Going to California

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cosmic vibes as the Zoo Crew spins "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin from their iconic 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV. This haunting acoustic ballad, driven by Robert Plant’s soulful vocals, Jimmy Page’s intricate acoustic guitar, and John Paul Jones’ delicate mandolin, was originally titled “Guide to California” and inspired by the allure of the West Coast counterculture. The song’s roots trace back to the band’s time at Headley Grange, where Page found inspiration for its folk-rock melody. Coincidentally, when Page, engineer Andy Johns, and manager Peter Grant traveled to Los Angeles to mix the album, they experienced a minor earthquake, which tied into the song’s lyrics about “mountains and canyons” trembling. Page humorously recalled lying in bed during the quake, thinking he’d mix this track last to avoid tempting fate, while Johns dismissed the superstition, saying, “Don’t be so bloody stupid!”

The song’s lyrical heart, penned by a then-22-year-old Plant, reflects a youthful yearning for a fresh start and a nod to the Laurel Canyon music scene, particularly Joni Mitchell. Plant referenced Mitchell’s 1968 song “I Had a King” from her debut album Song to a Seagull in the line, “To find a queen without a king, they say she plays guitar, cries, and sings.” Plant later admitted to Spin magazine in 2002 that the lyrics felt “a bit embarrassing” in hindsight but captured his life’s chaos and dreams at the time. Fans on Reddit’s r/ledzeppelin have shared how the song evokes bittersweet emotions, with one user describing it as giving a “peaceful melancholic feeling,” while another noted its live performance at Earls Court in 1975, featuring Jones’ electric mandolin, as surpassing the studio version. An instrumental “Mandolin/Guitar Mix” from January 29, 1971, recorded at Headley Grange, appears on the deluxe edition of Led Zeppelin IV, offering a raw glimpse into its creation.

Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968, rising from the ashes of The Yardbirds, where guitarist Jimmy Page had honed his craft. Page, seeking a new vision, recruited Robert Plant, a charismatic vocalist from Birmingham, John Paul Jones, a seasoned session musician and keyboardist, and John Bonham, a powerhouse drummer. Initially called the New Yardbirds, they quickly adopted the name Led Zeppelin, inspired by a quip from The Who’s Keith Moon about the band going down like a “lead balloon.” Their debut album, Led Zeppelin, released in 1969, blended blues, rock, and folk, setting the stage for their explosive rise. By the time they recorded Led Zeppelin IV in 1971, the band was pushing boundaries, combining hard rock with acoustic textures in a rural setting at Headley Grange, which fostered their creative freedom. Their untitled fourth album, adorned with four enigmatic symbols representing each member, became a cultural touchstone, selling over 37 million copies worldwide.

Stay connected with Led Zeppelin’s official website for the latest news and history. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, rare photos, and fan interactions. Dive deeper into the Zeppelin universe with fan-driven communities like the Led Zeppelin Official Forum, where enthusiasts share bootlegs and stories, or join the Led Zeppelin Fans Facebook group for lively discussions. For more insights, check out Tight But Loose, a fan site packed with detailed archives and news. Keep groovin’, Zoo Freaks, and let "Going to California" carry you to that mountain of dreams!