coming, riding many a mile
Brother, you get me some silver?
Did you get a little gold?
What did you bring me, my brother, to keep me from the gallows pole?
Brother, I brought you some silver, yeah
I brought a little gold, I brought a little of everything
To keep you from the gallows pole
Yes, I brought you to keep you from the gallows pole

[Verse 3]
Hangman, hangman, turn your head awhile
I think I see my sister coming, riding many a mile, mile, mile
Sister, I implore you, take him by the hand
Take him to some shady bower
Save me from the wrath of this man
Please take him, save me from the wrath of this mad man
Hangman, hangman, upon your face a smile
Tell me that I'm free to ride
Ride for many a mile, mile, mile
[Verse 4]
Oh yes, you got a fine sister
She warmed my blood from cold
She warmed my blood to boiling hot
To keep you from the gallows pole, pole, pole, pole, yeah, yeah
Your brother brought me silver, and your sister warmed my soul
But now I laugh and pull so hard, see you swinging on the gallows pole, yeah
But now I laugh and pull so hard, see you swinging on the gallows pole, pole, pole
Swingin' on the gallows pole!
Swingin' on the gallows pole!
Swingin' on the gallows pole!
Swingin' on the gallows pole
Pole, pole, pole, pole, pole, pole, yeah

[Outro]
Ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha
It was swingin', it was swingin', it was swingin'
Mamamamamamama, yeah
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah
Ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha, ah-ha
Swingin' on the gallows, yeah
Swingin' on the gallows pole!
Swingin' on the gallows pole!
Swingin' on the, ah
I gotta swing!
See-saw marjory daw
I gotta swing!
See-saw, knock at my door
I gotta sing
Keep on singing, yeah
Keep it cooling, yeah
Keep it-
Aw yeah!

When it comes to iconic rock bands, Led Zeppelin is a name that is synonymous with greatness. With their unique blend of blues, folk, and hard rock, they captivated audiences around the world with their powerful sound and incredible musicianship. One of their standout tracks, "Gallows Pole," showcases the band's ability to take an old folk song and mold it into something truly extraordinary.

The origins of "Gallows Pole" can be traced back to a poem by Francis James Child called "The Maid Freed From The Gallows." This poem, which tells the story of a maiden who manages to escape execution, was later adapted and performed by Leadbelly as "The Gallis Pole." It is this rendition that likely caught the attention of Led Zeppelin and inspired them to put their own distinctive spin on it.

About Gallows Pole

Led Zeppelin's version of "Gallows Pole" is a masterclass in musical arrangement and storytelling. The song opens with a haunting acoustic guitar intro, courtesy of Jimmy Page, that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the track. As the song progresses, the band's incredible chemistry becomes evident, with each member bringing their unique talent to the table.

Robert Plant's vocals soar over the instrumentation, delivering the lyrics with a raw emotion that truly brings the story to life. His ability to effortlessly shift between soft and delicate verses to powerful and commanding choruses is a testament to his incredible vocal prowess.

What sets Led Zeppelin apart from many other artists is their willingness to incorporate a wide range of instruments into their music. In "Gallows Pole," this becomes evident as John Paul Jones takes on the mandolin, adding a folk-inspired flair to the track. The inclusion of this instrument adds an extra layer of richness to the overall sound and further reinforces the folk roots of the song.

One of the standout moments of the song comes during the instrumental break, where Page's guitar playing takes center stage. With his signature style and virtuosic skills, he effortlessly weaves intricate melodies and solos that leave listeners in awe. The combination of his technical proficiency and the raw emotion he puts into his playing elevates "Gallows Pole" to new heights.

Lyrically, "Gallows Pole" tells the tale of a man facing execution and his desperate attempts to escape his fate. The song explores themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. With evocative lines such as "Hangman, hangman, hold it a little while / I think I see my brother coming, riding many a mile," Plant paints a vivid picture that captures the desperation and urgency of the protagonist.

What makes "Gallows Pole" such a remarkable song is Led Zeppelin's ability to balance the traditional folk elements with their own hard rock sound. The band effortlessly blends acoustic and electric guitars, folk instruments, and powerful vocals to create a truly unique musical experience. The song's dynamic shifts keep the listener engaged from start to finish, with moments of soft introspection giving way to explosive choruses and instrumental sections that showcase the band's unrivaled talent.

In terms of its cultural impact, "Gallows Pole" solidified Led Zeppelin's reputation as pioneers in rock music. The song's timeless quality has allowed it to resonate with audiences across generations, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band's ability to create music that transcends trends and speaks to the universal emotions and experiences shared by all.

In conclu

• Release Date: October 5, 1970
• Artist: Led Zeppelin