In the discography of the rock band Led Zeppelin there are enough songs, over the meaning of which fans of the legendary band are still struggling. One of these compositions is the enigmatic “No Quarter” from the album “Houses of the Holy”.
The writers of the song, who are John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, really did not say anything about it, so fans have to turn on the imagination.
No Quarter – Led Zeppelin Song Story
There are dozens of interesting interpretations of the text of the song “No Quarter” on the Internet. Most of them are united by the idea that we are talking about warriors who will never beg for mercy, being defeated, but they themselves will not regret the defeated enemy. But there are a lot of opinions about what kind of war is meant.
I like the hypothesis about the Vikings, who often went on bloody campaigns. The thought of them is suggested by the mention of the god Thor and less obvious images from Scandinavian mythology.
Many Americans believe that this is a song about their Civil War. Among the “Tolkienists” there is an opinion that the composition was written based on the “Fellowship of the Ring”. Some see “No Quarter” as a reference to the Crusades and even the work of Christian missionaries in pagan lands.
There is also a widespread version according to which the musicians from Led Zeppelin just share their impressions of touring activities in “No Quarter”. Say, they went to each tour as if they were going to war.
Interestingly, almost all the critics who share their understanding of the meaning of the song “No Quarter” speak very strongly and authoritatively, although their reasoning is nothing more than guesswork.
Release and achievements
The song was included on the Led Zeppelin album Houses of the Holy in 1973. The song was not released as a single. Subsequently, the group performed it at all concerts.
In 1994, “No Quarter” became the title track of a collaboration between Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. The composition was also included in the live album “Celebration Day”, presented in 2012.
The video for “No Quarter” was not filmed by Led Zeppelin.
Interesting Facts
- At least one Led Zeppelin tribute band is called No Quarter.
No Quarter Lyrics by Led Zeppelin
Close the door, put out the light
No, they won’t be home tonight
The snow falls hard and don’t you know?
The winds of Thor are blowing cold
They’re wearing steel that’s bright and true
They carry the news that must get through
They choose the where no-one goes
They hold no quarter
They hold no quarter
Walking side by side with death
The devil mocks their every step
The snow drives back the foot that’s slow
The dogs of doom are howling more
They carry the news that must get through
To build a dream for me and you
They choose the path where no-one goes
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
The pain, the pain without quarter
They ask no quarter
Yeah! Without quarter, quarter, yeah!
They need no quarter
The dogs of doom are howling more!
I hear the dogs of doom are howling more!
Lyrics of No Quarter by Led Zeppelin Alternative
Close the doors and turn off the lights
No, they won’t come home today
It’s snowing like a wall, and don’t you know? –
Thor’s winds blow cold
They wear shining and strong steel armor,
They carry messages that everyone should know
They go where no one goes
They are ruthless
They are ruthless
They walk side by side with death
And the devil taunts their every move
The snow slows them down
And the dogs of fate howl louder and louder
They carry messages that everyone should know
To make your dreams and mine come true
They go where no one goes
They are ruthless
They don’t beg for mercy
They are ruthless
They don’t beg for mercy
Pain, pain – and no mercy
They don’t beg for mercy
Yes! No mercy, no mercy!
They don’t need pity
The dogs of fate howl louder and louder!
I hear the dogs of fate howling louder!
