Stairway To Heaven: Lyrics And Translation
Let's dive into the timeless masterpiece, "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin! This iconic song has captivated listeners for decades with its mystical lyrics and soaring melody. In this article, we'll explore the intricacies of the lyrics and provide a translation to help you understand the deeper meaning behind this legendary rock anthem. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, get ready to unravel the enigma that is "Stairway to Heaven."
Unveiling the Lyrics
"Stairway to Heaven" is known for its poetic and symbolic lyrics, which have been interpreted in countless ways over the years. The song begins with a gentle acoustic intro, gradually building into a powerful rock crescendo. The lyrics tell a story of a woman searching for meaning and fulfillment, but ultimately realizing that true happiness comes from within.
There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold And she's buying a stairway to heaven
The opening lines introduce the central character, a woman who believes that material possessions and status will bring her happiness. She is determined to climb the "stairway to heaven," a metaphor for achieving enlightenment or salvation through worldly means. However, the lyrics suggest that her pursuit is misguided.
When she gets there she knows if the stores are all closed With a word she can get what she came for
These lines imply that the woman is powerful and privileged, able to get what she wants with ease. However, even with her influence, she may find that the things she seeks are ultimately unattainable or unsatisfying. The "closed stores" could represent the limitations of material wealth and the emptiness of pursuing superficial goals.
Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven
The repetition of this line emphasizes the woman's unwavering determination to achieve her desires, despite the potential futility of her quest. It also serves as a haunting reminder of the seductive allure of materialism and the dangers of seeking happiness in external things.
There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings
The woman is confronted with a warning or sign, but she remains skeptical, recognizing that words can be ambiguous and misleading. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need to look beyond surface appearances to find true meaning.
In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiving
The image of the songbird represents intuition and inner wisdom. It suggests that the answers we seek may already be within us, but our doubts and fears often cloud our judgment. The "misgiving" in our thoughts can prevent us from recognizing the truth.
Ooh, it makes me wonder Ooh, it makes me wonder
This refrain expresses the speaker's contemplation of the woman's journey and the broader themes of the song. It invites the listener to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and to question the pursuit of material wealth and external validation.
There's a feeling I get when I look to the west And my spirit is crying for leaving
The speaker experiences a sense of longing and restlessness, suggesting a desire to transcend the limitations of the physical world and connect with something greater. The "west" may symbolize the unknown or the spiritual realm.
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees And the voices of those who standing looking
These lines evoke a sense of mystery and enchantment, hinting at hidden knowledge and spiritual insights. The "rings of smoke" could represent illusions or veils that obscure the truth, while the "voices of those who standing looking" may be guides or mentors who can help us on our journey.
Ooh, it makes me wonder Ooh, it really makes me wonder
The repetition of this refrain reinforces the speaker's sense of wonder and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of questioning and seeking deeper understanding.
And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune Then the piper will lead us to reason And a new day will dawn for those who stand long And the forests will echo with laughter
These lines offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that if we unite in our pursuit of truth and wisdom, we can create a better world. The "piper" represents a leader or guide who can lead us to enlightenment, and the "new day" symbolizes a time of peace and harmony. The image of the forests echoing with laughter suggests a return to innocence and joy.
If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now It's just a spring clean for the May queen Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run There's still time to change the road you're on
These lines offer reassurance and encouragement, reminding us that we have the power to change our lives and choose a different path. The "bustle in your hedgerow" represents the challenges and disruptions that we may encounter along the way, but we should not be afraid. The "May queen" symbolizes renewal and rebirth, and the two paths represent the choices we face in life. Ultimately, we have the freedom to change our course and create a better future.
And it makes me wonder
This refrain continues to emphasize the speaker's contemplation and invites the listener to reflect on the message of the song.
Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know The piper's calling you to join him Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know Your stairway lies on the whispering wind
These lines suggest that the call to enlightenment is always present, but we must be open to hearing it. The "piper" is calling us to join him on the path to wisdom, and the "stairway" is not a physical structure but a spiritual journey that lies within us. The "whispering wind" represents the subtle guidance and intuition that can lead us to our true purpose.
And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our souls There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last* When all are one and one is all To be a rock and not to roll
These lines paint a vivid picture of the human condition, highlighting the contrast between our physical presence and our spiritual essence. The "lady we all know" represents wisdom and compassion, guiding us towards enlightenment. The message is that true fulfillment comes from unity and interconnectedness, from being grounded and authentic, rather than chasing fleeting pleasures.
And she's buying a stairway to heaven
The final repetition of this line serves as a poignant reminder of the woman's misguided quest and the seductive allure of materialism. It leaves the listener with a sense of contemplation, urging us to examine our own values and priorities.
Stairway to Heaven: Translated
To fully grasp the essence of "Stairway to Heaven," understanding the translation is key. Here's a breakdown:
(Verse 1) There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold (Ada seorang wanita yang yakin bahwa semua yang berkilau adalah emas) And she's buying a stairway to heaven (Dan dia membeli tangga menuju surga)
(Verse 2) When she gets there she knows if the stores are all closed (Ketika dia sampai di sana, dia tahu jika semua toko tutup) With a word she can get what she came for (Dengan sebuah kata, dia bisa mendapatkan apa yang dia inginkan)
(Chorus) Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven (Ooh, ooh, dan dia membeli tangga menuju surga)
(Verse 3) There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure (Ada tanda di dinding, tetapi dia ingin memastikan) 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings (Karena kau tahu, kadang kata-kata memiliki dua arti)
(Verse 4) In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings (Di pohon dekat sungai, ada burung penyanyi yang bernyanyi) Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiving (Kadang semua pikiran kita adalah keraguan)
(Chorus) Ooh, it makes me wonder (Ooh, itu membuatku bertanya-tanya)
(Verse 5) There's a feeling I get when I look to the west (Ada perasaan yang kurasakan ketika aku melihat ke barat) And my spirit is crying for leaving (Dan jiwaku menangis untuk pergi)
(Verse 6) In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees (Dalam pikiranku, aku telah melihat lingkaran asap di antara pepohonan) And the voices of those who standing looking (Dan suara-suara mereka yang berdiri dan melihat)
(Chorus) Ooh, it makes me wonder (Ooh, itu membuatku bertanya-tanya)
(Bridge) And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune (Dan berbisik bahwa segera, jika kita semua memanggil nada) Then the piper will lead us to reason (Maka pemain suling akan menuntun kita menuju akal) And a new day will dawn for those who stand long (Dan hari baru akan terbit bagi mereka yang berdiri lama) And the forests will echo with laughter (Dan hutan-hutan akan bergema dengan tawa)
(Verse 7) If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now (Jika ada keramaian di pagar hidupmu, jangan khawatir sekarang) It's just a spring clean for the May queen (Itu hanya pembersihan musim semi untuk ratu Mei) Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run (Ya, ada dua jalan yang bisa kau ambil, tetapi pada akhirnya) There's still time to change the road you're on (Masih ada waktu untuk mengubah jalan yang kau tempuh)
(Chorus) And it makes me wonder (Dan itu membuatku bertanya-tanya)
(Verse 8) Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know (Kepalamu berdengung dan tidak akan hilang, jika kau tidak tahu) The piper's calling you to join him (Pemain suling memanggilmu untuk bergabung dengannya) Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know (Wanita terkasih, bisakah kau mendengar angin bertiup, dan tahukah kau) Your stairway lies on the whispering wind (Tangga mu terletak pada angin yang berbisik)
(Outro) And as we wind on down the road (Dan saat kita menyusuri jalan) Our shadows taller than our souls (Bayangan kita lebih tinggi dari jiwa kita) There walks a lady we all know (Di sana berjalan seorang wanita yang kita semua kenal) Who shines white light and wants to show (Yang menyinari cahaya putih dan ingin menunjukkan) How everything still turns to gold (Bagaimana semuanya masih berubah menjadi emas) And if you listen very hard (Dan jika kau mendengarkan dengan sangat keras) The tune will come to you at last (Nada itu akan datang padamu pada akhirnya) When all are one and one is all (Saat semua adalah satu dan satu adalah semua) To be a rock and not to roll (Menjadi batu dan tidak berguling) And she's buying a stairway to heaven (Dan dia membeli tangga menuju surga)
This translation helps to clarify the themes of materialism, spirituality, and the search for meaning that are central to the song.
Interpretations and Meaning
"Stairway to Heaven" is a complex and multi-layered song, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Some common interpretations include:
- The futility of materialism: The song critiques the pursuit of wealth and status, suggesting that true happiness cannot be found in external things.
- The search for spiritual enlightenment: The stairway represents a journey towards enlightenment or self-discovery, but the lyrics suggest that the path is not always easy or straightforward.
- The importance of inner wisdom: The song emphasizes the importance of intuition and inner guidance, suggesting that the answers we seek may already be within us.
- The duality of human nature: The lyrics explore the tension between our physical desires and our spiritual aspirations, highlighting the need to find balance and harmony within ourselves.
Ultimately, the meaning of "Stairway to Heaven" is personal and subjective. Each listener may find their own unique connection to the song, based on their own experiences and beliefs.
Legacy and Impact
"Stairway to Heaven" has had a profound impact on music and popular culture. It is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time and has been covered by countless artists. The song's intricate composition, poetic lyrics, and soaring melody have inspired generations of musicians and listeners.
Despite its popularity, "Stairway to Heaven" has also been the subject of controversy. Some critics have accused the song of being pretentious or overblown, while others have questioned its lyrical content. Nevertheless, the song remains a beloved classic and a testament to the power of music to inspire and provoke thought.
Conclusion
"Stairway to Heaven" is more than just a song; it's a journey of self-discovery, a reflection on the human condition, and a testament to the power of music. By exploring the lyrics and their translation, we can gain a deeper understanding of the song's themes and appreciate its enduring legacy. So, crank up the volume, close your eyes, and let "Stairway to Heaven" take you on a transcendent musical experience! Whether you're deciphering the lyrics, belting out the high notes, or just enjoying the epic guitar solo, "Stairway to Heaven" continues to be a song that resonates with music lovers around the globe. Keep rocking, guys! This song is a true masterpiece that stands the test of time. Enjoy the music!
