What does Stairway To Heaven mean?

Led Zeppelin: Stairway To Heaven Meaning

Album cover for Stairway To Heaven album cover

Stairway To Heaven Lyrics

There's a lady who's sure
All that glitters is gold
And she's buying a stairway to Heaven
When she gets there she knows
If the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for
Ooh ooh and she's buying a stairway to...

  1. anonymous
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    May 7th 2014 !⃝

    The lady in the song is about THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND who is very powerful and rich. Plainly simple that the band is advising the lady to believe in the faith. When the band was interviewed about its meaning, the band simply said they don't know what they were writing about :-) . They will not tell because its is meant for their Queen. They were also telling us that, in order for us to go to heaven, then be a rock (in faith) and not roll our faiths.

  2. anonymous
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    May 7th 2014 !⃝

    All the word LADY in the song refer to the Queen of England. The band do not want to divulge this when the song became a success. The song obviously refers to religious matters.

  3. anonymous
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    Mar 4th 2014 !⃝

    There's a lady that's sure all that appears good is good,

    and she's trying to get into heaven by following that idea

    When she dies she know that if she chosen the wrong path she can get into heaven by repenting
    So with that idea she doesn't care if what she thinks is right is really right because god will know she tried

    She is confused with the information she has because somethings you have to choose the meaning for yourself

    “In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings,
    Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven”
    reiterates previous meaning
    it makes her wonder

    She want to get away from it, thinking about moving somewhere west but the will always be a west so there are some things that can't be solved by relocating

    She sees people with the same problems but they do not speak out about it
    it really makes he wonder.

    If everyone spoke out the “piper” or leaders of a movement will sway people to a rationalization
    all those who stand by their idea will see a new age that they dreamed of, and the “forest” or place of living will finally be happy.

    If someone tries to intimidate you, don’t worry, its the power you are opposing showing you that what you are doing is making a difference.

    you can follow or resist but you can change which side you are on.

    You are starting to think about the situation constantly, the reasoning behind the movement is calling you to it.

    can you feel the change happening? And did you know that happiness lies beyond the change?
    And as we travel down the path to making an important change we begin to believe our doubts of being able to change what it is that we really hope for.

    There is the person who started it all, in all their glory, and shows that there is always hope. Reigniting the movements passion.

    And if you consider their words the truth will come to you at last
    when we everyone agrees, and we hold onto what we believe
    we will have our stairway to heaven.

  4. spirit58
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    Nov 11th 2013 !⃝

    I'm sorry to say that not one person here has correctly interpreted the true meaning of this 20th century musical masterpiece.
    I'll start by saying that Robert Plant and Jimmy Pages comments regarding the meaning of this piece of music are purposely misleading. These two writers of this song do not want to comment publicly as to its true meaning.
    I know what it means and I can say that I understand their reasons for being so secretive and more importantly, cautious. They both know very well that the possibility of a public outcry is too high should they reveal it.
    They have said it is a song of hope and it most certainly is that. It is also a song of warning from two artists who care deeply about mankind but unfortunately they realize that many would not take it that way and in fact their would be those who would curse them because it would inevitably be misconstrued by many. THAT is why they don't reveal its true meaning.
    It is very spiritual... in a sense, but it has nothing directly to do with religion although the "Lady" whom the song speaks of considers herself righteous and spiritual in a manner of speaking.
    I'm being guarded regarding the meaning of this song because I have great respect for Plant and Page as artists. What the song has done for the decades that it has been around is that it has caused many to consider its true meaning and that is very important and THAT is what makes it a great work of art.
    The fact remains that I consider its meaning to be very important. So much so that I have been wrestling with the idea of publishing an article on just that subject but, until I actually decide to do that and make it public I don't think any one will really "get" it!
    Keep trying though and Good Luck!

  5. Musicguy
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    Oct 28th 2013 !⃝

    People seem to be getting hung up on the back masking of this song. Back masking was done back then for those of you who thinks it's phony. They should pay more attention to the lyrics!

    What I believe……. Stairway to Heaven……to really mean

    If you have studied the scriptures like I have and know a great deal about what they say and Know there symbolic meanings, and after reading the lyrics to this song, it is quite clear to me, that this song that Plant wrote, was inspired (most likely unknowingly) By none other than Satan himself. Laugh all you want, but after examining the lyrics in this song, that is quite clear to me. Plant and Page both dabbled pretty heavily into the occult, which of course is Satan inspired! Notice what Plant himself said about his writing of the song;
    Jimmy Page was strumming the chords and Robert Plant had a pencil and paper. Plant later said that suddenly,
    My hand was writing out the words, 'There's a lady is sure [sic], all that glitters is gold, and she's buying a stairway to heaven'. I just sat there and looked at them and almost leapt out of my seat." Quote taken from “Stairway to heaven Wikipedia”
    You just don’t happen to write words like that in an instant…..
    I ‘m going to now explain to you verse by verse what I mean;

    “There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold
    And she's buying a stairway to heaven.”

    Women are the most religious of the two genders and there intentions are for going to Heaven. Glitter would refer to the prominence of religion throughout the centuries, which of course would be the gold one would need to get into Heaven. Also there are those who think they can buy there way to Heaven. The stores being closed in Heaven would refer to some doubt as to being able to get into Heaven and stay there, but with a word (Gods approval ) she can get what she came for (everlasting life).

    “There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure
    'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.

    The struggle with religious doubt is being suggested here and whether she has the right or will be allowed in Heaven.
    “In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings” Referring to Satan as the bird
    “Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.”
    Satan planting the doubt in the mind of the listeners once again, as regards there beliefs!

    “There's a feeling I get when I look to the west,
    And my spirit is crying for leaving.


    The west representing America, land of religious freedom and also freedom from religion which was starting to occur at the time this song was written.
    Religion was now being questioned at that time and the dismantling of it began also!
    “And my spirit is crying for leaving”.
    The idea here, was to want to be there (America) and be part of what was taking place.

    “In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees,
    And the voices of those who stand looking.”
    The rings of smoke represent the supposed lies that religions feed the masses, who represent the trees from which the voices, who stand looking , (religious leaders) come from
    They are the voices usually speaking out to the masses and politicians
    Religion was starting to be believed or looked at as a hoax…”Rings of smoke”

    “And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune,
    Then the piper will lead us to reason.
    And a new day will dawn for those who stand long,
    And the forests will echo with laughter.”

    “Call the tune” The tune, propaganda or empty lies Satan promotes or promises, referring to himself as the “Piper”
    Leading the misled to reason and falsely claiming that if they follow him the “Piper”
    A new day will dawn for those who stand long and the Forrest will supposedly echo with laughter!

    ” If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now,
    It's just a sprinkling for the May queen.

    A reference from the authors book Plant was heavily into.

    “Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
    There's still time to change the road you're on”

    Satan knows there are only two roads, one that is the road that leads to death everlasting and the other road that leads to life forever. Once again falsely promising that if one eventually thinks he or she is on the wrong road, there is plenty of time to change to the other road. People think that if they have done bad during there lives, all they need to do when they are dying, is ask God to forgive them and then they will enter into Heaven. This of course, is not true.

    ‘Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know,
    The piper's calling you to join him,

    Being young and confused as regards which way to go, thus “your head is humming”
    Once again the Piper, (Satan) is lying, stating that he has the answer, by calling you to join him.

    “Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know
    Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?”

    Once again planting doubt in the listeners ear that the stairway to Heaven or the way to Heaven is a Myth. Stating that the lady is mistaken…”Your (you) (or her) stairway lies on the whispering wind” thus non existent!

    “And as we wind on down the road
    Our shadows taller than our soul.
    There walks a lady we all know
    Who shines white light and wants to show
    How everything still turns to stone.
    And if you listen very hard
    The tune will come to you at last.
    When we all are one and one is all
    To be a rock and not to roll.”

    “And as we wind on down the road
    Our shadows taller than our soul.”

    Satan being arrogant, is here encouraging the young to be proud full in how one feels about ones self , regardless of what ever viewpoint one may have, right or wrong and in whatever one does in that regard!

    “There walks a lady we all know
    Who shines white light and wants to show
    How everything still turns to stone.”

    The lady we all know is the Bible and “Belief in the scriptures” and the pure white light that the scriptures show, “the same scriptures that want you to know, what happened to lots wife who was turned into a pillar of salt (stone) because of lack of faith.
    Thus…”Wants to show, how everything evil or everyone evil still turns to stone.”

    “And if you listen very hard
    The tune will come to you at last.
    When we all are one and one is all

    Satans promise, that if you the listener will listen intently to what he is saying, the way he wants you to think and do, it will come to you at last.
    Then his promise is that all will be one in belief and ways, if and when they do so!

    To be a rock and not to roll.”

    You will Be rock solid in his beliefs and not be able to be moved, another lie

    Satan is the great trickster and used the youth of that time through the drug controlling of the mind to talk to the youth through musical groups like this and to inspire the writing of there songs! I was part of that generation and know exactly what went down back then. No, I’m not a religious fanatic and don’t believe in religion, only what the scriptures say, especially after studying then regularly for close to 15 years!
    Of course you are free to believe what you like, but this I truly believe is the case with this song!
    Through the breaking down of my generation and it’s morals and the passing on of that mentality to the following generations, Satan has now become complete controller of this world and he and it will go soon!

    This song was #1 on the charts for around 150 weeks. Considered the best Rock song of all time! Why?? It's quite evident that it was inspired by Satan, that's Why!
    A real heart strings tugger, that Satan himself is very proud of!

  6. anonymous
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    Oct 17th 2013 !⃝

    It's about the Highway to Hell...

    This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
  7. anonymous
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    Jul 11th 2013 !⃝

    A day after police said they would not seek criminal charges against Tiger Woods in connection with last week's car accident, Woods posted a "profound apology" on his Web site while facing another round of allegations in tabloid publications.

    This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
  8. anonymous
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    May 28th 2013 !⃝

    I guess I have been around a lot longer than you guys because I heard them tell us why they wrote this song right after they did it. The band rented a house in the UK. It was haunted. This was their interpretation of the ghost lady of that house and why she was still there. It may be mixed in with all sorts of other meanings but that started it. They saw her as they came down the road. Remember back then that the art of cutting out clips of newspaper phrases and throwing them into the air then putting them together randomly was seen as something artist but magical.

  9. anonymous
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    Apr 28th 2013 !⃝

    The song was written by Plant and he swears his hand was moving itself. Mary, the mother of Jesus, wrote it through Plants hand about her son and her mission.

    There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold (all souls are golden) And she's buying a stairway to heaven (she is working all souls towards her son one step at a time) When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed With a word she can get what she came for (she came to give us her son and she pushes us to heaven. She has clout with her son. Her son will never deny her. She gets what she wants. She can open up heaven to your soul) Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven
    There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings (sign may say "closed" but she can open it)In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings (Mary and the holy spirit sings softly to everyone good thoughts) Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven (apprehension occurs when you hear her or the holy spirit) Ooh, it makes me wonder Ooh, it makes me wonder
    There's a feeling I get when I look to the west And my spirit is crying for leaving (Mary left because her Fatima message was not spread)In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees And the voices of those who stand looking (hell is burning and souls stand waiting to go in or out) Ooh, it makes me wonder Ooh, it really makes me wonder
    And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune Then the piper (the holy spirit) will lead us to reason And a new day will dawn for those who stand long And the forests will echo with laughter (cause their getting into heaven)
    If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now It's just a spring clean for the May queen (May is the month of Mary, she can help clean up your life) Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run There's still time to change the road you're on (be patient and keep trying you'll get it right) And it makes me wonder
    Your head is humming (too hard to know right from wrong) and it won't go, in case you don't know The piper's calling you to join him (the holy spirit wants you to listen to him, join the son) Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow and did you know Your stairway lies on the whispering wind? (Mary's stairway to heaven lies in the whisper of the holy spirit)
    And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our soul (shadow is long but failures are too, much regret) There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show (she points out the good you have done and helps you forget the bad) How everything still turns to gold (she shines the way to her son and to you becoming GOLD)
    And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last When all are one and one is all, (pure holy communion of the true Church to the bride and their creator)yeah To be a rock and not to roll (listen and try and not be swayed by failure)
    And she's buying a stairway to heaven

    Mary works endlessly to get all souls to her son! Everyone is gold and she is buying your way with her work and the work of her son.

  10. anonymous
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    Feb 17th 2013 !⃝

    I can't believe that anyone does not know the meaning to this song. Wikipedia Nimrod and Semiramis. Oh and it has everything to do with Satan and his lie in the garden of eden. Its so good that 1/3 of the angels in heven followed him and fell for that cherubs tale . Also I can believe that people will fall for this lie and its the same thing that happens today its all about greed. Just like the emperor on star wars said only in the end do you understand.

  11. barbedwire59
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    Feb 7th 2013 !⃝

    This song has different meanings to different people. I know alot of people who love this song because it relates them to the feeling of losing somebody they loved (it is about dying and oing to heaven).

    But if you look closely to the lyrics, and look at the background of Zep (blues/rock fusion band, heavily influenced by the Black Southern Blues musicians), then its a different story.

    This song is about the damnation of the poor. Poor people do not go to heaven. It does not matter what is right, when all are one and one is all. It is a song of hope because it tries to turn that around, with lifting guitar riffs and ooh it makes me wonder lyrics, and finally "...her stairway lies in the whispering winds..." and it rocks it all away.

    But in the end, "and she's buying the stairway to heaven."

    An interesting note, in the latest Celebration Day concerts in 2012, Robert
    changed the lyrics from "..her stairway lies on the whispering wind..." to "...our stairway lies on the whispering winds..." maybe refering to their belief that heaven does not exist or that we are all damned, rich or poor.

  12. anonymous
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    Jan 21st 2013 !⃝

    After reading a nearly direct reference to the song in Atlas Shrugged, I can't help but wonder if the meaning is meant to express the "evils" of capitalism.

    Directly from the book: (Francisco) "When I die, I hope I go to heaven - whatever the hell that is and I want to be able to afford the price of admission."

    (Jim) "Virtue is the price of admission."

    (Francisco) " That's what I mean, James. So I want to be prepared to claim the greatest virtue of all-that I made money."

    (Jim) "But any grafter can make money."

    (Francisco) "You ought to discover some day that words have an exact meaning."

    Those few lines from the book really struck me as being similar to the song and what Francisco means (I think) is that he can buy his way into heaven by bribing god with his own gold; that he can live a life without virtue on Earth yet still get into heaven. He will not "inherit streets of gold" fo he paved them himself and is willing to cut god a deal.

    Then again, I could be wrong but I also think the lady is referring to Lady Liberty and her torch of gold calling to the east like a siren. The land of opportunity (capitalism) the land of milk and honey (because of capitalism) and the inclination for those who gain it to be egotist and full of pride in ere.

    Also, Rand's philosophy is based on hard reason further elucidating that if you follow the piper and take the path of "greed" (capitalism) you are not choosing a path of virtue.

    The next scene in the book, just after the conversation between Jim and Francisco, is where they have built a fire in the forest and this is when the female becomes entranced by Francisco and glorifies him...a beakon of future wealth but also a tormented soul encapsulated by all of those things that go with money, power and influence.

    So, maybe the lady is actually meant to represent Rand and is a typical push toward socialism so frequent in the music during the day; during the "revolution."

    This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
  13. anonymous
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    Jan 14th 2013 !⃝

    Without going wayy too deep which I've given this one considerable thought but have been to lazy to make an intelligent contribution, there are definitely religious undertones as well as blatant indications of wealth and status ruining someone.

    "With a word she can get what she came for" has a definite religious pinning in that christianity teaches that it doen't matter how pathetic and reviled of a base existance you have lived each moment of every day, simply uttering the phrase, "please forgive me for I have sinned" will get you into heaven when really, you should be condemned to hell to burn for all of the sordid choices and decisions you have made in your living, breathing life.

    The piper represents deception and the west as opportunity for wealth and fame. But the piper is a warning that living a life in pursuit of such frivolous and petty things is meaningless and when you are quiet long enough to really listen, you will discover how insignificant you really are in the grand scheme of things. Same applies to belief in a god.

  14. anonymous
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    Oct 14th 2012 !⃝

    Buying the Stairway to Heaven is: trying to get to heaven by doing good deeds and charity.
    But it doesn't work like that. You could be Al Capone and donate to charity and still be a bad person.
    Somebody "up there" has to recognize you, regardless of good deeds.

  15. anonymous
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    Jul 25th 2012 !⃝

    This is one of Robert Plant's Tolkien inspired lyrics.

    The 'Lady' is Lady Galadriel. If you haven't read the book, I'm sure you've seen Cate Blanchett play her in the films.

    The 'all that glitters is gold' line is a variation 'All that is gold does not glitter' the poem from LOTR about Aragorn.

    Galadriel was a Noldorian elf from Valinor who left Valinor with the army of Feanor in the Silmarillion. As this was an act of rebellion all those who left were exiled to middle earth and prevented from returning.

    She was said to emit white light.

    Galadriel 'buys' her forgiveness when she passes the test of refusing to accept The One Ring when Frodo offers it to her. She realises then that when the power of her own ring fades she will be allowed to return, on the Straight Road, to Valinor (Heaven) and this indeed occurs in one of the final chapters, when she, Elrond, Gandalf, and Frodo and Bilbo, take the ship from the Havens.




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