http://thinkcap.com/articles/pop/zeppelin_stairway.html ^^ I stumbled across this today. I always considered this a very beautiful song, with an open ending message intended to mean something to the individual. But look at this, it's the most shallow interpretation I've ever come across. I wonder if it's true...
Cool page, there are many possible meanings, for example a lady could be a church that is very rich and "She" through her wealth is trying to buy a place in heaven. A rock is also known in the bible as a church, to be a rock and not to roll could also mean a false church. Could be many differing interpretations of that song depending on who is thinking on it. But Robert Plant is an expert in ancient history also and much of his songwriting reflects this. Also he was heavy into Celtic Myths if I am not mistaken, I am sure the Zeppelin fanatics will come out of the woodwork and add to this.
It has a haunting quality about it. At first it appeared to be a 70's protest against the "powerful rich" which by the end of that U.K. decade would develop into PUNK