Robert Plant on “Black Dog”: “My daughter’s boyfriend, who played in a psychobilly band, once told me there was something wrong with ‘Black Dog’—he pointed out a line in 5/4 time mixed in with the rest of the song, which is in 4/4. It drove me nuts. I grabbed the record, put it on, and said, ‘Listen, midget, this isn’t a mistake—this is what we were capable of!’” The main riff of “Black Dog” was composed by John Paul Jones, who set out to create something rhythmically complex. At first, he considered writing the song in 3/16 time but eventually decided against it, realizing it would be too difficult to replicate live…

In a revealing and humorous story, Robert Plant recently shared an anecdote that highlights the rhythmic complexity behind one of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic tracks, “Black Dog.” Speaking candidly, Plant recalled a moment when his daughter’s boyfriend — a musician himself — pointed out an unusual time signature hidden within the classic rock anthem.

“My daughter’s boyfriend, who played in a psychobilly band, once told me there was something wrong with ‘Black Dog,’” Plant laughed. “He pointed out a line in 5/4 time mixed in with the rest of the song, which is in 4/4. It drove me nuts. I grabbed the record, put it on, and said, ‘Listen, midget, this isn’t a mistake—this is what we were capable of!’”

The story offers a window into the meticulous musicality that Led Zeppelin brought to their songwriting, often blending seemingly simple riffs with sophisticated structures that challenged both musicians and listeners. In the case of “Black Dog,” the complexity was no accident.

The main riff of the song was composed by bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, who set out deliberately to create something rhythmically intricate. Jones initially considered crafting the entire riff in 3/16 time—a highly unconventional approach for rock music—but eventually decided that replicating it live would be nearly impossible. Instead, he developed a pattern that teases the ear, playing with expectations and subtly inserting measures that break away from traditional 4/4 time.

The result is a track that feels both ferocious and unpredictable. While the song grooves hard, listeners are continually thrown slightly off-balance, a trick that has helped “Black Dog” maintain its reputation as one of the most dynamic rock songs ever recorded. It’s a masterclass in controlled chaos, where technical mastery and raw energy collide.

Adding to the song’s distinctiveness is Robert Plant’s call-and-response vocal delivery, woven seamlessly over the shifting beats. Plant’s wailing voice and the band’s tight instrumentation created a tension that defined Zeppelin’s unique sound during their peak years.

More than five decades after its release, “Black Dog” remains a testament to Led Zeppelin’s ability to push musical boundaries while still creating songs that feel visceral and immediate. And as Plant’s story shows, even casual listeners — or skeptical boyfriends — can still find new surprises hidden within its powerful framework.