subject: An Analysis of Neil Sedaka's Stairway to Heaven Lyrics [print this page] An Analysis of Neil Sedaka's Stairway to Heaven Lyrics
There have been plenty of "Stairway to Heaven" lyrics throughout history, but only one of these songs was written by the very talented Neil Sedaka of the doo wop generation. He was hot from his previous hit "Oh! Carol" and so had some studio clout.
Stairway to Heaven wasn't his most successful tune, but even today it continues to be one of the most popular old school doo wop singles all over the world. There is a refreshing sound to Stairway to Heaven, and lyrics that accompany the beats are just as inspirational. In fact, it is an enthralling listening experience comparing the two most famous versions of these songs, as they are perfect night and day opposites.
Whereas Led Zeppelin's version is dark, ironic and psychedelic, Neil Sedaka's version is lighthearted, innocent and classic doo wop style. The song will take you back to the 1950s. Sedaka sings about beauty, heaven and romance; comparing his girl to an angel and promising that if he has to build a stairway to heaven to reach her he will do so. His Stairway to Heaven lyrics are about fun, peace, courtship and everything else that tasted good in the age of doo wop. (Doo wop would eventually go out of style and be replaced by the British Invasion and psychedelic tunes of the later 1960s)
This is a refreshing visualization of heaven (according to Sedaka, a place where beautiful women and positive feelings abound) and in contrast to hellish images painted not only by Led Zeppelin, but also by Eric Clapton ("Tears in Heaven"), and even J. Frank Wilson ("Last Kiss.") In fact, practically any non-Christian artist you can think of sings about heaven with despair and sorrow. Perhaps this is why many people still love Sedaka's optimistic version. His wholesomeness and his obsequious devotion to one beautiful angel of a girl are undoubtedly two other reasons why there is still love for Stairway to Heaven.
With lyrics like "I'll climb to the highest star" and "Gonna leave the world behind, Every day in a heavenly way," it's easy to see why Sedaka was adored by his female following. Why not relive Sedaka's contagious enthusiasm and start dancing to the beat of this doo wop classic by downloading it right now?
