About the song
Released on their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV, in 1971, “Achilles Last Stand” is a monumental track that showcases the band’s ability to blend heavy rock with intricate classical elements. The song is named after the legendary Greek warrior Achilles from Homer’s Iliad, and the music mirrors the epic scale and emotional intensity of the ancient epic.
The song begins with a haunting, almost otherworldly introduction featuring a haunting flute solo played by Jimmy Page. This ethereal opening sets the stage for the song’s epic journey, as Page’s guitar weaves a tapestry of intricate melodies and thunderous riffs. John Bonham’s powerful drumming provides a solid foundation, while John Paul Jones’s bass and keyboard work add depth and complexity to the arrangement.
Robert Plant’s vocals are nothing short of extraordinary, soaring over the music with a raw power and emotional intensity that is both captivating and inspiring. His lyrics, while often obscure and open to interpretation, evoke images of battle, heroism, and the fleeting nature of life. The song’s title, “Achilles Last Stand”, references the legendary Greek warrior’s final battle, and Plant’s vocals convey a sense of both defiance and resignation in the face of impending doom.
Musically, “Achilles Last Stand” is a tour de force. The song’s structure is complex and unconventional, with extended instrumental sections that allow each member of the band to showcase their virtuosity. Page’s guitar solo is a particular highlight, featuring a dazzling array of techniques and a sense of improvisation that is reminiscent of the great jazz guitarists.
Beyond its musical complexity, “Achilles Last Stand” is also a deeply personal song for the band. It is said that the song was inspired by Page’s fascination with Greek mythology, as well as his own experiences with fame and fortune. The song’s themes of mortality, heroism, and the search for meaning resonate with listeners on a profound level, making it one of Led Zeppelin’s most enduring and beloved compositions.
“Achilles Last Stand” is more than just a rock song; it is a musical journey that takes the listener on an epic adventure. The song’s combination of power, beauty, and complexity is a testament to Led Zeppelin’s status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. It is a song that continues to inspire and amaze, and it is sure to remain a classic for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
It was an April morning
When they told us we should go
And as I turned to you, you smiled at me
How could we say no?
With all the fun to have
To live the dreams we always had
Oh, the songs to sing
When we at last return again
Sending 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
Shackles of commitments 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 crowd, yeah
To seek the man whose pointing hand
The giant step unfolds
To guide us from the curving path
That turns our feet to 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, earth
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
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 the mighty arms of Atlas
Hold the heavens from the earth
Ah, ah, ah