At eight and a half minutes, "How Many More Times" is the longest song on the album. It is one of three Led Zeppelin songs on which Page used bowed guitar.

In an interview he gave to Guitar World magazine in 1993, Page stated that the song "was made up of little pieces I developed when I was with the Yardbirds, as were other numbers such as 'Dazed and Confused'. It was played live in the studio with cues and nods."

The "Rosie" and "Hunter" components of the song came spontaneously to the group on the night of the recording session. "The Hunter" was recorded by bluesman Albert King with Booker T & the MGs and was written by Carl Wells and the members of Booker T. & the M.G.'s (Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Al Jackson, and Booker T. Jones).

The title and Plant's vocals reference Howlin' Wolf's "How Many More Years" (1951), as well as other songs by blues musicians he admired at the time of recording.

Lyrics

How Many More Times, treat me the way you wanna do? [x2]

When I give you all my love, please, please be true.

I'll give you all I've got to give, rings, pearls, and all. [x2]

I've got to get you together baby, I'm sure, sure you're gonna crawl.

[Spoken:]

I was a young man, I couldn't resist

Started thinkin' it over, just what I had missed.

Got me a girl and I kissed her and then and then...

Whoops, oh Lord, well I did it again.

Now I've got ten children of my own

I got another child on the way that makes eleven.

But I'm in constant heaven.

I know it's all right in my mind

'Cause I got a little schoolgirl and she's all mine

I can't get through to her 'cause it doesn't permit

But I'm gonna give her everything I've got to give.

Oh, Rosie, oh, girl. Oh, Rosie, oh, yeah.

Steal away now, steal away.

Steal away, baby, steal away.

Little Robert Anthony wants to come and play.

Why don't you come for me, baby, steal away, alright, alright.

Well they call me the hunter, that's my name.

Call me the hunter, that's how I got my fame.

Ain't no need to hide, Ain't no need to run.

'Cause I've got you in the sights of my... gun!

How Many More Times, barrelhouse all night long. [x2]

Well I've got to get to you, baby, oh, please come home.

Why don't you listen to me, babe.

Why don't you please come home? [x3]