About thee song
“Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin is a quintessential ballad from the legendary rock band’s third studio album, Led Zeppelin III, released in 1970. While the album as a whole marked a departure from the band’s earlier, heavier sound, this track remains one of their most enduring masterpieces, showcasing their ability to merge blues with hard rock in a way that few other bands could match.
Release and Album Context
Led Zeppelin III was released at a time when the band was pushing boundaries, both musically and conceptually. Unlike their first two albums, which leaned heavily on blues and rock, Led Zeppelin III incorporated acoustic elements, folk influences, and more experimental sounds. Among these new approaches, “Since I’ve Been Loving You” stands out as one of the album’s most powerful moments. The song was released as part of the album on October 5, 1970, and though it wasn’t a single, it quickly became one of the band’s fan favorites, praised for its raw emotion and musical depth.
Meaning and Themes
At its core, “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a deeply emotional and introspective blues ballad. The song explores themes of heartache, regret, and longing. Written by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, the lyrics convey a sense of sorrow and desperation. With the repeated refrain of “I’ve been crying, since I’ve been loving you,” the song captures the emotional weight of unrequited love and the torment that can accompany intense relationships. The combination of Robert Plant’s impassioned vocals and Jimmy Page’s soulful guitar work amplifies the song’s sense of loss and vulnerability.
Musical Composition and Performance
Musically, the track is a showcase of Led Zeppelin’s exceptional musicianship. Jimmy Page’s guitar work is particularly noteworthy, with a slow, aching solo that builds intensity throughout the song, reflecting the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics. The interplay between John Paul Jones’ keyboard and John Bonham’s subtle yet powerful drumming adds layers of depth to the track, creating a rich, textured sound that has become a signature of the band’s style. The song’s blues influence is clear, with its slow-burning rhythm and improvisational feel, and it stands as a testament to the band’s ability to transcend genres.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is not just a song; it’s a piece of rock history that continues to resonate with listeners today. While it was not released as a single, the track has become one of Led Zeppelin’s most beloved songs. It is often cited by fans and critics alike as one of the band’s finest compositions, illustrating their range and emotional depth. The song’s impact extends beyond the rock community, with its blues influences continuing to inspire generations of musicians. In the years since its release, it has been lauded for its powerful emotional delivery and remains a staple of Led Zeppelin’s live performances, often regarded as one of the highlights of their concerts.
Overall, “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a testament to Led Zeppelin’s unmatched ability to blend musical genres and convey deep emotion. It encapsulates the band’s growth and evolution, and continues to be an important part of their musical legacy, influencing not just rock but also the broader landscape of popular music. The track is a powerful example of how music can transcend time and speak to universal human emotions.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro]
Oh![Verse 1]
Working from seven
To eleven every night
Really makes life a drag
I don’t think that’s right
I’ve really been the best, the best of fools
I did what I could, yeah
‘Cause I love you, baby, how I love you, darling
How I love you, baby, my beloved little girl, little girl[Chorus]
But, baby, since I’ve been loving you, yeah
I’m about to lose my worried mind, oh yeah[Verse 2]
Everybody trying to tell me
That you didn’t mean me no good
I’ve been trying, Lord, let me tell you
Let me tell you, I really did the best I could
I’ve been, I’ve been working from seven
To eleven every night
I said it kinda makes my life a drag, drag, drag, drag
Lord, yeah, that ain’t right, now, now![Chorus]
Since I’ve been loving you, yeah
I’m about to lose my worried mind[Guitar Solo]
Watch out![Bridge]
I said I’ve been crying, yeah
Oh, my tears, they fell like rain
Don’t you hear them? Don’t you hear them falling?
Don’t you hear them? Don’t you hear them falling?[Verse 3]
Do you remember, mama, when I knocked upon your door?
I said you had the nerve to tell me
You didn’t want me no more, yeah
I open my front door, I hear my back door slam
You know, I must have one of them newfangled
Newfangled back-door men
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’ve been a-working from seven, seven, seven
To eleven every night
It kinda makes my life a drag
A drag, drag
Ah yeah! It makes it a drag[Chorus]
Baby, since I’ve been loving you
I’m about to lose, I’m about to lose, lose my worried mind
And just one more, just one more
Oh, yeah!
Since I’ve been loving you, I’m gonna lose my worried mind