Robert Plant, the golden god of rock with his skin-tight pantaloons and a voice that echoes through mountains, epitomized the archetypal rock frontman. He was the embodiment of the term ‘Rockstar,’ showcasing enviable talents that could rival any sports star or celebrity chef. Yet, his charm radiated sincerity, devoid of smugness, despite his monumental success and magnetic appeal.
Still, Plant’s journey was not without its bumps. His relentless quest for depth in his music sometimes led him into the territory of vocal self-indulgence. In hindsight, he showed remarkable humility, often reflecting critically on his past performances. This introspection reached a peak when he described some of his classic work as “horrific.”
One such classic is “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” a track penned by Anne Bredon in 1959. Originally rooted in the folk tradition, it resonated with Greenwich Village’s authenticity-seeking artists. Joan Baez’s famous 1962 rendition even misattributed the authorship, labeling it ‘Traditional’ because she was unaware of its true origins. The song captured the essence of a bygone era, creating a poignant farewell that Led Zeppelin couldn’t resist.
When Led Zeppelin tackled the track, they infused it with their distinct, hard-edged rock style, diverging from its folk roots. By the time it reached Plant’s powerful vocals, the machismo of rock was in full swing, transforming the song’s intended heart.
Plant later acknowledged this transformation, reflecting on his earlier approach to singing. He confessed to The Guardian, “I realized that tough, manly approach to singing I’d begun on ‘You Better Run’ wasn’t really what it was all about at all. I find my vocals on ‘Babe I’m Gonna Leave You’ horrific now. I really should have shut the f*** up!”
He wasn’t alone in this sentiment. Keith Richards voiced similar frustrations, claiming that Plant’s vocals began to grate on him, perhaps due to their acrobatic nature.
This realization prompted Plant to be more cautious in his vocal delivery. With immense talent, it can be tempting to push boundaries, but he identified several of his works as “pompous,” including the iconic “Stairway to Heaven.” Yet, many listeners might wonder if Plant is speaking of the same “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” known for its stirring vocal performance that could melt even the coldest of hearts.
In reflecting on his artistic journey, Plant demonstrates that even the greats grapple with their craft, revealing the complexities of growth and self-critique in the pursuit of musical excellence.
