“The Immigrant Song” is an homage to the Vikings and their conquests of countries throughout the North Atlantic.

Led Zeppelin traveled to Iceland in 1970 to play a concert at the Laugardalshöll, a sports venue in Reykjavik. Both lead singer Robert Plant and lead guitarist Jimmy Page were smitten with the Icelandic landscape. The pair were both enthralled and intrigued by the fact that striking snow-covered mountains and flat plains without trees existed next to one another. The line in the song about coming from the land of the ice and snow is a direct reference to that. From Iceland, the band proceeded on a world tour that was reminiscent of the Vikings’ travels during the 10th century.

Heavy Metal

The same year that Led Zeppelin released Led Zeppelin III, Black Sabbath released their first album, “Black Sabbath.” They distorted their guitars and beefed up the drum and bass sound, but they never lost their blues influence that they had had as the “Polka Tulk Blues Band.” Led Zeppelin, too, received the “heavy metal” classification from fans and critics alike, but their music, like that of Black Sabbath, is heavily influenced by blues in both melody and harmony. Page’s monumental riffs stray from blues and create a heavier sound, but Led Zeppelin is eclectic. They create songs from many genres, including such different milieus as reggae, jazz, and progressive rock.

Norse Mythology

After their visit to Iceland, the group became interested in Norse mythology and culture, including both real and mythical battles, Norse heroes, and the Norse pantheon of gods. The lyrics of the song speak of “the hammer of the gods” and driving ships to new lands. The members of the band also spoke about seeking Valhalla on their tour. They also stated that the mythical battles could be internal as they dealt with inner feelings of fear or existential dread. The possibility that the audience would boo or otherwise not be accommodating was also ever-present.

Other Media

Given the song’s tie to Norse mythology, it’s only fitting that it was included in the “Thor: Ragnarok” soundtrack in 2017 and “Thor: Love and Thunder” in 2022. Other films where it appears include “School of Rock” and “Atomic Blonde.” When it comes to television soundtracks, it was in the British version of “Top Gear.” Additionally, it was prominent in several episodes of Asylum Production’s “Z Nation” in 2015.

Lyrics

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

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Jimmy Page / Robert Plant

Immigrant Song lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

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