Houses of the Holy (Remaster)
No Quarter - Remaster
Led Zeppelin
Album:
Houses of the Holy (Remaster)
Genre:
Psychedelic rock
Release date:
1973-03-28
Song's meaning
Lyrics
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 news that must get through, oh
They choose the path where no-one goes
They hold no quarter
They hold no quarter, oh

Walking side-by-side with death
The devil mocks their every step, ooh
The snow drives back the foot that's slow
The dogs of doom are howling more

They carry news that must get through
To build a dream for me and you, oh, oh, oh
They choose the path where no one goes
They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter

They hold no quarter
They ask no quarter
Yeah
Without quarter, quarter, yeah (without quarter)
Without quarter, quarter, quarter
Taking no quarter
Oh, oh, oh (hear the dogs of doom) (no, never quarter)
I hear the dogs of doom are howling more
Song's meaning
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but they are generally regarded as a meditation on the darker aspects of human nature, such as greed, deception, and betrayal. The title "No Quarter" refers to a refusal to show mercy or compassion, suggesting a sense of coldness or brutality.


The song's haunting melody and atmospheric arrangement, featuring Jones' use of a Mellotron, create a sense of foreboding and unease. The lyrics describe a world of shadows and secrets, where nothing is as it seems and even love can be a trap.


While the song's meaning may be ambiguous, it has been interpreted by some as a commentary on the darker side of human nature and the need for vigilance in the face of deceit and manipulation. The song's message of warning and caution continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless classic that remains relevant and thought-provoking.


Overall, "No Quarter" is a song that invites listeners to explore the darker corners of the human psyche, while also offering a warning about the dangers of complacency and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of adversity.