The heavy metal style is immediately apparent in the opening track of the “Immigrant Song,” which is included in Led Zeppelin’s third album. It has a more folk and acoustic feel to it, as opposed to the heavy metal and hard rock style that was displayed in the band’s previous albums. This makes it stand out from the rest of the album, which features a more electric sound.
Robert Plant wrote Immigrant Song during the singer’s tour of Iceland. Students in the area rallied together to help set up for Zeppelin’s concert when the workers responsible for doing so went on strike.
In Plant’s words, “We did come from the land of the ice and snow. We were guests of the Icelandic Government on a cultural mission. We were invited to play a concert in Reykjavik, [Iceland], and the day before we arrived, all the civil servants went on strike, and the gig was going to be canceled. The university prepared a concert hall for us, and it was phenomenal. The response from the kids was remarkable, and we had a great time. “Immigrant Song” was about that trip, and the opening track on the album was intended to be incredibly different.”
What is the meaning behind the song “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
Robert Plant, a history buff, wrote the song after imagining the emotions of explorers like Marco Polo. In the same way that he felt the pressure to create an album that was better than the one before it, he wondered if the explorers would want to find more desirable lands after making a significant discovery.
Led Zeppelin meant for the Immigrant song to be funny by comparing their adventures on the road to the Vikings’ fights against hordes of invaders to take over new lands. Because they weren’t known for being a humorous band, many of their fans took the lyrics seriously.
If one were to take the lyrics of “Immigrant Song” literally, they would suggest that the song is about the Vikings settling in England. The first part of the song, “We come from the land of the ice and snow,” is an obvious reference to Iceland. The name “Hammer of the Gods” is in reference to the Norse god Thor, who was depicted carrying a hammer. The phrase “Valhalla, I’m Coming” refers to the Viking idea of heaven, which only brave warriors who died in battle could get to. The phrase “On we sweep with threshing oars/our only goal would be the western shore” refers to rowing to new lands and is inspired by Viking ships.
The last part of the song says, “How soft your fields so green can whisper stories of gore,” referring to a bloody battle that happened in England as well as the countryside, which is very green and good for farming. From the last two lines of this verse, it’s clear that the Vikings won the battle and now control England.
The final verse is a particularly intriguing one. The Vikings have a terrible reputation for savagery and plunder. On the other hand, the final verse reads like it’s almost a plea for peace. The conquered people are pleading with the Vikings for peace so that they can rebuild their cities. The Vikings wanted to establish a relationship characterized by trust, peace, and an absence of an ill will.
The legend of Led Zeppelin is included in some immigrant song lyrics. The phrase “the hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands” is what inspired many fans to refer to Led Zeppelin’s music as the “hammer of the gods.” Stephen Davis also wrote a book about the band titled “hammer of the gods.”
In order to get permission, the lead actor of the movie School of Rock, Jack Black, made a video of himself playing the Immigrant song in front of a huge crowd and begged Led Zeppelin to let them use it. They were successful, and the tune was played in a scene in which Black sings along to the song when it plays on the radio while in the school van with his students. On the DVD, Jack Black can be heard saying, “It may seem corny, but it worked.” Do not let your pride prevent you from seeking help when you are in need.”
The trailer for Thor: Ragnarök, released in 2017, features the Immigrant song as its accompaniment. As Cate Blanchett, who is playing Hela, the Goddess of Death, turns to face the camera, the instantly recognizable first riff starts to play. As she causes havoc in Thor’s world, the song continues to play in the background.
The Immigrant song was covered by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Karen O for the 2011 movie version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The music plays during the opening titles and credits.
Lyrics “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
Ah-ah, ah!
Ah-ah, ah!
We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow
The hammer of the gods
Will drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, sing and cry
Valhalla, I am coming
On we sweep with threshing oar
Our only goal will be the western shore
Ah-ah, ah!
Ah-ah, ah!
We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow
How soft your fields so green
Can whisper tales of gore
Of how we calmed the tides of war
We are your overlords
On we sweep with threshing oar
Our only goal will be the western shore
So now you’d better stop and rebuild all your ruins
For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ahh, ah
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
