When the Levee Breaks

Led Zeppelin

About When the Levee Breaks

"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. "When the Levee Breaks" was re-worked by English rock group Led Zeppelin as the last song on their untitled fourth album. Singer Robert Plant used many of the original lyrics and the songwriting is credited to Memphis Minnie and the individual members of Led Zeppelin. Many other artists have performed and recorded versions of the song. 


Year:
1971
7:08
111 

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If it keeps on rainin'  levee's goin' to break
If it keeps on rainin'  levee's goin' to break
When the levee breaks I'll have no place to stay.
Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
Lord  mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
Got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home
Oh  well  oh  well  oh  well.
Don't it make you feel bad
When you're tryin' to find your way home
You don't know which way to go?
If you're goin' down South
They go no work to do,
If you don't know about Chicago.
Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good,
Now, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good,
When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move.
All last night sat on the levee and moaned,
All last night sat on the levee and moaned,
Thinkin' 'bout me baby and my happy home.
Going, go'n' to Chicago,
Go'n' to Chicago,
Sorry but I can't take you.
Going down, going down now, going down
going down now, going down, going down, going down, going down
Going down, going down now, going down
going down now, going down
going down now, going down
Going d-d-d-d-down
Woo woo

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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: John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Robert Anthony Plant, James Patrick Page

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Version
"When the Levee Breaks" was first recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The song was inspired by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, one of the most severe natural disasters in U.S. history.
Led Zeppelin’s Cover
The iconic British rock band Led Zeppelin covered the song in 1971 for their fourth album, often referred to as "Led Zeppelin IV". Their version is substantially different, embodying a distinct hard rock interpretation.
Remake Analysis
Led Zeppelin's version of "When the Levee Breaks" is known for John Bonham's unmistakable drum performance. The drum sounds were achieved by recording the instrument at the bottom of a stairwell, giving it a reverberating and thunderous effect.
Vocal Contribution
Robert Plant, the lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin, altered nearly all the lyrics but retained the bluesy feel. His intense vocal delivery is widely regarded as one of his finest performances.
Song Rights
Although Led Zeppelin initially credited only themselves for the song, a lawsuit later ensured that Memphis Minnie was also credited due to the original version.
Significance of the Title
The metaphorical 'levee' in the song’s title refers to the levee system designed to protect areas of Mississippi and Louisiana from floods. When such a levee breaks, it results in immense destruction - a symbol employed in the song lyrics.
Popularity
"When the Levee Breaks" has stood the test of time, turning into a classic track that's still loved by fans of blues and rock music. Its influence is also notable in pop culture, with numerous artists covering or sampling the song.
Other Artists’ Interpretation
Various artists such as A Perfect Circle, Kristin Hersh and W. A. S. P. have also covered the song. However, none have achieved the same level of success or recognition as the Led Zeppelin version.
Minnie's Legacy
Memphis Minnie was one of the earliest and most influential blues guitarists of her time. "When the Levee Breaks" is just one example of her extensive work, which paved the way for future generations of female blues musicians.
Instrumental Mastery
The song features a harmonica played by Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, and slide guitar by Jimmy Page, adding to the song's distinctive blues-rock sound. It is often lauded as a masterpiece of musical arrangement and production.

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