Whole Lotta Love

There's no innuendo in Zeppelin's song "Whole Lotta Love."

You need coolin', baby, I'm not foolin',

I'm gonna send you back to schoolin',

Way down inside honey, you need it,

I'm gonna give you my love,

I'm gonna give you my love.

It has one of the most famous opening guitar riffs ever; a supreme bass line; stellar drumming; and the famous mid-song orgasm.  That last part is because that is all this song is about.

The narrator intends to give his lover his love. A whole lot of it. And it's because it's what he needs, and also what he believes she needs.  A primal desire on the part of both parties.

I believe men and women were put here on the earth to work, have fun, learn, grow, teach, share, and also to love and have sex; after all, it's what makes more children.  It's basic self-preservation. That sex feels great is a side effect. Or, are the kids the side effect?  (That's a great "chicken and egg" debate.)  

Couples date, hold hands, kiss, fool around, and have sex.  Maybe they marry. They have more sex. Maybe have kids.  Some people step outside their marriage for sex because the other partner is not engaging in it at an emotional level or regularity that the other wants.  In countries outside of the United States, this behavior is even accepted as normal.

Sexual intercourse is the ultimate expression of trust, intimacy, and love.  It's a way to comfort a partner. It's a way to ease out frustration.  It's the supreme gift; the gift of one's self to the partner in the most private way. Bare. Exposed.  Sex should not be used to control, coerce, or punish someone.  Nor should the withholding of sex be used to control, coerce, or punish someone. One shouldn't be forced to beg for it; it should be done out of love, respect, and trust with the partner.

Here in "Whole Lotta Love," it's that primal desire to sleep with this woman, be with her, that creates the meaning behind the song. The synergy of the band brings the passion, transforming this song from just words to a spate of emotion that recreates the experience in an auditory way that is only unmatched by the physical act.