The Led Zeppelin Song George Harrison Inspired

When George Harrison once remarked to John Bonham, “The problem with you guys is that you never do ballads,” it struck a chord with the members of Led Zeppelin, especially with Jimmy Page. This comment inspired Page to explore a different direction for the band, leading to the creation of one of their most iconic songs.

Taking Harrison’s words to heart, Page retreated to his studio and began experimenting with the first chords of what would eventually become a new masterpiece. He drew inspiration from “Something,” and soon the melody and guitar arpeggios that would define the song took shape. Robert Plant added his touch by contributing lyrics and delivering one of the best vocal performances of his career.

“The Rain Song” stood apart from the hard-hitting rock genre Led Zeppelin is known for. The track offered a unique sense of peace, harmony, and beauty. The inclusion of a string section was a notable departure from their usual sound, which may explain why the song was not frequently performed live—it required a mellotron to recreate the full experience.

The conversation between Harrison and Bonham reached Page, who was determined to prove that Led Zeppelin could indeed create a ballad. Page’s response to Harrison’s critique was nothing short of brilliant, leading to a song that became one of the band’s most beloved tracks.

Harrison’s challenge pushed Led Zeppelin to explore new musical territories and experiment with different instruments and arrangements. The result was a 7-minute, 40-second piece that stands as one of the British group’s most essential works. It brought out more of their musical ability to evolve and innovate.

In the end, Harrison’s words opened a new chapter in Led Zeppelin’s musical journey. It isn’t surprising that even the greatest rock bands can find inspiration in the most unexpected places.