Jimmy Page Disliked 1 Led Zeppelin Song So Much He Refused To Play It Live

Led Zeppelin’s discography is packed with unforgettable songs that have stood the test of time. But even legends have tracks that don’t make their favorites list. For guitarist and lyricist Jimmy Page, that song was “Livin’ Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman),” a track he refused to play live during the band’s iconic run or in the years that followed.

The song, featured on their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II, often aired alongside “Heartbreaker” on radio stations, with the two tracks becoming closely associated. However, despite its frequent radio play and connection to another Zeppelin classic, Page couldn’t bring himself to perform it. Interestingly, vocalist Robert Plant didn’t share the same aversion. After the band disbanded following drummer John Bonham’s tragic death in 1980, Plant occasionally included the song in his solo performances.

A Misogynistic Backstory?

Written in the late 1960s by Plant and Page, “Livin’ Loving Maid” reflects a specific era’s attitudes, which can now feel uncomfortable. The lyrics describe a young woman who allegedly stalked the band during their early days, leaning into unkind and misogynistic stereotypes. Lines like, “Alimony, alimony paying your bills / Livin’, lovin’, she’s just a woman,” drip with disdain, but surprisingly, this doesn’t seem to be why Page disliked the track.

Why Did Jimmy Page Avoid “Livin’ Loving Maid”?

Page has never explicitly shared his reasons for avoiding the song, leaving fans to speculate. Some believe he thought the track was too pop-oriented for Led Zeppelin’s hard-rocking image. Others suspect the band viewed it as filler material hastily added to round out the album.

Another theory ties Page’s disdain to its association with “Heartbreaker.” Radio DJs often played the two songs back-to-back, almost as if they were a single track. This repetitive pairing may have grown tiresome for the band.

The Song That Didn’t Meet the Standard

Ultimately, “Livin’ Loving Maid” simply didn’t seem to align with Page’s vision of what a Led Zeppelin song should be. Whether it was the song’s pop sensibilities, rushed creation, or overplayed connection to “Heartbreaker,” this particular track never earned its place in the band’s legendary live performances.