Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" : Sun, Sand, and... Slightly Creepy Stalker Vibes?
Ah yes, "Going to California," that iconic Led Zeppelin track that chills you out with its mellow guitar and silky vocals. But what's REALLY going on behind those sweet lyrics? Buckle up, because we're about to take a detour down a strange and slightly disturbing path.
Originally About Earthquakes (Seriously!)
Believe it or not, this song wasn't always about chilling on the beach. Fun fact: The original version, titled "Guide to California," focused on the state's, shall we say, active geological life. Imagine Robert Plant belting out about the San Andreas Fault instead of sunshine – a whole different vibe!
Joni Mitchell Makes an Entrance (And Maybe Breaks a Heart)
Thankfully, the earthquake theme got scrapped, and things got a little more personal. Some say the song was inspired by singer Robert Plant's travels through California with Led Zeppelin in the late 60s. He might have been feeling a tad homesick (or maybe just jet-lagged), but there's also a hint of a lost love in the lyrics. Here's where things get interesting...
Queen Without a King? Code Red, Stalker Alert!
Plant sings about searching for "a queen without a king." Hold on, is this some kind of metaphorical quest for enlightenment? Nope. Apparently, Plant might have been low-key crushing on folk singer Joni Mitchell, who was a prominent figure in the California music scene at the time. Yikes. The line "They say she plays guitar, cries and sings" feels a little too specific, right? Robert, if you're reading this, maybe a casual "hey there" would have been a better approach than writing a song about her.
California Dreamin' or Just Running Away?
So, what's the real story behind "Going to California?" Is it a love letter to the Golden State, a post-breakup anthem, or a slightly creepy ode to a fellow musician? The beauty of music is that it's open to interpretation. Maybe it's all of the above!
Next time you hear this song, you might imagine Plant cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway with Joni Mitchell on his mind, or maybe just trying to outrun his memories. Either way, it adds a whole new layer of intrigue to this classic rock staple.
