Big Log

Robert Plant's 'Big Log' is a song that intertwines themes of love, travel, and the passage of time. The lyrics evoke a sense of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, where love is compared to a long drive on a freeway. The freeway serves as a symbol for the path of the narrator's love, suggesting a connection that is constant, moving, and perhaps unending. The passion of this love is described as relentless, much like the cities that fly by during a drive. The tail-lights dissolving into the night represent the fading of other distractions and the focus on the road ahead, which in this case is the narrator's love.

The song also touches on the theme of waiting and the toll it takes on the narrator. The 'eyes that just stare, and a glance at the clock' convey a sense of anticipation and the 'secret that burns, and the pain that won't stop' hint at an inner turmoil or unfulfilled desire. The 'fuel is the years' line suggests that the love has been long-standing and is sustained over time, driving the narrator forward. The repetition of 'Leading me on, leading me down the road' emphasizes the idea of being compelled to continue this journey, despite the hardships.

The latter part of the song introduces a contrast between the narrator's restless love and the more settled, knowing love of another. 'Your love is cradled in knowing' suggests a sense of security and completion, while the narrator's love is still 'exceeding the limit,' fevered and restless. The acknowledgment that 'there is no turning back' reinforces the commitment to this path of love, regardless of its challenges. 'Big Log' ultimately portrays a deep emotional odyssey, where love drives one forward, through the night, in search of fulfillment and connection.