Sixes and Sevens

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Sixes and Sevens" by Robert Plant from his 1985 album Shaken 'n' Stirred, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this melancholic gem! This track, one of two singles from the album alongside "Little by Little", hit No. 18 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart but didn’t crack the Billboard Hot 100. Its moody, experimental vibe reflects Plant’s bold attempt to break from his Led Zeppelin roots, diving into new wave with synthesizers and electronic drums. On his podcast Digging Deep, Plant hinted at the song’s misunderstood nature, though he’s been cryptic about its inspiration. Some fans on the Led Zeppelin Official Forum speculate its lyrics, like “alterations to my house of cards,” touch on Plant’s struggle to redefine his solo career amid pressure to revisit his Zeppelin past, with lines like “old ground standing in the way” hinting at fan expectations.

Digging into the song’s creation, "Sixes and Sevens" was born from a six-month studio jam session with an eclectic band, including keyboardist Jezz Woodroffe, guitarist Robbie Blunt, and Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward. Hayward told Modern Drummer the tracks evolved organically, with Plant crafting lyrics and melodies on the fly. The result was a sound that Prog Archives calls a “musical sunset,” blending brooding melodies with wild guitar textures inspired by Adrian Belew. Despite its creativity, the album’s experimental edge alienated some fans, and the Songfacts page notes poor tour ticket sales, with Plant playing to empty seats for the first time in years. Yet, decades later, fans on Facebook groups like Robert Plant’s Admirers praise the song’s ahead-of-its-time quality, calling it a “bonkers masterpiece” that channels Art of Noise and Talking Heads.

The phrase “sixes and sevens” itself has curious origins, as Songfacts explains. It likely stems from a French dice game called Hazard, where betting on fives and sixes was a risky move, symbolizing confusion or folly. Over time, the phrase morphed into “sixes and sevens” through English misinterpretation, becoming a metaphor for disorder—perfect for a song about personal and artistic upheaval. A rough mix of the track, shared on YouTube, reveals its raw energy, with Plant’s vocals soaring over a chaotic yet captivating soundscape. The SongMeanings community loves its emotional depth, with one user noting its “gorgeous, moving” quality, still stirring listeners 35 years on.

Robert Plant, born August 20, 1948, in West Bromwich, England, kicked off his legendary career as the voice of Led Zeppelin. His journey began in the 1960s Midlands blues scene, singing with local bands like the Crawling King Snakes, where he met drummer John Bonham. By 1966, Plant was recording singles for CBS Records and gigging with groups like Band of Joy. His big break came when Jimmy Page, fresh from The Yardbirds, recruited him for a new project in 1968. With Bonham and John Paul Jones, they formed Led Zeppelin, blending blues, folk, and raw energy into a sound that redefined rock. Plant’s powerful vocals and wide range, showcased on hits like "Stairway to Heaven", made him a “Golden God,” as Cameron Crowe dubbed him.

After Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following Bonham’s death, Plant launched his solo career with 1982’s Pictures at Eleven. He deliberately avoided Zeppelin’s heavy sound, exploring art rock, synths, and later world music. His restlessness led to diverse projects, from the Honeydrippers’ retro covers to the Grammy-winning Raising Sand with Alison Krauss in 2007. Connect with Plant on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join discussions at the Led Zeppelin Official Forum, Robert Plant’s Admirers on Facebook, or r/LedZeppelin on Reddit, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Plant’s eclectic journey!