"Rock and Roll" was a key component of the band's setlist at Led Zeppelin concerts from 1971 on. Initially, Plant referred to it on stage as "It's Been A Long Time", which is the first line of the song. In 1972 it was elevated to the opening number of all concert performances and it retained this status until 1975. For the band's 1977 North American tour, it became part of a medley encorewith "Whole Lotta Love", and during 1979 and 1980 it became an encore in its own right.

A live performance of the song from Madison Square Garden in July 1973 was recorded for the band's concert film The Song Remains the Same and accompanying soundtrack album. There is also a June 1972 live recording of "Rock and Roll" which has been captured on the album How the West Was Won.

Lyrics

It's been a long time since I rock and rolled

It's been a long time since I did the Stroll

Oh let me get it back let me get it back

Let me get it back baby where I come from

It's been a long time been a long time

Been a long lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely time

Yes it has

It's been a long time since the book of love

I can't count the tears of a life with no love

Carry me back carry me back

Carry me back, baby, where I come from

It's been a long time, been a long time

Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time

Seems so long since we walked in the moonlight

Making vows that just can't work right

Open your arms, opens your arms

Open your arms, baby, let my love come running in

It's been a long time, been a long time

Been a long lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time

Songwriters: Jimmy Page / Robert Plant / John Paul Jones / John Bonham

Rock and Roll lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc