This track is a rework of the 1929 song “When the Levee Breaks,” a blues tune by the couple Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie. It was written about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the most destructive river flooding in United States history.

The track was recorded in the Headley Grange, a house in Hampshire, England that is rumored to be haunted. In addition, the instrumental was slowed down to give it a heavy effect, so vocalist Robert Plant is the only person performing in normal speed.

The song has been sampled in numerous pieces, including Beastie Boys' “Rhymin' and Stealin'” and Eminem’s “Kim.” The track was also used during the end credits for the 2015 film The Big Short.