Kashmir (song)

"Kashmir" is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, featured on their 1975 album Physical Graffiti. It is considered one of the band's most iconic and influential songs, often cited as a prime example of their progressive rock style.

The song's primary musical characteristic is its distinctive, hypnotic riff played on guitar, which evokes the atmosphere of a vast and exotic landscape, despite the band having never visited the region of Kashmir when the song was written. The riff is built around a descending chromatic scale and employs modal interchange, contributing to its unique and powerful sound.

Lyrics were primarily written by Robert Plant and were inspired by a long car journey Plant and drummer John Bonham took through a desert in southern Morocco in 1973. While the lyrics don't explicitly detail the region of Kashmir, the title was chosen by Plant to reflect the emotional impact and sense of awe he experienced during the journey.

The song's arrangement is notable for its incorporation of orchestral elements, including string and horn sections, which add to its grandeur and epic scope. These orchestral parts were arranged by John Paul Jones.

"Kashmir" has been widely praised for its complex structure, evocative atmosphere, and powerful musical arrangement. It is a staple of classic rock radio and remains one of Led Zeppelin's most enduring and beloved compositions. The song has been covered by numerous artists and continues to influence musicians across various genres.