Led Zeppelin – Good Times Bad Times

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About the song

In the annals of rock and roll history, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Led Zeppelin. Emerging from the late 1960s blues-rock scene, the English quartet infused their music with a raw intensity, a bluesy swagger, and a psychedelic edge that would come to define the genre of hard rock. Their debut album, Led Zeppelin, released in 1969, stands as a landmark in rock history, showcasing the band’s virtuosity and introducing the world to their signature sound. And amidst this collection of hard-hitting tracks, one song stands out as a quintessential Led Zeppelin anthem: “Good Times, Bad Times.”

From its opening riff, a simple yet powerful two-note motif played on Jimmy Page’s guitar, “Good Times, Bad Times” sets the stage for a sonic whirlwind. Robert Plant’s vocals soar with both grit and vulnerability, delivering lyrics that capture the rollercoaster of life’s experiences. The song’s verses chronicle the struggles of everyday life, the “times when I’m so lonesome I can cry,” while the chorus proclaims a defiant resilience: “I don’t care what they say, I don’t care what they say.”

The interplay between Plant’s vocals and Page’s guitar is nothing short of electrifying. Page’s riffs and solos are raw and untamed, while Plant’s voice bends and wails with emotion. The rhythm section, anchored by John Paul Jones’s bass and John Bonham’s thunderous drums, provides a relentless pulse that drives the song forward.

“Good Times, Bad Times” is more than just a rock song; it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger. Its message of resilience and hope has resonated with generations of listeners, making it a staple of Led Zeppelin’s live performances and one of their most enduringly popular songs.

The song’s impact extends beyond the realm of music. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and its lyrics have been adopted as slogans and mottos by individuals and groups alike. “Good Times, Bad Times” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a reminder that even in the face of hardship, there is always hope for better days ahead.

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Lyrics

In the days of my youthI was told what it means to be a manNow I’ve reached that ageI’ve tried to do all those things the best I canNo matter how I tryI find my way to the same old jam
Good times, bad timesYou know I’ve had my shareWhen my woman left homeFor a brown-eyed manWell, I still don’t seem to care
Sixteen I fell in loveWith a girl as sweet as could beIt only took a couple of days‘Til she was rid of meShe swore that she would be all mineAnd love me ’til the endBut when I whispered in her earI lost another friend
Good times, bad timesYou know I’ve had my shareWhen my woman left homeFor a brown eyed manWell, I still don’t seem to care
Good times, bad timesYou know I’ve had my shareWhen my woman left homeFor a brown eyed manBut, I still don’t seem to care
I know what it means to be aloneI sure do wish I was at homeI don’t care what the neighbors sayI’m gonna love you each and every dayYou can feel the beat within my heartRealize, sweet babe, we ain’t ever gonna part