Nobody's Fault But Mine

"Nobody's Fault But Mine" was originally written and recorded by gospel blues artist Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. It is recognized as one of his most popular songs. - The song's lyrics are profound and resonate with religious themes, specifically focusing on personal responsibility for sin. This reflects Johnson's active participation as a preacher. - Despite being birthed in the 1920s, the version by Johnson is well-preserved and is still prominently renowned today, it's appreciated for its raw blues atmosphere and Johnson's highly emotive vocals. - It features Johnson singing and playing the slide guitar, an instrument he was particularly known for. Johnson played the guitar with a pocketknife or a steel ring, producing a distinctive, wailing sound. - Johnson's rendition of "Nobody's Fault But Mine" was added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry in 2011, indicating its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

The British rock band Led Zeppelin covered "Nobody's Fault But Mine" in their 1976 album "Presence". Led Zeppelin's version is more rock-focused and considerably extended, compared to the original by Johnson. - While the lyrics generally stick to the original version, Robert Plant, the lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin, added an extra verse to the song. - Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin’s guitarist, is reported to have used a 1961 Fender Telecaster and Vox AC30 amplifier to achieve the desired guitar tones and effects on the recording. - The song features a dynamic harmonica solo by Robert Plant. It is also known for its middle section, where the band breaks down into a call-and-response between Page's guitar and Bonham's drums. - Led Zeppelin has often been criticized for not crediting the original artists they covered. This was the case with "Nobody's Fault But Mine," which was initially attributed solely to Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Later reissues of the album have since rightfully credited Blind Willie Johnson. - Despite the band's apparent appropriation of the song, "Nobody's Fault But Mine" remains one of Led Zeppelin's most popular and enduring tracks, frequently performed live during their later tours.