Achilles Last Stand

Led Zeppelin

About Achilles Last Stand

"Achilles Last Stand" is a song by the English rock group Led Zeppelin released as the opening track on their seventh studio album, Presence (1976). Guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant began writing the song during the summer of 1975, influenced by Eastern music, mythology, and exposure to diverse cultures and musical traditions during their travels. At ten-and-a-half minutes, it is one of the group's longest studio recordings and one of their most complex, with interwoven sections and multiple, overdubbed guitar parts. The song received mainly positive reviews from music critics, with some comparing "Achilles Last Stand" to other Zeppelin songs such as "Kashmir". The band featured it during concerts from 1977 to 1980, and a 1979 live performance is included on the Led Zeppelin DVD (2003). Page called it his favourite Led Zeppelin song in several interviews, and considers its guitar solo on a par with his "Stairway to Heaven" solo. 


Year:
2008
10:25
175 

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It was an April morning when they told us we should go
As I turn to you, you smiled at me
How could we say no?

Oh, the fun to have
To live the dreams we always had
Oh, the songs to sing
When we at last return again

Slipping off a glancing kiss
To those who claim they know
Below the streets that steam and hiss
The devil's in his hole

Oh, to sail away
To sandy lands and other days
Oh, to touch the dream
Hides inside and never seen, yeah

Into the sun, the south, the north
At last the birds have flown
The shackles of commitment fell
In pieces on the ground

Oh, to ride the wind
To tread the air above the din
Oh, to laugh aloud
Dancing as we fought the crowds, yeah

To seek the man whose pointing hand
The giant step unfolds
With guidance from the curving path
That churns up into stone

If one bell should ring
In celebration for a king
So fast the heart should beat
As proud the head with heavy feet, yeah

Days went by when you and I
Bathed in eternal summer's glow
As far away and distant
Our mutual child did grow

Oh the sweet refrain
Soothes the soul and calms the pain
Oh Albion remains
Sleeping now to rise again

Wandering and wandering
What place to rest the search?
The mighty arms of Atlas
Hold the heavens from the earth

For the mighty arms of Atlas
Hold the heavens from the earth
From the earth

I know the way, know the way, know the way, know the way
I know the way, know the way, know the way, know the way

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh

Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh oh

For the mighty arms of Atlas
Hold the heavens from the earth

Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah

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Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin were an English rock band active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed as the New Yardbirds in 1968, the band consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. They are widely considered to be one of the most successful, innovative and influential rock groups in history. more »

30 fans

Written by: Robert Anthony Plant, James Patrick Page

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genesis
"Achilles Last Stand" was conceived by Led Zeppelin during their stay in Malibu, California. The foundation of the song was established when the band's guitarist, Jimmy Page, experienced a moment of inspiration and began to write what would eventually become the lead track of the "Presence" album.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Achilles Last Stand" were written by Robert Plant, the band's lead vocalist, during his recovery from a serious car accident in the Greek Islands. Many interpretations suggest that the lyrics are about the band's exhaustive touring experiences.
Notable Instrumentals
"Achilles Last Stand" is well-known for its intricate and intense guitar sections, featuring six separate guitar tracks layered on top of each other. This was a novel recording technique implemented by Jimmy Page.
Length – Epic proportions
"Achilles Last Stand," running at a length of 10 minutes and 25 seconds, is considered one of Led Zeppelin's longest studio recordings, showcasing the band's propensity to experiment with song structure and length.
Its Influence
Band members, particularly Jimmy Page, consider "Achilles Last Stand" as one of their best works. The song brought a major influence on the progressive rock and heavy metal genre.
Drumming
"Achilles Last Stand" contains what is regarded by many fans and critics as some of John Bonham’s best drumming. His unmistakable heavy foot on the bass drum earned him the nickname ‘Bonzo’.
Live Performances
Even though "Achilles Last Stand" is a fan-favorite, it was rarely performed live due to its complexity and length. Its live debut was not until 1977; a year after the song's release.
Album Cover
The album cover of "Presence," which includes “Achilles Last Stand,” features a black obelisk called 'The Object'. The cover was designed by Hipgnosis who had also designed covers for Pink Floyd, Genesis, and more.
Studio Session
The song was recorded in a music studio in Munich, Germany, during a break in one of the band's tours. The entire album was cut in just 18 days.
Transition Point
Musically, “Achilles Last Stand” marked a transition point for Led Zeppelin from their blues-based early work to a more driving rock sound, setting the tone for their final albums.

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